Region | |
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Subregion | Spain > Rioja |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Bodegas Riojanas
The 1964 vintage of Monte Real Gran Reserva has always been my favorite year for this wine, and though it had some competition for my affection at this tasting by the superb wines from 1955 and 1942, this is still the reference point vintage of Monte Real. This was the very first vintage for long-time Cellar Master Felipe Nalda FrÃas, who was Technical Director at Bodegas Riojanas from 1964 until 2006. Not a bad inaugural vintage! The Gran Reserva 1964 spent fully nine years aging in cask prior to bottling, making it one of the longest-tenured vintages in barrel in the history of the Monte Real bottling. The beautifully classic bouquet continues to soar from the glass in a complex blend of raspberries, red plums, a touch of cocoa powder, Cuban cigars, sweet nutskin, a fine base of soil, a hint of celery seed, cloves and a discreet base of coconutty American oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and still retains a touch of sappiness at the core, with outstanding focus and grip, tangy acids and a very long, pure and seamlessly balanced finish. A great, great wine. Drink between 2019-2060