2014 Elvi Wines (Bodegas Castillo de Sajazarra) Rioja Herenza Crianza

A very nice bottle of Rioja that also happens to be Kosher. This vintage is still available for around $25, but younger vintages can be found for under $15. Ruby in color, clear and bright. The nose is dusty with cherries and slight dill. Still has some firm tannins, but the overall texture is soft. Lots of cherries and some sour cherries on the palate with some underlying dry earthiness. Good acidity. Nice finish. For those looking for Kosher wines, this is a nice alternative and will go great with seafood but also chicken. This bottle is 5 years from vintage and drinking great, but it probably should be consumed in the next five years.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2014

Current Price:

$25.00USD

2014 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza, Spain, Rioja, Wine Review

Vintage:

2014

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$15.00USD

It had been a long time since I tried this ubiquitous Rioja wine. It is still very good and an excellent value at around $15. Purple/garnet in color. The nose is nice with spice, cherries and slight black cherries. With air some vanilla comes out. On the palate, this is soft and accessible. Light tannins. Cherries and slight dill. Good finish. This will work with almost any food.

2015 Bodegas Luis Cañas Rioja Crianza, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$16.00USD

Brought back from Spain by a neighbor after meeting with the owners. This is drinking well now and traditional. Ruby in color. The nose is dusty with cherries and slight dried dill. On the palate, this seems to be just slightly past prime but still drinking well. Dried and fresh cherries with no tannins. Easy drinking. Food friendly. A very good value although drinking in the first couple of years from vintage is a good idea.

2015 Bodegas Obalo Rioja Crianza, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$16.00USD

This is a very modern take on Rioja. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose is tight. With air it shows black cherries and black raspberries. Also some spice. On the palate, this is deep and delicious. Firm tannins. Bright black cherry fruit. Blind, I would have probably guessed California Grenache. Still, it is delicious and inexpensive (under $20). It would make a great party wine. Not sure how well this will age. It might be fun to lay a bottle or two down.

2019 Bodegas El Coto Rioja Crianza, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage:

2019

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$17.00USD

This is a lighter, but traditional, Rioja. Garnet in color, clear and bright. The nose is a bit earthy with fresh cherries and a whiff of tobacco. Light to medium bodied. Light tannins. Good acidity. On the palate, flavors of cherries with a bit of char. Anise on the finish. This drinks easily and should for the next five to seven years. Nice on its own, this would be a great mid week meatloaf or pizza wine.

2015 Bodegas Muga Rioja Selección Especial, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$35.00USD

This is an excellent value in a mostly traditional Spanish wine from Rioja. It is a blend of 70% Tempranillo and and 30% a combination of balance Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. Deep ruby in color, opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, blueberries, slight tobacco, cloves and slight dill. Full bodied. On the palate, this has an "old world" feel to it, but with plenty of ripe fruit too. The blueberries and black cherries come thru over a bed of dusty dry leaves with a slight bit of savory spices. Nice finish. This drinks well on its own but really worked well with

2014 Elvi Wines (Bodegas Castillo de Sajazarra) Rioja Herenza Crianza

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