2004 Bodegas Puelles Reserva Rioja

SKU #1072533 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2004 Reserva delivers Asian spices, leather, lavender, mineral notes, and blackberry liqueur. Very concentrated, layered, and plush (a common characteristic in the great 2004 vintage), it will continue blossoming for another 2-3 years and provide prime drinking from 2013 to 2024. (90+) (4/ 2010)

Wine Spectator

This aromatic wine exudes floral, tobacco and spice notes, which follow through on the palate, with plum, raisin and cedar flavors. Firm, light tannins and orange peel acidity give balance to this traditional red. Drink now through 2014. (6/ 2012)

K&L Notes

Jesús Puelles is one of the most talented vignerons in Rioja. Hailing from a long line of vineyard worker/owners, Puelles knows the terruño in his little slice of land in the Rioja Alta town of Abalos. Nearly all of the grapes for his red wines come from his own 26 hectares, which are generally north facing and located between 300 and 600 meters in altitude, all within the village of Abalos, very rare in a region where sourcing from various villages and even sub-zones is more the norm. Produced from estate grown Tempranillo, with a touch of Garnacha and Graciano, this Reserva shows more blackberry fruit aromas than the Crianza. Every bit as focused and pure tasting as the Crianza, this Reserva also ratchets up the fruit intensity as well as the minerality. While the wine is delicious now, it has a lot of structure (very typical for the terrific 2004 vintage) and should age nicely for years to come. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)