La Rioja Alta Tasting

I have to say this is better than some of the fellow wine educators tastings that they charge $50 or more for! I enjoyed sampling these wines at Haskell’s in Minnetonka and a few of the members on my Twin Cities Wine Tasting were there to share the gems.  I found a really good Albarino which was the star of the show for the price point at $17 a bottle.

Here is what you missed for the low cost of $0 dollars.

2017 Lagar de Cervera Albariño Rías Baixas – Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas
Here we go. I ow there are some really good Albarino’s out there and this is one of them. Laser focused acidity. Floral, spice, stone fruit and minerals. Medium plus finish and complex wine. Excellent value! (91 pts.)

2014 Torre de Oña Rioja Finca San Martin Crianza – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
Lots of oak which gets in the way of the fruit. Earth and a buttery finish. Just needs time and hopefully it will settle down. Drink 2021 and beyond. (85 pts.)

2012 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Alberdi Reserva – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
Really liked this wine. Juicy fruit, wood, subtle dill and leather. Really dry wine and classic Rioja style. Drink now to 2024. (90 pts.)

2009 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Arana Reserva – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
Balanced wine with wood, leather, raspberries and a nice rustic edge to it. Very dry style like the 2012 and medium finish. Good acidity and well made wine. Drink now to 2023. (91 pts.)

2008 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
Leather, mineral, spice, wood and cherry. Quite balanced and showing well again tonight. This wine is hitting its peak. While aging is an option it is drinking great right now. Drink now to 2020. (92 pts.)

2007 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
2nd time sampling this wine in the past 2 weeks. Dill, bright fruits, wood, leather and soy. Complex and packed with potential. This showing was not as good as the last time I had it. Hold for a few years or give it a heavy decant. Drink 2020 to 2030. 91+ (91 pts.)

These wines are from Bourget Imports one of the top wine distributors in the Twin Cities run by Annette Peters who is knowledge and enjoyable to chat with.

Cheers!