1964 Gomez Cruzado Honorable Gran Reserva Rioja

Gomez Cruzado is these days best known as the bodega, which is Lopez de Heredia's across the street neighbor. There is rarely any sign of activity in this building, and I hear that the current ownership still resides most of the year in Mexico. Having spoken to the few people who actually know their wines, I hear that the winery has had its ups and downs but that it currently makes pretty good stuff. In the 1960s, their wines were supposed to be quite good, though, and 1964 is a landmark Rioja vintage, arguably the most consistently great since the terrific vintages of the 1940's.This particular bottling came to us through our friendly Sonoma neighbors at the Rare Wine Company, who recently sourced several large collections of Rioja from cellars in the cool, damp, northerly climes of the Pais Vasco (Basque Country).Here is a great opportunity to taste one of the truly legendary vintages in the world of fine wine as it nears its 50th birthday. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)