No wine snobs here, just enthusiastic drinkers of all wines
The third red wine from the Christmas Wine Tasting at the Lion and Lamb and a Spanish classic: Rioja Gran Reserva. When I saw this on the tasting list I thought 'oh good I'll be able to take a break', because let's face it, I've drunk tonnes of Rioja in my time. I was more … Continue reading El Meson Rioja Gran Reserva 2012
Made with grapes from 60+ year old vines this wine is matured in American oak for 30 months and a further 36 months minimum in the bottle. I was looking forward to this wine as I really enjoyed the Crianza. Unfortunately it didn't work for me. It is a medium intense purple colour verging towards … Continue reading Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva 2011
According to their website the 2010 Gran Reserva 904 was one of their best vintages this century, which makes me wonder why they were serving us the 2009. They also have another 2005 Gran Reserva 890 that was 23€ for just a taster glass. We didn't try that one as it was above our price … Continue reading Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904, 2009
The first of two Gran Reserva wines from the Bodegas Muga. I'm not actually sure what vintage this wine was, because the lady whipped away the bottle so quickly I didn't have time to look at it never mind photograph it. I had to borrow the photo from the Bodega's website, which currently lists the … Continue reading Prado Enea Gran Reserva
The second top end offering from CVNE this time from the Imperial Bodega based in Rioja Alta. These grapes are grown nearer the mountains and in a dryer year which producs higher acidity which preserves the wine better during maturation. As a Gran Reserva the best grapes are selected from the harvest to make a … Continue reading Imperial Gran Reserva 2011
This is the Gran Reserva offering from the Contino brand of the CVNE Winery. The Contino vineyards are based in Altavesa at a lower level than their other premium range, Imperial, and 2012 was a wetter year. According to the helpful man at CVNE this means warmer weather so less acidity and tannins. More fruit and … Continue reading Contino Gran Reserva 2012
The Honest Wine Drinker 