I have little experience with Tempranillo (or Temp based blends), but due to a recent discussion elsewhere on the board and my usually very good experiences with old Rioja, I want to start experimenting with them.
TN:
Bodegas Montecillo Gran Reserva Selección Especial 1982 Rioja 12,5% 55,10€ 100% Tempranillo according to the back-label
I recently bought this Montecillo. I was going to save it for my 25th b-day in a couple more months, but after a horrible day at work I needed something to cheer me up. This wine certainly did that.
This wine is like me and not only in its age: It is bright red (hmmmm, maybe I should cut down on the booze for a while?), mature but not browning. It seems to bit too voluptious and fleshy (yes, yes, cut down wine and go jogging a bit more for me too
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
) and very red-fruit forward with lovely mature and savoury tone to it. I love the bright citrussy aspect that the old Riojas I have had have - if you'll forgive a very personal descriptor, I find it is exactly the sensation of kumquat. The palate is big in its fruit, bright and red toned, with nice acidity keeping it refreshing and very moreish (yes, yes, I know VS said that the variety is notoriously low in acid, but I can only say what I perceive in the glass). Very nice. I did prefer the more savoury, less fruity notes of a recent Monte Real 1981 (it was 20€ cheaper, too!), but even this very fruity example was a lovely old Rioja. Must try to get a couple more if stocks last and my cash flow increases.
-O-
I don't drink wine because of religious reasons ... only for other reasons.