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SKU 1043491
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The way top wine collectors in China love Burgundy, it’s probably only a matter of time until they catch on to traditional style Rioja. They have the finesse and texture of fine Burgundy, especially when old. I drank this one in a restaurant in Xi’an with braised tofu, mushrooms and green beans and dozens of other dishes. I preferred the 2004 to the 2005. It was more perfumed and fresh than 2005. It was full yet firm and tight. Racy, long finish. Licorice and dark fruits. Refined and beautiful.
There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.
Country
Spain
Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.
Region
La Rioja
La Rioja is by far the most famous wine region of Spain, and remains one of the world's great wine producing regions, consistently offering deep, complex red wines of character and distinction, partly due to the fact that La Rioja benefits from excellent soils, rich in minerals and nutrients, and plenty of sunshine. The climatic conditions allow the fine grape varietals to reach full ripeness and express plenty of the best features of their terroir, making La Rioja wines some of the most interesting to have ever come out of Europe. The Cantabrian mountains to the north provide the perfect shelter from the colder, wetter influences of the Atlantic oceans, and in the beloved vineyards of La Rioja, wineries have been cultivating exceedingly flavorful Tempranillo grapes for generations for the inclusion in their fine single variety and blended wines.
Appellation
Rioja
Rioja, a renowned wine appellation in Spain, stands as an emblem of the country's winemaking heritage and innovation. What makes Rioja unique is its commitment to blending traditional and modern winemaking methods. Primarily crafted from Tempranillo, with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo as supporting players, Rioja wines showcase a remarkable balance of fruit, oak, and complex aging.
Rioja's classification system, featuring Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, delineates the aging periods, highlighting the region's dedication to quality. The use of American oak barrels imparts distinctive vanilla and coconut notes, contributing to Rioja's recognizable profile. The diverse terroir, from the high-altitude vineyards of Rioja Alta to the warmer Rioja Baja, adds depth and complexity to the wines.
Exploring Rioja allows enthusiasts to savor the rich tapestry of Spanish winemaking, where historic bodegas coexist with modern practices, resulting in wines that seamlessly marry tradition and innovation, offering a glimpse into the soul of Spanish viticulture.
JS93pts
James Suckling
The way top wine collectors in China love Burgundy, it's probably only a matter of time until they catch on to traditional style Rioja. They have the finesse and texture of fine Burgundy, especially when old. I drank this one in a restaurant in Xi'an with braised tofu, mushrooms and green beans and dozens of other dishes. I preferred the 2004 to the 2005. It was more perfumed and fresh than 2005. It was full yet firm and tight. Racy, long finish. Licorice and dark fruits. Refined and beautiful.
VM92pts
Vinous Media
Bright ruby color. Exotic, expressive aromas of candied cherry and black raspberry, with deeper licorice and cocoa scents adding a serious aspect. Deep, chewy and attractively sweet, with juicy cherry and dark berry flavors underscored by smoky oak spice. Tannins come up with air, along with a hint of singed plum. Leaves sappy dark berry notes behind on the long, sweet finish.
WA91pts
Wine Advocate
The 2004 Imperial Reserva is 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo aged in new French and American oak for 24 months. Deep crimson-colored, it gives up aromas of toast, spice box, espresso, blackberry, and plum. Medium to full-bodied, on the palate it displays a plush texture, ripe flavors, excellent volume and concentration, and a relatively forward personality. It will be approachable in 2-3 years and will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2024.
WS90pts
Wine Spectator
This plump red offers cherry and berry flavors wreathed in spice, tobacco and cedar. Balanced and gentle, in the traditional style, but has enough structure for food. Drink now through 2014. 500 cases imported.
Winery Notes
Deep cherry red in colour. The nose is attractive and complex, combining the fruit driven notes from the blend of varieties with those from the ageing in French and American oak barrels. The palate is well rounded, with the clear presence of supple, silky tannins and concludes with a long and very pleasing finish.
