Rioja Wines – Episode #180

February 12, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Spanish Rioja wines are put to the test by Gary Vaynerchuk, sit back and enjoy and please jump in and mention some of your favorite Rioja’s and anything else you would like to say about wine!

143 Responses

February 12, 2007

CW
espana !
February 12, 2007

Brandon M
Top 5 is so lame
February 12, 2007

Susan
Hey Gary-
I got to be at home and early for this one!
WOW!
February 12, 2007

Henry
WINEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 12, 2007

Grackle
top 10 fo sho.
February 12, 2007

FTBoomer
Great!. I’ve been looking forward to a spanish wwine episode. Great job Gary. Now I can venture out with a bit more knowledge.
February 12, 2007

Italian Stallion
top 10
February 12, 2007

KAHUNA
I think you said Rioja 4 different ways in the first 5 minutes- Must be nervous with the extra camera and hot blonde watching
February 12, 2007

Greg
top 10
February 12, 2007

Brandon M
Who dat? Who dat? WHO IS THAT?
February 12, 2007

Celia
Always learning something new.. thanks, GV!
February 12, 2007

Rich S
The real question is “Who was that really cute blond in the video when it panned out????”

GV, if that was your wife/family member, it was nothing more than a compliment…….. )

Rioja rocks by the way!!!!
February 12, 2007

GL
Awesome episode!! Of course I am biased since I asked for a Rioja episode. Talk about fast response.
February 12, 2007

Brandon M
QOTD…I can’t remember
February 12, 2007

Tofferotti
Great episode. Nice to see a strong finish with a bummer start. Can’t wait to try that Lopez.
February 12, 2007

bradyt
Great episode, a little interest was peaked there in the beginning!!! :O Missed ya Friday.
February 12, 2007

Portland Guy
Good episode. Down to 199 days? to go? Jets opener? Perhaps first born?
February 12, 2007

waibeans
Camel Manure!!? WTF?!

check it out, google earth: 15Â°17′40.32″ N 20Â°28′47.42″ E

other than that great episode GV. excellent info on the lopez, that’s the great thing about this venue. not sure i’d pick it up, but with the hassle/expense of finding a 30 year old bordeaux, a great alternative!
February 12, 2007

boyd
Best Spanish wine I’ve had is Mas Doix ‘01. Next wine is 2004 Alonso del Yerro Ribera del Duero.

Still sad in the ATL.
February 12, 2007

TheGraveWolf
Gary,

Great work on the video blog… Keep the updates coming. It’s not too surprising that the 2002 Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva is a poor wine considering, as you said, the 2002 vintage is something to avoid in Riojas. Perhaps your spanish wine buyer should be made aware of that (hint hint) and not carry that year.

The 2001 Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva is a FANTASTIC wine!

I would love to see you try it, or at least carry the ‘01 instead of the dreaded ‘02. Probably my favorite Rioja I have found priced under $20. I know the stores around my area still are carrying a decent amount of the ‘01 and I would really recommend you ditch those ’02s in favor of the ‘01. Keep up the good work.
February 12, 2007

Susan
Gary -
QOD:
First/Best Spanish Wine I had was 2004 Juan Gil Mouvedre
(hint – still drinking it!).
Great ep!
I will try more spanish wines soon!
February 12, 2007

CW
Boyd,
See if you can get a WL local to pick up your wine at WL in a ship ready box. If you have an account with UPS you can email the airbill. Then they can drop off at work or UPS store or something. Of course you’d need to be ‘friendly’ with them first. FYI A wine store, NOT THE WINE LIBRARY, that I use, allows me to send UPS airbill stickers in the mail to them without that wine shop on the ‘From’ part of the label (I use the local UPS store as the from address) and they slap it on my box and it gets picked up by UPS with the other packages. GA can bite me.
February 12, 2007

Orion Slayer
QOTD: I have not had a Spanish wine yet. However, my first will be a 2001 Luna Beberide Tierras De Luna that I bought from WineLibrary. I’ll let you know!

Thanks for opening with the shot of the beautiful lady. In fairness, you should have had a handsome man in the room too (you and Eric don’t fit the bill!)
February 12, 2007

NY Pete
Love Espana. QOD… the best so far San Roman 2001… was enjoying Allende 2001 while watching this episode… Best bang for your Spanish buck, try Prima 2004 made by the same guys that do San Roman.
February 12, 2007

cpd
I am afraid of that Jersey garbage….

I’m also embarrassed to say I’ve never had a Spanish wine. Great episode, Gary!
February 12, 2007

Brian W
Gary,

Great episode! long time lurker, first ever comment just feeling it today.
February 12, 2007

QueSeraSyrah
QOD- 2003 Numanthia… Next up to try: 2001 Torre Muga or 2004 El Nido Clio

Great episode! I enjoy Lopez de Heredia quite a bit and enjoy the fact that they don’t release until they feel the wine is ready, resulting in wine’s being released 20+ years after harvest and still being able to age for another 10-20+ years (speaking of the Gran Reservas of course). I definitely agree with the comment that this winery’s wines are made to be appreciated with food as well as to compliment the food that you chose to have with this wine.
February 12, 2007

mbannon
Whoa, who’s the girl?!!?! Yowza!

QOD – The 2002 Castano Hecula. I wasn’t expecting much from a $9 wine in an off year, and this just knocked my socks off. My next Spanish wine just might be the Tondonia you just reviewed – sounds interesting.
February 12, 2007

Kathy
Just this week I had the Marques de Caceres and was not impressed. Will try some of the suggestions in the replys. Thanks
February 12, 2007

Brooklyn Paul
QOTD: The ‘04 Clio was probably the best I ever had. It will probably be my next one as well. I do have a bottle of 2005 Almira Campo de Borja Los Dos, which is slated as a weekday wine, so maybe that will be next.

Good show. So… is somebody doing a feature on you and Wine Library? Is that why the other camera was there and why the umm…., “reporter” was in the room?
February 12, 2007

Patt
Alabama has wine?
February 12, 2007

Russ J
Interesting ep, GV. The young lady was…interesting as well. Can’t resist a great smile!

