RIOJA – VINTAGE UPDATE

 Just a quick update to the February blog on Riojas. In good years Rioja produces wines that can be aged for 20 years or more. Looking to the first decade of 2000, the 2009 vintage is drinking well already and for something special try 2001, 2004 or 2006.

 2001  drink soon       Fantastic vintage if you can find it

Classic Rioja wines: robust and round with balancing acidity . Reckoned to be the best vintage of the decade.                     

2004  drink soon       Excellent vintage which is still readily available

Well balanced wines with high alcohol and concentrated colour and aromas ideal for ageing.  

2006 drink soon       VG vintage

Good to very good vintage, with a moderate harvest securing good quality fruit and fresh, supple and crisp wines. Look out for some big, long-lived Crianzas.

2007  Variable          Inconsistent vintage with variable quality

Low yielding vintage saved by technical expertise and a long, dry, sunny harvest. Most consistent quality from Rioja Baja, with crisp, well-balanced, elegant wines.

2008 keep                 Good elegant vintage

Ripe, balanced, medium-boded red wines, with bright acidity.                                    

 2009 drink now /keep   VG for Crianzas and Reservas    

Quality is generally high, but high yields meant some early harvesting. A 'useful' vintage from a hot summer, drinking well just now.