2009 Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja

2009 Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja

Looking at my drinking history of Vina Real, I just want to stress a fact, Spanish wines like this one can age a lifetime! The oldest I have drank was 1959, and felt super young! As a Gran Reserva, it was aged 2 years in oak and 3 years in bottle and sits on the highest hierarchy of Tempranillo Rioja quality. I do not know the reason why Tempranillo grapes can age so well, to me it’s just magic! This 2009’s bouquet was very compact fruity style, not overpowering fruits, just great but subdued power. A sip and the first impression was quite a lot of vanilla, and naturally American oak came into play. However, despite moderate amount of vanilla, the body was surprisingly balanced and really friendly and pleasant to drink, no lurking tannins and no harshness. Frankly, the price of Vina Real is really superb value, I must confess it’s cheap and good!