2018 Bodegas Ramirez Rioja Reserva Ramirez de la Piscina, Spain, Wine Review
This is 100% Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain. It is very traditional in style. It opened quickly before shutting down and was just starting to reopen when my glass was empty. Purple in color with ruby swirls, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cherries, spice, slight vanilla and slighter anise. Medium bodied. Medium tannins. The cherries and anise come thru to the palate with a slight balsamic note. Good balance. Nice finish. Nice on its own but better with some food. A nice match for meatloaf with a tomato based sauce. Drink over the next five to eight years.
2019 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Alberdi Reserva, Spain, Wine Review
2018 La Antigua Clasico Rioja Blanco, Spain, Wine Review
2023 Bodegas Muriel Rioja Blanco, Spain, Wine Review
This is made from 100% Viuraa grapes in Rioja, Spain. Light yellow in color with a touch of green, clear and bright. The nose is nice with limes, slight grapefruit and a hint of green apples. Light bodied. Good balance. On the palate, this is refreshing with limes and slight apples. Clean. Nice finish. It drinks nicely on its own and would work nicely with lighter foods especially sea food dishes. Drink over the next year or two.
2015 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Rioja Gran Reserva, Spain, Wine Review
This is mostly Tempranillo but also has 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo (according to the label). This is everything one wants in a Gran Reserva including a reasonable price! Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, slight sour cherries, balsamic vinegar, vanilla and forest floor. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Good balance. On the palate, this has a nice complexity and depth. Flavors of cherries, black cherries, wild herbs, spice and slight tobacco notes. Long finish. Mature but plenty of life left. Drink over the next fifteen years. This is great on its
2016 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Rioja Reserva, Spain, Wine Review
This is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo from Rioja in Spain. Purple in color with ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice with cherries, vanilla, spice, and tea leaves. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Good balance. On the palate, cherries, slight charred cherries, spice and forest floor notes. Some complexity and depth. This shows some maturity but there is room for further development. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years. This is nice on its own and has an introspective quality but also will work well with food. A nice wine with stews or
2003 Benjamin Romeo Rioja La Cueva del Contador, Spain, Rioja, Wine Review
Great producer in the very HOT vintage of 2003. Again it shows producer over vintage. At age 21, this wine is showing nicely.
2008 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva, Spain, Wine Review
Deep garnet in color with some lighter ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, slight cedar, dill and dust. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Good balance. On the palate, this is complex with tight layers. Flavors of cherries, some black cherries, spice and slight char. Good finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It will work well with roasted duck or chicken. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.
2004 Bodegas Muga Rioja Selección Especial, Spain, Wine Review
Wow, this is a tannic beast. At age 19/20 this is young and difficult if excellent. Deep garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cherries, cigar box, and slight spice. Full bodied. Very firm tannins. On the palate it is complex and layered. Layers of cherries, dill and vanilla. Long black cherry finish. Great balance. It seems like it could easily go another twenty years. Will the fruit outlast the tannins though? In any event, very enjoyable on its own and will work better with food. A Mushroom Risotto would be great.