QOTD: Favorite, the 2001 Jarrarte Rioja purchased at WL in ‘05. One left. Next Spanish wine I will have is probably that ‘04 Ercavio you touted a while back. I keep some around for smooth and easy quaffing.
February 12, 2007

Dominus
Geez, last Spanish wine I had was the Clio based on your recommendation. I really like the Berandanga and the next Spanish wine I hope to try is the last one you reviewed, da Gloria.

Great show as always, especially your “fan club” who showed up.

BTW, your guys in shipping are amazing.
February 12, 2007

Lev M
we need more spanish wine episodes like this with other regions…that was fun

QOTD- some wine i dont remember that someone brought from costa brava… i love wines from there.
Next spanish wine will probably be a bierzo.
February 12, 2007

Badger Ann
QOTD: The last Spanish wine I drank was 2005 Biurko Gorri Rioja Arbanta. Light in color, but not in taste! This is a great one to enjoy with tapas. I recently purchased some bottles of 2005 Finca Luzon Jumillia – I’ll try one of these next.

Marques de Caceres was my 1st Spanish wine, way back in 1998. ehhh…
February 12, 2007

Like 'em Rounded and Aged
Just read some of the comments to episode #180. Looks like the eye candy insert is paying off. Marriage proposals are probably coming her way too.

A friend of mine was once asked what his dream girl was, and he responded with “A tall, hot, blonde nymphomaniac whose family owns a chain of liquor stores.” For the would-be suitors, any chance the blonde is in the equity at WineLibrary?
February 12, 2007

CW
QOTD: in 1982 a 1977 Codorniu Gran Reserve, one of my first wines, purchased and drunk in ALABAMA. It was years before I could drink champagne and not think it was inferior.
February 12, 2007

SoCal
Gary,
Dude the look on your grill when you had the Marques de Riscal was Fâ€™n classic!
It sounds so bad I wouldnâ€™t even wash my ride with itâ€¦.
You had me rollinâ€¦.
To bad you have to explain your pan to them.
Then again maybe this is a wake up call to step up their game.

QOTD: Just getting into Spanish wines. (again the Can Blau was real nice) But still learning.
February 12, 2007

Karen Lorentz
I guess I have to join the El Nido Clio 04 contingent as the best Spanish wine I’ve ever had. The next one will probably be Legaris Crianza 2003.

And the first Spanish wine I had was not Marques de Riscal, but Maques de Caceras Riserva 1994 (5?) (whichever was the better year!)
February 12, 2007

E-Rock
2003 Clio…..Just had a bottle on Saturday. I love Spanish wine.Probably drink it 3 times a week. Luzon, Abad dom Bueno, Juan Gil, Bodegas Arrocal and LAN Edicion Limitada just to name a few.
February 12, 2007

E-Rock
Oh by the way Sangre de Toro was my first Spanish wine.
February 12, 2007

Bear Down
Gary,

Nice one. Thank you for tasting the Lopez. They are a great producer. I hope it can sway some the New World viewer into some Old World wines and classic flavors.

QOTD: 1971 Unico, Vega Sicilia. Unfortuneately is was at a walk around tasting so I had to enjoy my small poor in a crowd of people. I’ll take it though, as I can’t afford to buy a bottle and enjoy it with dinner. It was truly world class, and still quite youthful to be honest. Another 20 years not problem.
February 12, 2007

Nathan L
Yup, sorry Gary. You missed the boat. My 1st Spanish was the Marques de Carceres. Best one I haven’t had is a tie between the 2003 Clio and 2004 Palacios Petalos Bierzo but I haven’t had a lot of experience with great Spanish wine until 6 monthes ago. The next one will probably be my last bottle of 03 Torremoron (my favorite 10 dollar bottle).
February 12, 2007

GeneV
I’m in the 12%, because I recent had a 1996 Lopez de Heredica Bosconia, which was even lighter and more brick-like that the one tasted here, and I loved it. Believe it or not, it was perfect with seafood Paella.

My first Spanish wine was from a 25 cent bottle in Spain.
My first Spanish wine tasted in the US was a 1970 Rioja Cerro Anon–My notes say all wood!
My next Spanish wine–possibly a 1968 Vina Valoria Rioja Consecha.

Can’t say what my best one was.
February 12, 2007

Dmjperc
Gary,

I have been trying Spanish wines alot in the last 2 months. The 2002 Marques De Riscal Rioja was ot my first though.

QOTD: Last night I had a spanish wine that ranks right up there with my favorites. It was 2004 Tomas Cusine Geol Costers del Segre, which I believe is Tomas Cusine’s estate grown wine. I have been really impressed with this wine as well as the 2004 Vilosell by the same vinyard.
February 12, 2007

JonE
Great analysis of the Caceres G-Man. Perhaps next time a little Sierra Cantabria and Muga? And yes I am in fact very fearful of Jersey garbage.

QOTD:First Spanish wine, wish I could remember, but it must have been a good night.
QOTD2: Old Condado de Haza, cannot remember the vintage but it was super. Next Spanish will probably be Vall Llach Embruix? or maybe Sierra Contabria Crianza, the 01’s seem just beautiful now.
February 12, 2007

Terrance
My best spanish wine award is a two-way tie between a Pesquera Crianza 2001 that I drank on my birthday the year before last and a mystery memory wine. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about… something you drank at a friend’s house or a somewhere when you knew even less about wine than you know now. What I do know is that it was an affordable Rioja that a wine-loving friend paired with a dinner he had cooked over five years ago. It was barnyard all the way.
February 12, 2007

leatherpalate
QOD:1994 Marques de Caceres Gran Riserva
(in 02-03) it was quite good so much so that
my father bought about 5 cases now it’s a little
past it’s prime and we give them to friends at
dinner parties. “1994 wow”- good times…
February 12, 2007

JavaMonkey
Lesson of the day: Rioja under $20 sucks. Thanks for the warning.

QOTD: I’ve never had a really outstanding Spanish wine, but my favorite is probably the 2004 Ercavio Tempranillo. The next Spanish wine I have will probably be a 2004 Tres Picos, since I have a bottle of that on deck.
February 12, 2007

Bohi
Haha I see someone there shops at Threadless. I too shop at Threadless. A WLTV
February 12, 2007

E
Positively Rex Grossmanesque with that cork there.

