Roda I Reserva 2017

Roda I Reserva Rioja, Spain, 2017      

Grapes: 90% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 4% Garnacha. Bush vines over 30 years old. Hand harvested. Egg white clarification. 16 months' ageing in barrels (50% each in new & second use French oak) and 20 months cellaring in bottle.

The 2017 vintage was a difficult one, affected by severe drought and frost, limiting yield from the vines.

Producer Tasting Note: 

Colour: Intense and bright, with a high layer, cherry red background and red rim.

Nose: The complexity of the aromas and the quality are surprising. Excellent nose. There is a superposition of aromatic layers that express themselves. The oak is very discreet, always holding the fruit and the spicy notes. The layer of fruit aromas is abundant, with a clear profile of black fruits, highlighting black plum and blueberries. In the layer of spices there is a play of cloves, black pepper and a light touch of cinnamon. In the background, details of very subtle white flowers can be seen. The aroma of the moist earth, which brings mineral memories, mixes with that of the cocoa in a really pleasant aromatic layer.

Palate: It has good volume with a nice touch. The tannin is present, but it is very fine, of great quality. The fruit character with a black profile stands out in the palate and plum is the protagonist. There is a slightly bitter note, like that of the stone of the fruit, very pleasant, which gives personality to the whole.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Colour: cherry, purple rim; Aroma: creamy oak, ripe fruit, wild herbs, sweet spices; Flavour: balanced, good acidity, fruity, good finish"

94/100 points, GUIA PENIN (Spain), May 2021

Also rated 94/100 points by James Suckling (USA) and 93/100 points by Tim Atkin MW (UK) 

Serve at room temperature with venison medallions and puréed winter root vegetables.