by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2009 | California, Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Bodegas Palacios Remondo, Rioja DOC, Crianza, La Montesa 2005 In the nose there are brown spices and a sense of the forest floor while the mouth is supple and fruity, with the acidity I associate with the wines of this region – delicious. The grapes are...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2009 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Artadi Vinedos & Vinos, Rioja DOC Vinas de Gain 2005 The wine is a bit reductive and needs some air. With a bit of airing, there is a green spice/herbal character in the nose while the fruit is still buried in the background. Give it 20 minutes and the black...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2009 | Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Muga, Rioja, Reserva DOC 2005 The nose combines vanilla, smokiness and ash with cranberries and just the right amount of horse blanket and leather. In the mouth, the tannins make a ripe blanket on top of the tart cherry fruit – the acidity makes this perfect to...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 11, 2008 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Martin Codax, Rioja DOC, ERGO, Tempranillo 2006 The Martin Codax brand has developed a solid reputation on in the northwester portion of the country in Galicia. With this wine from the Rioja, the brand is throwing its equity behind Spain’s most recognized wine...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 11, 2008 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Marques de Caceres, Rioja, Reserva DOC 2000 The house style is soft and oaky with an appropriate acidic frame. The 2000 at this stage, 8 years on smells delightful; there’s sweet vanilla, earth and some stewed, evolving fruit and veg. The acid shows nicely, the...