By the way, WRONG! OK, not really. First Spanish wine was actually a Montecillo, or if you want to get in the wayback machine, my dad always seemed to have a bottle of Tio Pepe lying around …

QOD: 2001 Domenio de Tares Bierzo, unlike anything I’d ever had before. Not bad for the last bottle of the night. Next, probably another Bierzo unless I decide to crack the Valsacro already.
February 12, 2007

Rick E
Thanks for highlighting Spain–Priorat and Jumilla are probably my favorite regions on the planet at the moment. Great value, good old world/new world options, top-notch quality. Coincidentally I have the Finca Luzon in my glass as I watched your episode.

QOTD: either the ‘04 Clio or the ‘01 Cims De Porrera. The ‘01 Muga Torre is up there too.
February 12, 2007

Bohi
To continue my last comment, you guys should get together with Threadless for some cross promotion. A WLTV loves Threadless contest would be kickin rad.
February 12, 2007

Brookhouser
Sad that there are confused wines out there…..confused wines are like Lurkers…they just don’t know were there going and they never show themselves….what’s with the Viral in the background….and your lady friend….and the numbers….still don’t get it…..I think I am a confused wine…!

QOTD: Haven’t had much yet..bought a Sierra Cantabria Rioja to try
February 12, 2007

boyd
CW, contact me at boyd.pearson@gmail.com

I’m not exactly sure I follow what you’re saying. Sorry, I’m dumb when it comes to stuff likes this. All I know is that GA can bite me too. I’m ready for us to move into the 20th century. Everyone else is already two centuries ahead of us. We’re at like 1897 right now.
February 12, 2007

Bill Ross
So many good ones … Cims de Porrrera Priorat comes to mind, but if price considered, then Muga 2001 Rioja Reserva stands out. UP next will be 2003 Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera from Ribero del Duero, for an on-line tasting this Thursday. I am knee deep in quality Spanish wines from WL, but run from the below $10/above 90pt RP QPR wines!
February 12, 2007

dabo
QOTD — I don’t remember. However, I have the ‘04 Ercavio Tempranillo and the ‘01 Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva in my wine fridge waiting for me to taste. After that performance of the ‘02 today, I sure hope TheGraveWolf is right about the ‘01. Tasting that ‘02 just looked utterly painful…
February 12, 2007

Jack:)
QOTD1: False
QOTD2: Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2004 very good.
Are we going to find out what the extra camera and the babe were there for?
Great show.
February 12, 2007

RMD
GV: I was at the Boston Wine Expo as well, and I completely agree… poor showing from a lot of wineries.

I did have a few jems though, including an excellent Merlot from White Oak winery.

It also made me mad how packed the place was… I got there at 1:30 and waited for over 40 minutes to get in. Once inside, several wineries had already run out of their best bottles.

The Grand Tasting is a complete rip-off… so you didn’t miss much, other than a drain on your wallet.

I’m pissed I didn’t see you! Oh well.
February 12, 2007

Lil Luce
QOTD: Favorite???? I think it is a tie between a Muga Rioja Blanco and the Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero. But the Muga Rioja Blanco was during a great afternoon in a tapas bar overlooking the Sea in a little town near Malaga…so the experience really helped. I also loved the 1 + 1 = 3 Cava, because it had a little more toast & cream flavors than some of the other chalky tasting cheap, dry Cavas.

Sub QOTD: Just yesterday, I bought a 1996 Prado Enea Gran Reserva from Bodegas Muga. I plan to drink it with friends over the weekend and will let you all know what I think.

Thanks for the great ep, Gary!
February 12, 2007

Dave Canada
Nice…
had a 1995 Rioja Grand Reserva that was nice and an Altos Jumilla 2003 that was quite good.
February 12, 2007

OttawaB
Good show today, I love Rioja wines. However, am not a fan of the Marques’ wines. Will try the Lopez de Heredia wine soon (although a different one then you tried).
Best Spanish wine I hve tried was a 2002 Flor di Pingus, and an Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi. Although I also usually enjoy the Torres Mas La Plana, and Lan Gran Reserva, Alion, and most Pesquera brands.
February 12, 2007

Dale Cruse
Gary: I think rather than “MassHead,” the word you’re looking for is, “MassHole.”

QOTD: False. Marques de Cacerces was my first Rioja. I recently enjoyed a Torrontes. Fantastic nose. I’m thinking that might be a lovely white to cook with to add even more complex aromas to my food.
February 12, 2007

dwildman
QOTD 2: Bellum Providencia

QOTD 2a: Next bottle will be Sierra Cantabria Cuvee Especial – lovely wine

And ok, who is the blonde? The wine world wonders…
February 12, 2007

jae
I’ve never had a rioja wine. My next and first bottle will be the Ercavio Tempranillo (I can’t afford better because I’m a poor college student).
February 12, 2007

MiamiDolphins
Great Episode

QOD 1: Protos Crianza
February 12, 2007

Matt W
Best Spanish wine I’ve ever had? On my budget, 2002 or 2004 Las Rocas Granacha. Very drinkable any time, tons of fruit, tasty and interesting but not too serious. Cushions and fills your mouth with soft cherries…and it’s CHEAP!

