Another refined number from Alentejano in the South of Portugal.
Very similar to the Maria de Mora, this has a drier finish and slightly more austere fruit. Needs food.
http://www.winemagnum.com/produtos/reg-alentejano-morgadio-de-mora-reserva-2013_en_219
Vincent brought this to dinner.
The original and still the best
[Categories Spain, Rioja, Tempranillo]
We served this to the Collets at our pre Movie dinner and very well received it was too.
This is the 2010 vintage and I remember being disappointed by the 2009 so this richly mellow offering surpassed the movie experience – true to its name – ‘Cold in July’.
Gulp, all I had chilled was this number, a C from The Devil’s Cellar in Chile.
A blend of grapes from the Casablanca, San Antonio (62%) and Limari (38%) areas.
Despite my ABC prejudices, this wasn’t bad: buttery, slightly oaked structure, well presented, rich takeaway.
Ian & Jean served this at Ian’s launch of The Reluctant Cannibals in the Winding Stair bookshop.
Very dry, effervescent bang of an Apple Orchard in the mouth, very moreish. If the book is as good as this it’s a runaway, buy it now.
Continuing the Spanish Red theme, this went with the cheese.
Aged for 24 months in Oak barrels and a further 36 months in the bottle this is mellow yet full bodied.
Typical Rioja, 100% Tempranillo from the Cenicero Vineyards.
Superior to the Gran Sangre de Toro we tasted at the same meal.
A Christmas Corporate Gift. The Bodegas Riojanas S.A. Group is a publically quoted group with Spanish and Portugese interests.
I am a big fan of Miguel Torres and his wines and regularly buy Vina Sol and the Coronas table wines.
His Chilean Santa Digna offerings are pretty good too.
So I was a bit disappointed with this Reserva which I found in Dunnes and served at a dinner party.
Deep berry colour, fruity with a slight hint of spice but just didn’t have the complexity going the extra distance for a grand reserve.
60% Grenache with 25% Carignan (Mazuelo) and 15% Syrah
Dunnes: on offer at €12:20
2nd bottle served showed signs of slight oxidation so perhaps it’s approaching / passing its drink by.
Ready to drink now, slightly rusty / over the hill.
No legs and I would have expected a fuller body from a Reserva.
Nonetheless, not unpleasant and had a decent mouth feel and delivery.
The label didn’t give a lot away and it looks like a co-op, though the address suggests it could be this winery.
The blend is the Rioja standard of Tempranillo and Garancha.
Fish this out from under the stairs and enjoy it now before it oxidizes futher.
McConkey Wine 