Urbina Rioja Reserva Especial 2006
rioja,
spain
$90
We recently tried two of the latest Urbina releases: a 2004 Gran Reserva and this, the 2006 Reserva. This was our preference. Urbina is a fairly unique producer: they hold wine back in tank for a decade before bottling the wines. Then they have some time in bottle before hitting the market. So while the wines are released quite old, they have remarkable freshness as most of the aging is done in large volumes (resulting in the wine maturing quite slowly) as opposed to the speed in which wine ages in 750ml bottles. This wine is a great example of what they are trying to achieve: a wine exhibiting fantastic mature characteristics while also giving you freshness and vibrant primary fruit. The nose is slightly rustic and agricultural with dirt, chicken poo and brown spice intertwined between red berry, pomegranate and blood orange. Acid and tannin are only moderate, with worn brown leather softness to the mid-palate. All the best aspects of a mature Rioja are on show but with ample life in the wine to keep it exciting and lively. - Ches Cook, FWC.
Vintage
2006
Varietal
tempranillo
Region
rioja,
spain
