2001 Contador Rioja. Lunch at Reddwood. Decanted for a little while S we drank the 1998 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz. This wine was definitely much funkier on the nose- gamey and earthy. A preferred this wine but the rest of us preferred the Henschke. Delicious but just didn't beat the Henschke for us today. — 9 years ago
Somm Factory II – Evolution
Session #6 Italy VS Spain
Ac: M+
Alc: M+
B: M+
T: M+
S: Dry
Ruby
Nose: cheese, slight musty quality/earthiness. Soy/balsamic smells.
Stewed dark fruit, (cherry, field berry)
This wine has been breathing through old wood. Strikes of American wood. Dill, sappy. This is super typical Rioja. I like this a lot. — 10 years ago
Could have passed as a Bordeaux it was so good, but s wonderful red from my favorite region in Spain. Lively fruit, silky tannins and 100% tempranillo from a former Vega Sicilia winemaker. — 11 years ago
One of my favorite Spanish wines. No question. This is the best year I've had, 2001, although I've had the 04's through 09's. Thanks to Wine-Searcher for helping find a good price in the U.S. — 11 years ago
This is a dynasty in Rioja. These are wines from the 1940's. These wines age for a long time. — 9 years ago
Good ditch wine discovered on our way back to a gin joint in Bilbao at s Mexican resto.., — 9 years ago
A spicy Rioja. Dense and delicious. — 10 years ago
A beauty! Highly toned and colored, this wine look younger than 1968. Rose potpourri, violet s and dry herbs are dominant on the nose. Very long, Bordeaux like mouthfeel. A jewel. — 10 years ago
Full body a bit spicy - love it! — 11 years ago
2001 La Rioja Alta Gran Riserva. Drank at lunch w K, A&S on New Years Day after walking around. Super earthy and funky. K bought after tasting in Barcelona. A really loved it. Was interesting and great to drink. I would have preferred a bit more fruit. — 11 years ago
This is one of the most successful European 2003's I have had, rich but not overripe or hot, with an American oak vanillin frame for strong dark fruit. It is a little volatile on the back end but also refreshing. Very nice with lamb stew and peas! — 11 years ago

A w e s o m e . Simply go for it if you have the chance. — 9 years ago
1968 Vina Rēal Cosecha Gran Reserva Temperanillo blend. Drank this at Reddwood lunch for A&S' birthday. Hard to believe this wine was almost 50 years old. We didn't decant this and it was great- held up perfectly. Gorgeous brick color, still fruit on the nose, elegant and slightly sweet finish. So fun to try! — 10 years ago
Tried this at a wine tasting with S and we both really liked it! So smooth and buttery. — 10 years ago
Medium ruby, youthful color, quite intense aromas of thyme flower, rhubarb and raspberries in liquor. Dry with a sweet tartness and strawberries and cherries. Ripe fruit. Subtle spice of ground red pepper seeds and a little smokey. Warm. With the fruit that it has it begins to resemble a Barbaresco or a Rioja. — 11 years ago

A delicious Gran Reserva, slight cidery/oxidized notes. Solid tannin core, needs a few years to settle down. — 11 years ago
Originally gave this a 9. Then it got to breathe for s bit, and I came back and upped to 9.3. Good at first, great once it opens. — 11 years ago
Tony Camsjö
På El rincon de Rafa — 9 years ago