1964 R. López de Heredia Vina Bosconia Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 1964 Vina Bosconia is slightly more succulent but otherwise similar to its sibling. Both wines are fully intact with many years of life ahead. A visit to the venerable Bodega Lopez de Heredia, located in the Rioja Alta capital of Haro, is akin to entering a time machine taking you back 100 years. Construction of the Bodega began in 1877 and continues without any apparent changes to the present day. The winery is operated by the voluble Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia, her sister Mercedes, and their father Pedro, still active into his 80s. All of the wines are produced from estate grown bush vines. Tondonia and Bosconia are two different vineyards; Bosconia has a larger percentage of Tempranillo and a different orientation. For an excellent overview of the estate, read Eric Asimov’s blog in the New York Times dated August 11, 2009. Importers: Think Global, Santa Barbara, CA and Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404
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Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
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The tasting concluded with a series of wines from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, although the two 1976 Gran Reservas turned out to be pretty hard to top. As is to be expected, the 1964 Viña Bosconia Gran Reserva is the most mature of these Bosconias. Although it opens with an evolved, ethereal nose of leather, cocoa, licorice and cedar it is more youthful on the palate where it offers layers of sweet dark fruit, excellent length and outstanding overall balance.