In fact, I just put back a bottle the other night. Grad student’s dream.
February 12, 2007

stewart l
QOD- My favorite wine from Spain I have had was the 1999 Numanthia Termes from Toro. Plus I still have 3 bottles left. I would like to try some more wines from Jumilla area and higher end Rioja like the one today.
February 12, 2007

Riezin
Most memorable Spanish wine that comes to mind was a Tilenus mecia from Bierzo i had at Bar Jamon in NYC shortly after it opened. It was my first taste of mecia and so different from the riojas i’d tried. Really made an impression. Recently I really enjoyed the Luna Beberide Tierras De Luna you guys are currently stocking.
February 12, 2007

dirty_bosox
G-man,
been a “lurker” for nearly fifty or sixty episodes, and the QOD finally got me out of the closet.
i’ve only been drinking wine for less than a year now but my plan was to start with spain and grenache, and move around the world from there to get a good feel of each region. Spain seems so consistant and working class than any other regions i’ve had so far, i love it.
the first i had, beginning VERY recently, was a Coto de Hayas from Campo de Borja, which i remember liking. However, my fav so far – and i even bought a case of it – has been the Tres Picos Garnacha ‘05…Solid and interesting all the way around….and, of course, i really liked the Can Blau.
-DB
February 12, 2007

brauniac
Favorite Spanish wine? I had a Valduero Crianza 2001 from Ribera del Duero tonight with pork tenderloin. Totally surprised by it!
February 12, 2007

cgf
GV-
cool ep. I have only tried a couple of riojas, and they were similar to the first 3 wines tasted today. the first Spanish wine I ever had was “Equis” which was some 8 dollar red blend that was pretty good from what i remember.

The last spanish wine i had was the las rocas. I had it blind in a flight with other under 10 dollar wines. I was not that impressed. To each his own.

I am looking forward to a week of good themes like this. If you need any Finger Lakes wine for the Finger Lakes episode, I would be happy to donate one. I was in a week ago, and the selection looked really thin. Let me know…
February 12, 2007

orie0704
QOTD1: Pedro Ximenez Montilla-Moriles Solera 1910, January 2005, the morning after attending Die Arzteball in Vienna.

QOTD2: probably the 2001 Pasanau Priorat “Finca La Planeta”

First Spanish wine, like many others here apparently, was a Marques de Caceres Rioja in 1998, purchased at a “supermarchÃ©” in Boulogne-sur-la-mer, on a cross-Channel wine buying junket.
February 12, 2007

Carlitos
Thanks for the Rioja episode. We were definitely missing a Spanish episode. Too bad that you chose the wrong wines, or the wrong vintages. You said it yourself, 2002 to be avoided, 2003 was too hot. And you also got 1998 and 2000 which were only ok and only the 2004 but for a cheap “cosechero”. You owed it to yourself to try the better vintages, but I guess next time. Also looking forward to a Priorat, Ribera, CataluÃ±a or Jumilla/Yecla episode.

Being from Spain I can’t really remember the first Spanish wine I had. Probably some table wine when I was 5 or 6. The best was probably a 1994 Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva. My wife really loves Riojas. We cherish incredible memories from visiting the Lopez the Heredia winery in Haro, Rioja. The most impressive visit to an old school winery. We also run into an amazing small size producer in Cenicero, Rioja, called Valdelana. Family run and amazing quality for a dirt cheap price. You should try to check it out, Gary.

I’m also fond of the Cabs from Navarra and Somontano. I’ve lately been impressed by the Monastrells from Jumilla/Yecla. CastaÃ±o, LuzÃ³n, Santa Ana, Alto de la Hoya… Looking forward to an episode on those.

Salud!
February 12, 2007

SteviefreakinD
Hey Gary. QOD. I’ve only had four or five Spanish wines that I can think of. But to answer your question, I just finished the Las Rocas vinas viegias garnacha as I was watching this episode. So far this one is my favorite. I tasted it right when I opened it and didn’t know what to think. (Maybe not so good). Then let it decant for six hours. It really opened up nice. Structure, balance, great fruit, awsome mouth feel and great finish.

I also had the 1998 Lopez De Heredia a couple of weeks ago. I hated it. I thought there was no finish to it and weak flavor. (Like it was watered down). I love new and old world styles. Love Burgundy and Bordeaux, and rustic Italian wines. This one was just not for me.

Who’s the hottie in the audience?
February 12, 2007

michael
The first Spanish wine that I tasted was an ‘00 Eguren Codice…not a mind blower but a terrific little wine just the same.

QOTD – An ‘02 Numanthia-Termes Toro Termes…now that was a thought provoking wine. Outstanding!!

My last (but not the first time to experience) Spanish wine was a ‘05 Finca Luzon Jumillia over the weekend…impressive juice for seven bucks. **Badger Ann (#35) I don’t think you will be disappointed.

In closing I also agree w/ the choices of Susan (#21); Juan Gil (Susan, if you enjoy the ‘04 see if you can locate an ‘02…it won’t disappoint), E-Rock (#40), Bill Ross (#56), Jack (#58) RE: Tres Picos Garnacha; consistent is a good word to describe this juice, one vintage to another. Lil Luce (#60) RE: 1996 Muga Rioja Prado Enea Gran Reserva…it should be a treat. Enjoy! Your comments brought memories of the ‘89 that I had had the pleasure of drinking a few years back.
February 12, 2007

Benji
QOTD:

Last spanish white wine was the 2000 Godeval Valdeorras Vina Godeval Blanco…so-so.
Last spanish red wine was the 2003 El Nido Clio…agree w/ Gary V and RP.

Next, going to try the 04′ Clio.
February 12, 2007

Nathan N
Cool show. I hope you hit Priorat and Jumilla soon.

QOTD: 03 Equis was my first Spanish wine in 05. My favorite is 03 Vall Lliach Embroix. The next wine will be Juan Gil
February 12, 2007

DeVino
Best (old world) spain producer: Lopez Heredia.
I got his Bosconia 1947 can not wait to open it. His 81 was special.
February 12, 2007

flavasauce
QOTD:
First wine that really turned me onto spain wine was a Pesquera- First time I tasted obvious mint which was really cool. I’m loving the 2004 bodegas Arrocal, have a bunch. I definately prefer the tempranillo based spanish as i feel they have the most finesse.
BTW last night I tasted/smelled pickle/ saurkraut juice for the first time in wine in a 2004 Charles Jouget Chinon petit roches, pretty wild. Also picked up obvious green pepper/jalapeno, black olives.
February 13, 2007

flavasauce
oops I meant 2005 chinon
February 13, 2007

Martin
What’s a nice food pairing for Rioja?
February 13, 2007

Smith MBA
Good episode, the last Spanish wine I drank was a 2003 Glorioso Rioja. The spanish wine I am most interested in is a Bierzo Mencia.
February 13, 2007

ol_fezziweg
Good episode. QOTD: 2001 Freixenet Negro Brut. Not sure if it counts, but Freixenet is from the Iberian peninsula, at least. Drank this to celebrate at a startup I worked at and for a long time, it was also my go-to wine for dating purposes. Freixenet is a marketing juggernaut, but the cava is good QPR. Next up: 2004 El Nido Clio.
February 13, 2007

glenn
OK, 1st – who was the Betty? sweet to sneak her in.

