90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
As you might have gathered, I love sharing special bottles. We were out with friends at a Spanish wine tasting, and I thought if the hosts allowed it, I would bring along a special bottle they could try and we could share with our friends. I brought the Urbina Rioja Gran Reserva Especial 1994.
First of all, 1994 was an excellent vintage for Rioja. This wine was elegant and fully mature, with ripe red cherries. It had a dark ruby color with a light mahogany trim. The complexity on the nose included mineral aromas, ripe fruits like figs, cherries, and plums, as well as tomato, dried apricots, and cherry blossom. There were also hints of leather and nutmeg, with a background of luxurious toffee and balsamic candies. On the palate, it was harmonious and balanced with oak, fruit tannins, great refinement, velvety softness, and wonderful length.
Needless to say, it was a show stopper and a thumbs up to the lost art of cellaring wine. More on this topic later.
Acquired from a personal wine collection via wine auction. The wine had been stored in a gorgeous temperature and humidity- controlled environment.
Priceless