Recently, we had the honor of welcoming some truly special visitors, prompting me to delve into my treasured Rioja wine collection. It was an occasion to celebrate both the cherished classics and the exciting new additions. These wines perfectly embodied my philosophy, which centers around enjoying well-crafted, naturally grown wines that are ready to be savored. Each bottle was a delightful experience, and we were thoroughly impressed with the quality and taste. Remarkably, even though some of these wines might appear quite old, they are still available for purchase in limited quantities from select wine merchants. I will gladly share the links to these merchants so that others can also experience the pleasure of sipping these remarkable wines.
Numanthia Toro 2005
This wine exhibits a still deep ruby color, revealing its youthful nature. The nose delights with enticing aromas of dark cherry, oak, and sandalwood, creating an alluring bouquet. On the palate, a delightful spiciness emerges, accompanied by luscious dark berry flavors that carry a touch of exotic allure, gradually building in intensity and complexity. The wine’s structure is well-balanced, with soft tannins adding a gentle grip to the experience. As you savor each sip, the wine unfolds with a lingering finish, abundant in spice and floral notes, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. In its entirety, this wine is a true beauty, a testament to the craftsmanship behind it, and it promises to mature gracefully, making it an excellent addition to any wine cellar or a delightful companion for a special occasion.
La Granja Nuestra Señora de Remelluri Rioja Reserva 2014
The wine displays a dark and plummy-red color with a somewhat brooding and slightly sweet-toned nose. Aromas of sunny plummy fruits, blackcurrant tones, earth, light vanilla, nutmeg, and mocha coffee come through. On the palate, it feels ripe and chewy with vibrant flavors of juicy dark plums, blackcurrants, toasty oak, savory wood, and subtle bilberry nuances. The wine’s firm and balanced structure is complemented by moderately high acidity and medium-plus tannins. The finish is rich and moderately grippy, featuring sweet-toned flavors of plummy fruit, earthy notes, toasty oak spice, and hints of nutmeg, vanilla and ripe blackcurrants.
Bodegas Riojanas, Monte Real Gran Reserva 1998
This wine presents a delightful combination of earthy notes, cherry flavors, and a chewy texture. Its prominent tannic structure adds depth and character to the wine. The sweet and smoky fruit nuances create a captivating sensory experience on the palate. Complementing the overall profile is a refreshing touch of tangy acidity, which enhances the wine’s balance and vibrancy. This bottle stands as a prime example of traditional Rioja winemaking, showcasing the region’s distinctive characteristics. Given its excellent qualities, this wine is expected to age gracefully and continue to offer a pleasurable drinking experience for many years to come.