A white and a red with a common thread, but from opposite sides of the world… Luis Cañas Rioja Blanco Viñas Viejas 2019, Spain(£11.99 Alliance Wine – use wine-searcher.com for stockists) Yalumba The Y Series Tempranillo 2019, South Australia(£9.49 Majestic)
Rioja
Jeroboams Rioja Reserva 2013 (Marques de Reinosa), Spain (£13.95 Jeroboams) 2013 wasn’t the greatest of Rioja vintages, and there’s a slight earthy greenness in the background here. But thankfully, it’s reasonably concealed by classic vanilla/coconutty oak notes, and generous orange peel, red berry and plum flavours. Good, and even better […]
Tempranillo from Rioja & South Australia
Two wines from the same stable, both lovely but quite different in style… Torre de Oña Rioja Reserva 2012, Spain (£22 Armit) Currently showing some youthful oakiness, but it’s in balance with the gushing red and dark berry, apple and orange peel flavour and hints of spice. Powerful and persistent, […]
Two excellent Riojas
CVNE Rioja Reserva 2012, Spain (£15.40 Majestic, Waitrose, Wholefoods, Wine Rack, Fresh and Wild, Eynsham Cellars, Islington Wine) Nicely structured young wine with lightly bitter herb-tinged red berry, orange peel and gentle vanilla spice flavours supported by fresh acidity and quite bold tannin. Young, chunky, quite tight-knit at the moment […]
CVNE Rioja Reserva 2012, Spain
Campo Viejo Rioja Viura-Tempranillo Blanco 2015, Spain (£9.35 Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado) There’s a richer, fleshier edge balanced by citrussy freshness – a preserved lemons type of thing. It’s OK, but never fine. C+
Campo Viejo Rioja Viura-Tempranillo Blanco 2015, Spain
Viña Real Rioja Reserva 2010, Spain (£18.45 Hailsham Cellars, Clifton Cellars, Planet of the Grapes) Rich and knowing style of wine, battle-scarred, but still very much alive, with meaty red berry and plum flavours, and spicy orange peel notes on the finish. Very tasty, and still on the young side. […]