2009 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Rioja Gran Reserva – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (8/5/2018)
Day 1: I already know this is a 3 day wine review as it is young for a Gran Reserva. Oak, black currants, licorice, tobacco and mint. Medium plus finish and good concentration. There is a lot to this wine and will need some additional ageing. Had I brought my phone into the shop probably would not have bought but glad I got 4 bottles of this for $20 a piece. Look forward to day 2. 90 plus
Day 2: Toned down a bit with the bigger fruits I got on day 1. Oak is still there but adds to the wine and also getting smoke, tobacco, leather and mint. This is really nice on day 2 and better than 1. Excited for day 3. 91 points
Day 3: Much more traditional in style. Coffee beans, tobacco, subtle oak, red currants mint and earth. Medium finish and average acidity. 91 to 93.
Recommendation: This wine needs about 3 more years. While I enjoyed it up front it is a little big for a Rioja wine and time will settle this down. (91 points)