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Bodegas Faustino VII Tempranillo 2017

Bodegas Faustino VII Tempranillo 2017

An old-school Rioja from Bodegas Faustino, of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less from this producer. The Faustino VII is a label I haven’t seen before and looks to be a value line crafted from 100% Tempranillo that’s been aged in American oak for six months. It offers up a classic profile of macerated strawberry, […]

Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Reserva 2014

Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Reserva de Familia 2014

Soft and seductive, this 100% Tempranillo from Bodegas Riojanas, the 2014 Monte Real Reserva slowly blooms in the glass with plums and black cherries interweaving notes of dusty earth, wet terra cotta, and mahogany wood. In the mouth, tannins are gathered at the fore and mid-palate—they’re fine, yet still tightly wound. Stewed prune and dried […]

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Cune Gran Reserva 2010

CT 90.3 171 user reviews 2010 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Cune Gran Reserva

Complex aromas of plums, Spanish roof tile after a rain, dust, earth, leather, dried violets, and baker’s cocoa grace Cune’s (CVNE) 2010 Gran Reserva. Fine, dusty tannins coat the palate followed by a core of tart pie cherry, sweet tobacco, tomato leaf, balsamic, and cedar, all of which lead into a meandering, satisfyingly mouthwatering finish. […]

La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 2005

La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 2005

A fabulous La Rioja Alta, the 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in American oak barrels. It opens with a kaleidoscope of subtle, alluring aromas of Japanese plum, dried leaves, dusty earth, mahogany wood, leather, pomander ball, dried mint, and Dutch cocoa powder. In the mouth, sueded […]

Dinastía Vivanco Rioja Blanco 2016

Dinastía Vivanco Rioja Viura-Malvasía-Tempranillo Blanco 2016

Soft in tone and texture, Vivanco’s 2016 Rioja Blanco is a non-traditional blend of 50% Viura, 35% Tempranillo Blanco, and 15% Maturana Blanca. It’s the color of sun-bleached straw, and with a swirl radiates underripe pineapple, yellow apple, pear, lemon blossom, and barley flour. Lees contact has graced this Rioja blend with deceptive softness on […]

Dinastía Vivanco Rioja Crianza Selección de Familia 2013

Dinastía Vivanco Rioja Crianza Selección de Familia

Smooth and open-hearted, Dinastia Vivanco’s Crianza Rioja 2013 is an effortless plunge in to ripe plums, juicy black cherries, vanilla, wafting anise and lavender notes followed by a daub of earthy soulfulness. Composed of 100% Tempranillo, this is a fresh, round Crianza framed in black tea and ripe tannins. Easy to drink and even easier […]

La Rioja Alta Rioja Blanco Viña Ardanza Reserva 2005

2005 La Rioja Alta Rioja Blanco Viña Ardanza Reserva

La Rioja Alta is but a stone’s throw from my other favorite Rioja producer, Lopez de Heredia. The pedigree of the 2005 Reserva Viña Ardanza is evidenced by layered, complex aromatics—leather, terracotta roof tiles, plums and sun-baked figs, Madagascar vanilla bean and a lofty top note of char. In the mouth, it’s medium bodied, but […]

R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2002

R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2002

I was actually, sadly disappointed in this bottle. With muted aromas and flavors, it lacks the complexity I expect from Lopez de Heredia wines. Most likely, it’s been stored incorrectly somewhere on its journey, from the producer to my cellar. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, S.A. Flawed

Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado 2014

Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado 2014

Lovely, lively and oh so drinkable, Muga’s Rioja Rosado was a must-buy after tasting their budget-friendly reds. Salmon-hued with notes of watermelon and cherry blossom and interestingly—dried coconut flake and dried pineapple. The 2014 is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Viura, and 10% Tempranillo grown in alluvial and calcareous soils. It’s medium-bodied and softly […]

Muga Reserva Rioja Muga 2009

Muga Reserva Rioja Muga 2009

Bodegas Muga Reserva Rioja 2009 is a praise-worthy blend of traditional grape varieties: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo, and 3% Graciano. Like an old and beautiful tapestry, there is a lovely interplay of dried roses and violets, brambly fruit and ripe Italian plums, saddled horses and red clay soil. This lovely pastoral scene, and […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com