1995 Rioja Gran Reserva

Telmo Rodriguez is the brilliant winemaker/architect behind this wine. The 1995 Rioja appears to be the qualitative equivalent of the extraordinary 1994. It possesses a dense black/purple color, a rich, black raspberry, cassis, and jammy cherry-scented nose with hints of licorice and smoky oak, extraordinary flavor intensity, full body, sweet integrated tannin and acidity, and a blockbuster, sensational finish that lasts for 35 seconds. This is a terrific wine made from a blend of 80% Tempranillo, with the balance Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. It needs another 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink superbly through the first 10-12 years of the next century. Interestingly, winemaker Telmo Rodriguez obtained a degree in oenology from the University of Bordeaux, and lists on his resume experience at such blue blood estates as France's Cos d'Estournel, Domaine du Trevallon, Domaine J.L. Chave, Petrus, and California's Dominus. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (617) 461-5767