2nd QOTD for you: i was in The Canary Islands years ago gambling and had a meal in the casino restaurant. i was chaperoning 3 total hottie stews so the somme loved our table. he was feeding us a Rioja with a Spanish King on the label (Ferdinand?) and the king’s Roman numerals were on the bottle. somme told us the higher the Roman numeral the better the vino? i have never seen the wine elsewhere.

my spanish fav these day is Numanthia. i have been buying for years (luckily missed 02) and haven’t been unhappy yet. sitting on 03 &04 now. sadly i drank my 99 & 01; long gone.

free shipping for the old world fans on The Heredia?
February 13, 2007

manual
i love spanish wines so thank you for the Rioja episode. i will for sure be triyng the 98′ Lopez. QOTD – monastrell wines from jumilla and yecla have been finding there way into my kitchen ever since my girlfriend and i visited spain last year. particularly the 100% monastrell dessert wines. those are my favorite by far based on their unique plum flavors and that they pair so wonderfully with chocolate. on another note, i am just now finishing a bottle of Abbazia Di Novacella Stiftskellerei Neustift 2005 Kerner. what a grape! this smells absolutely like Fruity Pebbles. and i think it has great balance for it’s 14.5 alcohol. do you know more about this white varietal? if so, i would appreciate your opinion. thanks again!
February 13, 2007

dealbhadair
Thanks for giving me the intro to Spanish wine, Gary!
Sad to say, I’ve never tried one.
Oh, BTW… Ummm… who was?… *gulp*… uh… wow.
February 13, 2007

LouieNY
Dont have a favorite spanish wine really, but after your tasting of the 2000 Gloria De Ostatu Rioja Alavesa I have to get my hands on a bottle or 2 of that, Your description matches exactly what im looking for lately in a red. Thanks Gary
February 13, 2007

dustin
Hey, I live in Alabama. I think next time you have a free shipping code in an episode, you should also sneak in a code that allows wine to be shipped to us prohibited states…

QOTD: I’ve never had a Spanish wine. Being as new to wine as I am, I might just go with the Marques De Caceres, since it’s available and “entry level.”
February 13, 2007

Metal Dave
QOTD:
Bodegas Ontanon Rioja Gran Reserva 1999

I tasted this when the MD of this winery came to Ireland to do a tasting with some of our customers. It was my first time having the Gran Reserva. Fantastic. Their Crianza is our best selling read wine in our entire shop. Gary, check out their website at http://www.ontanon.es
February 13, 2007

Antonio TouriÃ±o
Gary,

Thanks for the Rioja episode. Spanish and South American wines are what we normally get around these parts. MarquÃ©s de CÃ¡ceres IS available EVERYWHERE… Thanks for the vintage tips. Still, I will seek out the 2002 vintage just to taste what I should avoid. How’s that for backwards logic? hehe.

Cheers from Panama.
February 13, 2007

eugene
Gary,
Thanks for the long overdue Rioja episode!
I was really surprised with Riscal. I’ve had it before many times (not 2002 though). Yes it’s not really complex but as I remember it is light body, smooth to the point of being too smooth, lots of cherries, tobacco, some chocolate and oak of course. All in all pleasant wine. Is it possible that you had a bad bottle?
February 13, 2007

eugene
Glenn

The wine you’re talking about is Bodegas Faustino and is available everywhere.
February 13, 2007

Tom T.
Hey Gary,

QOTD – ‘03 El Nido Clio.

Thanks for another great episode. Gotta love how you tell it like it is.
February 13, 2007

Justmarsh
Are you sure Erik isn’t just leaking laughing gas into the room to get you pumped for the show?

QOD: I can’t wait to open a 1981 Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva with some filet mignon later this month to celebrate my buddy getting engaged! Hopefully it won’t let me down…
February 13, 2007

Susan
In closing I also agree w/ the choices of Susan (#21); Juan Gil (Susan, if you enjoy the â€˜04 see if you can locate an â€˜02â€¦it wonâ€™t disappoint), E-Rock (#40), Bill Ross (#56), Jack (#58) RE: Tres Picos Garnacha; consistent is a good word to describe this juice, one vintage to another. Lil Luce (#60) RE: 1996 Muga Rioja Prado Enea Gran Reservaâ€¦it should be a treat. Enjoy! Your comments brought memories of the â€˜89 that I had had the pleasure of drinking a few years back.

Comment 76: By michael on February 12th, 2007 at 11:20 pm

Michael -
Thanks for the great tips!My local wine shop suggested the 2004 Juan Gil when I asked about Spanish wines(MarcT brought the 2001 Pratesi Carmione to our last NC get together). I will have to try the 2002 Juan Gil soon! and the Tres Picos Garnacha and the 1996 uga Jioja Prado Enea Gran Reserva. They both sound yummy also!
February 13, 2007

luvgrapesqeezings
From Jumilla I enjoyed the 04 & 05 Pannaroz and the 04 & 05 Luzon. Both under $10, they are made with Monestrel (aka Mouvedre in France) and Syrah.
From Rioja I enjoyed the 95 Muga reserva and especially the 2001 Muga reserva (Wow!). A bottle of ‘98 Roda II rioja reserva that I enjoyed this past weekend was a very complex, polished and deliciously well made old world style wine.
February 13, 2007

organicguy
The best tasting rioja in the cellar is the ‘96 Torre Muga and will probably open it with a prime porterhouse, smashed new potatoes and fresh greens from the garden to celebrate Spring.
February 13, 2007

Susan
Michael-
p.s.
The 2001 Pratesi Carmione was not quite
ready for prime time.
I would give it another 2 – 3 years.
I predict at that time it is going to
blow your socks off!
February 13, 2007

Susan
p.s.s.
I usually can spell!
Sorry about that!
Here is the real name of the wine:
1996 Muga Rioja Prado Enea Gran Reserva
February 13, 2007

Matthew L
Nice episode Gary. I don’t recall the producer, by my first Spanish wine was actually an AlbariÃ±o.

