Wine: Usoa de Bagordi 2001 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Bagordi (Andosilla, Navarra)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 40% others
ABV: 14%
Winery: Bodegas Bagordi (Andosilla, Navarra)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 40% others
ABV: 14%
Winemaking:
All grapes are sourced from the winery's oldest, low-yield estate vineyards. These are organically farmed plots located in the municipalities of Andosilla and San Adrián, within the Rioja Baja (Navarra) subzone. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by 24 months of aging in 225-liter French oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered. The wine underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before its release in mid-2008.
All grapes are sourced from the winery's oldest, low-yield estate vineyards. These are organically farmed plots located in the municipalities of Andosilla and San Adrián, within the Rioja Baja (Navarra) subzone. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by 24 months of aging in 225-liter French oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered. The wine underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before its release in mid-2008.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-cherry color with medium-high depth; exceptionally extracted for
a 2001 vintage. Clean, with a significant amount of sediment at the
base. High sense of viscosity, forming large, tinted, and persistent
legs. Vibrant reddish reflections and a brilliant sheen. Marked copper
rim against the meniscus.
Nose:
High intensity and open, dominated by macerated black fruit and toasted
cocoa. Serious and complex, it moves away from the traditional Rioja
profile toward a fruit-driven expression. It features intriguing notes
of black pepper, balsamics, and vegetal hints (garden herbs, green
stems, geranium, violets) that suggest a potential blend with Merlot,
Syrah, or Cabernet. The fruit is expressed with great purity and optimal
ripeness, providing an unusual sense of fullness.
Palate:
Broad and well-structured. Full and savory, it is built upon a
significant yet non-intrusive framework of fine wood, complemented by
notes of chocolate liqueur and high-quality bitters. Polished and
seamless, it shows great presence without over-relying on "muscle."
Sweet, ripe tannins. The alcohol is well-integrated, making for a
smooth, balanced, and remarkably "sweet" drinking experience at its
current peak.
Commentary:
This wine, marketed as the only organic Gran Reserva from Rioja, is truly worthwhile. In other parts of the region, this would be labeled as a "signature wine" (vino de autor) and sold at several times its price. It has managed to impress even the most staunch traditionalists.
This wine, marketed as the only organic Gran Reserva from Rioja, is truly worthwhile. In other parts of the region, this would be labeled as a "signature wine" (vino de autor) and sold at several times its price. It has managed to impress even the most staunch traditionalists.
Personal Score: 89
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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