WTN: 1975 Rioja

As promised in tonight's chat


1975 Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva Marques de Villamagna - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (8/24/2008)
Decent level, just into the neck of the bottle. Cork stained about 2/3 of the way up. Not decanted.

Very aromatic on opening, with some barrel influence together with more plum & a touch of strawberry on the nose.

Initially the palate was a little thin and insubstantial, but the wine was only just up from ~ 12-13C cellar temperature. In time it opened out with the lean frame filling out nicely with cherry & other red fruits. Just a hint of straw on the finish, but that aside it had an elegant and quite long finish, with relatively refreshing acidity.

Enjoyable and still very much alive.

regards

Ian

Sounds good, Ian. Intriguing that it held so well.

I associate Campo Viejo with mediocre wines at best. Did they have a different reputation back then?

Jan-Tore
I've no idea - agree I wouldn't choose a Campo Viejo normally, but do like sampling reasonably priced older bottles. This appears to be their top bottling (around £15-20 on release).
I've no info on previous reputation, though being relatively light, I doubt this was seen as a prestige label back then.
regards
Ian

I also had no idea Campo Viejos had the ability to age like this. But such wines are some of the most joyful surprises, imo. I love old Riojas - thanks for the note, Ian!

-O