Can you tell me what’s the story with the gold mesh stuff that’s wrapped around so many Spanish wines?
February 13, 2007

Jay
I also question the bottle for your Riscal tasting. I’ve been drinking for many years, and my group along with me. We tried this very bottle less than two months ago. It was very pretty on the nose and extremely smooth on the palate. Had it twice more since then and each bottle was just as fine. In fact, the last time I had this, I was with a group of non wine drinkers and the comment that kept comming up was that it smelled seductive and sexy.

Maybe a re-taste is in order? I remember thinking that it was indeed a short term drinker…. maybe excessive decanting time? Maybe another decanting episode like the amon ra?

Anyway, I hope some of you out there take a chance on this wine and form your own opinions. Great? No. Awful? No… at least not in my opinion.
February 13, 2007

Southpaw
GV,

Nice work with this episode. Very informative and I will be trying some of these wines.

QOTD: My favorite Spanish WHINE is, “Why is it so freaking hot in Madrid?”

My question to you GV: Have you ever done a show loaded? That would make for some great TV. Have a good day my Guru of the Grape!

I’m off to do the work of many.
February 13, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- The 2001 Artazuri Garnacha from Navarra, drank at a late dinner with friends after a great concert in April 2004, got me started on wine. My wife loved it and the mood was all there. A couple weeks later, my friend who had ordered the Artazuri at dinner showed up at our door with a gift of six bottles. I purchased a home wine fridge, made my first online purchase of 9 bottles of the controversial 2001 Las Rocas Vinas Viejas in May 2004, and was off into the wine world. I have bought hundreds of bottles from Spain, mostly at less than $15.
QOD- The 2001 Artazuri. Still have a few bottles for special occasions. The 2001 Las Rocas VV, which is wildly inconsistent, and the ‘03 and ‘04 as well. I agree with Susan and others about the Juan Gil Monastrell, the 2003 is also very good, and agree about the 2001 Muga Reserva Unfiltered. Another good Rioja is the 2001 Artadi Vinas de Gain. From Jumilla, the ‘03 or ‘05 Olivares Altos de la Hoya. From Bierzo, the ‘03 Jose Palacios Petalos del Bierzo and from Yecla the ‘03 Castano Solanera or Hecula. Cheers and great episode!
February 13, 2007

Susan
QOD- The 2001 Artazuri. Still have a few bottles for special occasions. The 2001 Las Rocas VV, which is wildly inconsistent, and the â€˜03 and â€˜04 as well. I agree with Susan and others about the Juan Gil Monastrell, the 2003 is also very good, and agree about the 2001 Muga Reserva Unfiltered. Another good Rioja is the 2001 Artadi Vinas de Gain. From Jumilla, the â€˜03 or â€˜05 Olivares Altos de la Hoya. From Bierzo, the â€˜03 Jose Palacios Petalos del Bierzo and from Yecla the â€˜03 Castano Solanera or Hecula. Cheers and great episode!

Comment 103: By GottaGoDrink on February 13th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
GottaGoDrink:
Good to hear so many like Spanish wines. This also confirms that my local wine shop does know a thing or two.
I will have to try more Spanish wines!
February 13, 2007

mikeyrad
QOD, Not sure if it’s my first Spanish wine, but Naia is the first that I remember, 2nd would be Juan Gil.
February 13, 2007

Joe in LA
Thanks GV.Great episode. Seems maybe the pretty woman sitting there brought out the the best in you! Don’t they always!?

…My first was a 94 ummm Faustino. I liked it.

I loved the 01 Mauro Vendimia Seleccionada with the 01 Flor de Pingus right behind.

Priorat’s next?
February 13, 2007

Wil Neverspit
Thanks Gary SPAIN-ER-CHUK…

QOTD: I don’t think I have ever had a Spanish wine, nor do I have one in my current collection. Once again, you are expanding my horizons.

But, help me… I couldn’t really tell, did you, or did you not, like the ‘02 De Riscal…?
you were a little vague on that one.
I wouldn’t want to drink anything that reminds me of the dentist anyway!

Lastly, you really should have introduced her Gary, where are your manners?
February 13, 2007

rdechillo
Why taste the 02 Riscal, 02 is a vintage to avoid. Taste the 01 to give it a fair shake.
February 13, 2007

rdechillo
Could it be because you only have the 02 in stock?
February 13, 2007

Dan
Gary V., you’ve outdone yourself… “laughing gas and rubber gloves’

This is my first post ever here, but I just came to realize that Gary is the Alton Brown of wine. Foodies will know AB from FoodTV’s Good Eats and I’m sure I’m not the first to notice.

Actually, there’s a great idea!! Pairing Gary V. with Alton B. on a FoodTV special!!

Make it happen!
February 13, 2007

Tony S.
111th!! Or thereabouts. QOD #1: False. I’ve seen that wine around, but I’ve never had it. But, I don’t remember what the first Spanish wine I ever had was. QOD #2: The best Spanish wine I ever had was a 1968 Unico, Vega Sicilia. Dang. I was invited to dinner with a client while on business, and he decided to bring that bottle (as well as some other heavy hitters, but I don’t like bragging). Man, nothing will ever top that. As for the next Spanish wine, unless I try something at a tasting, I have some random cheap-o’s in my collection that’ll probably go soon. I can’t think of what they are, but they’re nothing terribly interesting–as far as looks go anyway, I could open one up and be blown away.

