We just got back from a trip to Rioja and the concierge at our hotel told us we should take a tour at Remirez De Ganuza. Nice place. EXTREMELY clean (which differs from a lot of Rioja wineries with their cobwebs all over the bottles). I think we tasted the 2003 and it was nice. They make a ‘Trasnocho’ that they aren’t exporting that is even better.

QOTD: We brought a bottle of 2003 Justin Isosceles to a restaurant we visit often and the sommelier (who we know well) told us they have the 2002 by the half bottle. We hesitated a little since we drove, but then I said – we can cork them and take them home so let’s try it. It was wonderful to experience the differences (they were vastly different) and the evening was just that much more memorable. We shared some of both with our server and the sommelier.

Its amazing how the same vineyard cna produce such different wines in different years. QOTD: too new to wine to comment.

Great concept! QOTD: Never tried it before, but im thinking about it now if I can find some moderate wines.

QOTD: I have done this twice.
1st – At Silver Oak, we did a vertical tasting from 1997 – 2004. It was an awesome experience. The variation from year to year was astounding. 2001, and 2002 were the highlights for me. You might have thought that all of them were over oaked but hey, its in the name, you get what you pay for, and I happen to love some of their efforts.
2nd – In tuscany we went to a place called “Casa Emma” which you reviewed on your show, and loved. We had the 2000, 2001, 2002 Chiantis and they were totally different. I loved the 2001, but the 2000 got much better reviews and scores. Different strokes for different palates.
Vertical tasting is soo much fun

QOTD: Tried the 01 and 02 Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva this year, the 01 was a bit fresher but the 02 was still very good, not a massive difference.

Enjoy wines from Spain.. QOTD-Bottle Shock own DVD, 2005/05 Punto Final Rererva Malbec, 2005 was much better. http://www.winelx.com

Try it again – I think the 2002 is a very underrated vintage. The wines have aged beautifully and have an almost sophisticated, very complex aura about them. Well, I don’t want to sound detached but I’m absolutely sure the 2002 wines, Aalto, Mauro, Flor de Pingus and this RdG Reserva, are worth another try.
Let’s have another episode on them ;-))