Remelluri Reserva 2008

"Before broaching present releases, The 2008 Reserva will be the final vintage blended from grapes sourced outside Remelluri’s boundaries. Perhaps my score is parsimonious, but intuition tells me that great Reservas in the mold of the 1976 lie in the years ahead. It has a well-defined nose of blackberry leaf, mint, bay leaf and balsamic that would benefit from a little more tension. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp acidity and a lovely, smoke and dried herb-tinged finish with a dash of black pepper. This is quite a “serious” Rioja that needs a little more joie-de-vivre. Drink 2014-2024". 

 "Vivid purple. Exotic, oak-accented aromas of cherry-vanilla, cassis, licorice and dark chocolate. Deep and broad, with highly expressive dark fruit compote and candied licorice flavors framed by youthful tannins. Smooths out nicely on the finish, which clings with serious tenacity and smoky persistence. This will be even better in a couple of years."