OK…great episode. I’ve been digging Spanish wines, and I haven’t really had too many Rioja’s. OK, cool. See you later. Have a good day.
T

GO BEARS!!!
February 13, 2007

wine dog
#1 – Bodegas Muga Rioja torre Muga 2000, served with turkey at Thanksgiving.
#2 – 2004 Juan Gil Mouvedre, unbelievable texture and mouth feel.
#3 – Finca Luzon Altos de Luzon 2004, fruit and fire.
#4 – Panarroz Jumilla 2004, best everyday
#5 – Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2003/4, the one that got me into Spainish wine
February 13, 2007

Lynne
QOD: ‘03 El Nido Clio. Why? Because it was recommended by some really smart guy on some wine blog. (And it’s one of my favorites!) I’ve had some other Spanish…Bodegas Arrocal
Ribera del Duero
February 13, 2007

TagWorld Brian
Great rioja I’ve been drinking this week (coincidentally, Gary does a rioja show this week.. go figure): Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2001 rioja. $12.69 at my local Costco in Van Nuys, CA. Get a bottle. Goes great with dark chocolate, I’ve found.
February 13, 2007

eatapc
I definitely bought some of that Marques de Riscal from the OLD Wine Library store, but it wasn’t my first Rioja. I’m positive that my first Rioja was a Sangre de Toro, which was long considered one of the few reliable wines for under $10. When I was a grad student, Sangre de Toro was THE wine to bring to a party.

The first Spanish wine that really hooked me, really knocked my socks off, was a Valduero Ribera del Duero Crianza. My favorite? Hmmm. Hard to say. I’ve had too many good ones. The Case de la Ermita Jumilla I had last night was pretty damned good. — Mark B
February 13, 2007

eatapc
P.S. I agree with TagWorld Brian above. I’ve had Conde de Valdemar many times. A very good budget wine.
February 13, 2007

Michael P
Who’s the blond??
February 13, 2007

TagWorld Brian
Thanks, EataPC. Here are my very brief tasting notes on the Conde de Valdemar: “Fruity (cherry) aroma and taste, medium-heavy oak. Tannic, but not overly. A great food wine, not so much for sipping.” But I’d go back and amend that by saying that it opened up really nicely the next day, after being in the fridge overnight. It became nicer to sip. And I think I recall Costco is plugging this wine as a WS 90 or 91? Not totally sure on that, but anyway, a great value. But like everything, it just depends whether you like it.
February 13, 2007

R. Beaudin
Gotcha! Gran Reserva is 5 years .. with two in barrel! (Not that the world will change in any way:-)
Ok .. hey .you should have told me you were coming to Boston. I did attend the Grand Cru Lounge…and likely, won’t do that again next year. Now ..some nice wines ..some vintage Port (Niepoort 77,Warre 80), some decent Bordeaux (Fombrauge), and some good Valpolicella/Amarone), but overall very expensive and a bit disappointing.

To be honest .. haven’t had a really good Spanish bottle in a while. Have had some reasonably good values like Tres picos, etc., but nothing outstanding. Do have some Clos Erasmus that i haven’t opened yet .. so will give that a try.
February 13, 2007

kenito799
Since visiting Spain I have been drinking lots of Spanish wine so I was psyched to see this episode. Like other people leaving comments, I was surprised at how bad you found the 02 Riscal, since the 01 is very good IMO. I was happy since I have the 98 Lopez Tondonia Reserva in my wine fridge, along with the 95 Tondonia Rosado and 96 Bosconia (which I have tried and loved–crazy young and fresh tasting for a 10 year old wine). I love how well good Rioja is able to integrate all that oak.
My favorite Riojas this year were 98 Bodegas Vinicola Real 200 Monges Reserva and 02 Marques de Tomares Crianza (which was excellent despite the supposedly bad vintage).
The next Spanish wine I will drink will probably be 01 Rotllan Torra Priorat to see if I like it and want to buy more.
Shows on Priorat, Montsant, Emporda? Jumilla, Toro, Bierzo? Albarinos and white Ruedas? and Jerez, of course? I hope so…
February 13, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
My first Spanish wine was CUNE and still one of my favorite Riojas thoiugh since 1970 I have spent time in Spain and came to appreciate so many. Had a memorable dinner at El Bulli with the fixed price wine and food pairing. Lost track of what I was tasting with the volume of wonderful food and wine. Spain has it all for me. Gary, didn’t you go to El Bulli last year? Still haven’t mentioned who the young woman was.
February 13, 2007

Doc Brown
I brought the Gloria de Ostatu to the Farmhouse Inn Restaurant in Sonoma (unbelievable food….a must in the wine country)last year and paired it with the best rack of venison I have ever had. The wine was amazing, in fact, I shared a glass with the sommelier (who is a huge Spanish wine fan). He had never had the Ostatu before but went on and on about it. At the end of the meal he brought out a glass of 1997 Dows Vintage Port for both my wife and myself on the house! Hint: always think about sharing with the sommelier……they appreciate it and you never know what “suprise” they may bring you. I agree with you Gary…RP missed the boat with this one.
February 14, 2007

wino
QOTD- Yup, 2001 Riscal Reserva was my first and I really like it. Will obviously stay away from the 2002. If in public you gave it a 75, in private it would be…….

QOTD2- Have had the Ercavio, is that from Spain?

Who was the woman in the episode? Your wife? Your mistress? Sister? Single? Looking?
February 14, 2007

JimVarney01
Lol, funny how all the comments mention the cutie pie in the beginning. Is this just someone you hired so you can get more comments??? What a clever trick!

QOTD… I can’t even remember what my first… I think it was a Montecilla or something like that. Wwasn’t that good for a $25 price tag. Have had many more Riojas after that and I love them!! Most recent one was allende and I thought it was great!!! Very complex.
February 14, 2007

ThomasS
Fun, you can even get the Marques de Caceres and Marques de Riscal over here … . I think this de Caceres is OK, it’s an nice wine for its price and it proves that 90% of wines available are too expensive for what they have to offer. It’s possible to make a decent bottle of wine for this price, so, if you can’t don’t . Also, their Gran reserva’s are quite good (the 1998 was remarkable in QPR).
Anyway: QOTD: I am not that into Spanish wine. I know they can be great, but, I don’t know … maybe I just always took the wrong turn right in the wine shop. So, favourite … nah, I can’t say I have one. A nice one I had three months ago was a Priorat Sangenis i VaquÃ© Por. Very Old World, austere and dirty, but great in complexity. The next one I want to try is a Cims de Porrera. I want to know what the buzz is all about. C ya!
February 15, 2007

