Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Wine Tasting: Licenciado Rioja Reserva


 

Name:  Licenciado Rioja Reserva

Variety:  Tempranillo

Region:  Rioja

Country:  Spain

Year:  2016

Price:  $19.95



Vintage Cellar Notes/Review:  "Bodegas Burgo Viejo is the property of six farming families and comprises more than 200ha of vineyards in the Rioja Oriental region, from where the more full-bodied styles of Rioja are produced.

Distinctly pure, vivid reserva, precise style:  limpid fruit, brisk acidity, notable but well balanced oak.  Classic.

Intense color, powerful aromas of tar and blue fruit; minty savory, rich, lifted and long; an impressive reserva statement of intent.

Classy, spicy black fruit, full, round, generous - depth yet beautifully balanced, very classy, effortless.

(Review from Vintage Cellar)

Wine Folly:  (Wine Folly, pg. 175-176).  This Tempranillo varietal definitely exhibited a strong taste of dried fig.  Although Wine Folly mentions cherry as a primary flavor, I sensed more of a blackberry/raspberry fruit with a strong jam characteristic as well.  The cedar flavor was present but not overwhelming, and a slight hint of tobacco poked through towards the finish.  This Licenciado Rioja Reserva is certainly on the higher end of the tannin spectrum as it is quite bitter.

My Review:  This particular wine came highly recommended from the store that it was purchased from (and highly rated by wine experts), but I was not overly impressed by it.  I was able to identify a few of the flavors (fig, dark berry, cedar), but I was not a huge fan of the way that they blended together in this particular wine.  I think decanting this Tempranillo would have certainly improved my experience, and it is something I will certainly try in the future.  In general, this Licenciado Rioja Reserva is a smooth drink that is not overwhelming in any category (body, alcohol, acidity, tannin).  It was not my favorite, but I look forward to comparing it to my future experiences with different Tempranillos.

I did not pair this wine with any food.

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