Tasting notes: July 28, 2018

La Mateo Rioja (Jovan) 2016

Regular price: $12.99

Sale Price: $9.99

Old (45 yrs), low yielding, non-irrigated vines, hand-picked, fermented slowly then aged for 6 months in 2 year old barrels. The wine is rich, balanced and well-made. It starts off a bit reticent but gains weight and aromatics in the glass. Half way through the bottle, you’ll find yourself amazed at how good this wine is. The winery really should not be able to sell this wine this cheaply and stay in business.

Viña Real Crianza 2014

Regular Price $21.99

Sale price $16.99

Bright and rich with ripe blackberry flavors, this wine also exhibits well integrated vanilla oak notes and tart plum flavors in the mid-palate. Smoothly tannic and polished, its very classy and elegant.

Señorio de P. Peciña Reserva  2011

Regular Price $32.99

Sale price $25.99

Elegant and polished, this is a classically made Rioja, drinking beautifully now and having aging potential beyond the its teens. The aromas are muted yet seductive with leather, smoke and tobacco vying with floral and vanilla. Soft and supple, the wine is nonetheless long and full with flavors of vanilla and tart berry giving way to richer, plum on the close.

Bodegas Muga Reserva 2014

Regular Price $34.99

Sale price $27.99

Full bodied yet not over-the-top, this is a well balanced and fully flavored example of a more modern Rioja. Black fruits dominate with anise and smoke lingering behind. Rich blackberry and vanilla flavors fill out in your mouth followed by structured and deep tannins.

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2009

Regular Price $43.99

Sale price $34.99

This wine shows tremendous depth of flavor and density without sacrificing elegance or beauty. Spicy oak with dark, sweet cherry upfront mingling with tobacco, cinnamon and black pepper. The toasty and sweet fruit continues with fine tannic structure providing support and depth.