George F
The wine that really changed my world was a 1970 CUNE Gran Reserva, purchased maybe in ‘84. I found a dusty case of it in the basement of the old Sam’s Wine shop in Chicago. I think it was under $8 a bottle. Absolutely stunning. My friend whom I’ve shared a decades long battle of wine upmanship still talks about it today. It totally blew away the 4th growth Bordeaux’s that we were barely able to afford at the time. Riojas and Spanish wines in general continue to provide great value.
February 15, 2007

Michael
The first spanish wine I ever tried and blew me away, was Roda I 1998. What a magnificient wine that was!
February 17, 2007

Luis
I think that with your comment on MarquÃ©s de Riscal you are keeping away many people from spanish wines, as that is probably the only spanish wine you may find in many restaurants. And the 2001 is really spectacular just for the same price as the 2002. You should fix that, Gary.
February 18, 2007

J Crazy
Awesome! lovin’ the Spanish wines. QOTD1: Nope, first I had was Baron De Ley. QOTD2: and I liked the Baron De Ley. Also 2005 Maximo was killer.
How about a “Question of the Comments”?!? QOTC: Where were you and who were you with when you drank your first Spanish wine? I was with my wife and my boss and her family. It was at a Christmas party two years ago. At least that is all I remember of it.
February 19, 2007

Jim H
Salceda – Conde De La Salceda 1987 (pretty sure) or 1989. Have to check the bottle because it’s sitting on top of my China Cabinet. Others came close but this was tremendous. Also had some good experiences with Finca Valpiedra ‘95 and Reyes 1994 after the bubbles went away. Allende 2001 Reserve nice but some 2001’s need time.
February 19, 2007

sheila
Favorite spanish wine…El Nido ‘03. Next drinking wine…El Nido Clio ‘03!!! Always GREAT!!!
Also, I was lucky enough to drink my first Spanish wine in Spain…the Marques de Caceras Rioja.
February 28, 2007

Bill
We love the ‘04 Pedrosa. Ready to drink NOW. ’03’s are good, too, but a little tight — needs a bit more decanting.
March 9, 2007

Kamikaze
Best ? 1971 Vega Sicilia Unico, drank in 1997 during a business dinner. Perfect wine !

Next ? 03Â´CLIO
March 24, 2007

Alicia Garijo
Gary,
We just finished a bottle of Lopez de Heredia Reserva with our 2:00 meal, a Chicken breast in a pepper sauce. It is as you say a great food wine and a lot of chocolate covered cherry comes through. Let’s get more of the Vinos EspaÃ±oles on here. You are fantastic and it is a real treat watching you from Pamplona Spain (Close to the Rioja Wine Country) but you must experience some Vinos from Navarra also, I think you would find some very interesting quality for the price.
A fan
Alicia Garijo
July 6, 2007

Kelly
I personally think the Marques Des Riscal is a pretty damn good wine for $10 bucks, that’s what a local shop has it at. I see the vegetal notes that you have, not the dentist office funk though. I thought the wine had a nice spice too it as well as a thick texture which was impressive with earth-forward fruit. I’,m not saying this is a great bottle, but it’s better than 75, I would say 85 at least. I think you were biased in this selection Gary, sadly it’s one of the first time I’ve seen this from you. I will be cracking another bottle soon to make sure I was right on this.
August 8, 2007

GrapeStuff
QOTD: Good call GV, the Marques de Riscal was the first Spanish wine I had. Impressive.
August 17, 2007

Brad M
You were totally right about the 2002 Marques Des Riscal (at least the bottle I got). It was one of the first wines I bought since I started watching your show. I hadn’t gotten to this episode yet and I bought the wine because it was the only Rioja that the nearest liquor store carried! I got the Riscal and a 2004 Louis Jadot Pinot Noir Bourgogne. Not going back there again!

I let the wine breathe for a couple hours to give it a fair chance. As I first smelled the bottle to check for any corkiness, I immediately shook my head and started laughing because it was so close to what you described. What a shame.
The 2002 Riscal I got did have that aniseptic, medical office odor about it. I was going into it with an open mind (and nose) and man, if you weren’t right on the money.
During tasting, I sensed a delayed and muted front end with almost no mid-palate whatsoever and not much of a finish, either. Really nothing there to hold onto at all. I could barely finish the amount I poured in the glass!

I’ll be treading a little more carefully from now on, especially considering the ridiculous markup in Brooklyn (and Manhattan).
Thanks again, Gary.
November 12, 2007

vivaitalia
Oh easy, my favorite spanish wine of all time is the ‘04 numanthia. I’ve never found such a pure, focused and structured wine (especially at $45). My next, probably the artadi sellecion especial. Spain is about 70% of what I drink right now, the qpr is unmatched,even of the high end. The campo viejo reserva rioja is an excellent entry level especially for the new world drinkers looking to expand their horizons (’02). People please don’t be discouraged by those crappy entry level wines, there are some stellar offerings from rioja in the 10-15 range.
November 12, 2007

vivaitalia
oh, and the riscal wasn’t the first spanish I had, it was the 01 termes (freaking awesome). Those two wines are terrible but the reservas of the caceras can be good, (00, 04)
July 13, 2008

daniel schlossberg
i had the marques de riscal, and it was gross, and i love rioja so i totally agree with garys comments. very madicinaly and laytexy from what i remember. NOT GOOD, and as i said i love rioja…
October 25, 2009

John J.
qotd next one i plan to try is the Tinto Pesquera Ribera del Duero ‘05

Gary, when do you plan on doin a vin jaune episode?
November 19, 2009

Mike in C-town
Catching up on this eoisode as I’m needing a Rioja fix. Interesting that you said 02 is the only vintage to avoid – and then have the 02 Marques de Riscal sitting right there on the table. As expected, it was horrible, but why go down that road if you already know it’s an awful vintage.

Anyway GV, four shows with rioja in them in 2008 and here we are in 2009 and not a one. Aren’t those 2004’s on the market? Hint, hint.

The 1998 MdR I’m drinking right now is very nice.

Rioja Wines – Episode #180

Wines tasted in this episode:

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