2001 Bodegas Riojanas "Monte Real" Gran Reserva Rioja
SKU #1070532
92 points
John Gilman
It is interesting, as the 2011 Monte Real was probably raised in a bit less French oak than the 2004, but it shows a bit more of its cedary influence than the ’04, which is probably reflective of the French casks being a bit younger than they were in ’04. This was a ripe and very high quality vintage in Rioja and the Monte Real Gran Reserva shows lovely promise, with the nose offering up scents of black cherries, sweet dark berries, cigar smoke, dark soil tones, lovely Rioja spice tones, cloves, smoky US oak and quite a bit of cedary elements from the French casks also used in the elevage. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and complex, with a lovely base of soil, very good grip, moderate tannins and a long, vibrant and focused finish. This is very good and I may be underrating it just a touch, but I like the mix of US and French oak better in both the 1998 and 2004 vintages that flanked this very good 2001 in the tasting. But, the depth of fruit, soil drive and length here are first class.
(4/2020)
90 points
Wine Enthusiast
Smoky and earthy smelling, with aromas of tobacco, subtle spice and dried cherry. This feels tight, with more acidity than body at this point in its evolution. Flavors of dried raspberry, plum, earth and brown sugar are solid and classic. (MS)
(7/2012)
K&L Notes
Bodegas Riojanas is a very good and woefully underappreciated Rioja bodega making wines in a traditional style. The winery is most famous for their red wines, particularly their Viña Albina and Monte Real gran reservas. Monte Real consists of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano grapes all hand harvested from vineyards in the village of Cenicero. 24-30 months aging in American oak barrels is followed by another three years aging in bottle.
