La Rioja Alta

Bodegas Riojanas

Monte Real Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2005

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. This bottle of the 2005 Gran Reserva came from a Library Release in 2022 so the cork was perfect. The wine pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart, ripe and some dried, mostly red fruits: Bing cherry, raspberries, plum, tobacco, leather, dill and assorted dried garden herbs, gentle baking spices and dry, dusty earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This is in a lovely spot and yet, has a long life ahead. Drink now with some patience and enjoy through 2045. — 11 hours ago

Scott@Mister, Andrew and 6 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Gravonia Crianza Rioja Viura 2016

Wow this packs a punch! Can smell the glass 30 cm away from your face. As it got warmer almost sherry-like but still very enjoyable. Will drink again. — a day ago

Daniel, Tom and 7 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Blanco Malvasia Viura 2001

This is exceptional. Lemon oil and greenery. Integrated and slightly smoky. An oiliness in the palate, with a sweetness and intensity. Great freshness but a gorgeous complex mid palate. Great — a month ago

Jay, Ira and 13 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 1995

Garnet core , wide terracotta rim . Quite aromatic with sous bois , floral hints , spiced dried cherry, iodine , earth and leather . On the palate this has high acidity , fine tannins , orange rind , wet earth, sous bois , dried cherry . Good length . Ready drink now and over the next 5 years , just starting to run out of steam after a couple of hours . Elegant and refined in style — 18 days ago

Dave, Jeroen and 11 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Reserva Viña Ardanza Rioja Tempranillo Garnacha 2012

This is spectacular. That roughness that is characteristic of Rioja is prominent but exists alongside a beautifully dry, luscious dark cherry 🍒 and oak flavour. And even with all its complexity, it’s a nice sipper too. — a month ago

Gillian Koh
with Gillian
Doug, Ron and 1 other liked this

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

Medium ruby with medium garnet , ruby rim . Quite high toned spicy , sweet red fruit, red plum and cherry , vanilla , with a herbal , earthy touch. On the palate this is quite strict and tannic , lots of structure with decent acidity and red plum , darker cherry , spiced currants , hedgerow fruits, blackberry . Slightly saline , stony finish . Good length and well balanced alcohol . Very young , needs time to integrate. Better in 5-8 years and will last well for a further 10 or so years . — 18 days ago

Dave, Jay and 13 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Rioja Rosé Blend 2000

One of the best still rosés in the biz. Age 25 — 22 days ago

Dave, Paul and 5 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 1957

Aged Rioja at its absolute finest — 22 days ago

Dave, Paul and 5 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Blanco Malvasia Viura 2000

Quite yellow gold colour , wide light lemon rim. Shows quite a lot of development . Quite toasty with roasted nuts , candied citrus peel , candle wax , ginger , saffron, curry powder, sea breeze. On the palate this is structured and quite full bodied with the nutty character , ginger and candied lemon rind , great intensity and grip , salty , balanced acidity and very long and balanced on the finish . Drinking well now but needs time to open , will probably continue at this high level for another 5-10 years and maybe even improve further — a month ago

Dave, Jan and 7 others liked this

Baron de Ley

Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2013

All the right things. Cherry. Cassis. Blackberry. Balanced warm vanilla cherry crumble which good riojas are known for. A hint of undergrowth. 2013 drinking superbly in 2025. — 13 days ago