94-Point 2016 Vintage Rioja Classic for $17.99!
There simply is no shortcut for age! A revered wine importer once told us that there are only two regions in the world that age their wine for you, Rioja and Champagne. And, this industry veteran went on to explain, only Rioja does not charge for the privilege.
Earning 94 Points from Wine Enthusiast, today's 2016 vintage Rioja Gran Reserva is soft and nuanced with a harmony of fruit and savory elements that comes only with time in the bottle.
Both Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator quote it at $55. Typical retail is in the $25 to $32 range. We bring it to you for just $17.99. Read on for the details, then hit down hard on the Green Button below to get in on the fun!
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2016 Bodegas Olarra "Clásico" Gran Reserva
La Rioja, Rioja, Spain
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From a vintage characterized by Wine Spectator as one of the three greatest of the century, the 2016 Bodegas Olarra "Clásico" was raised in a variety of new and neutral oak vessels for 24 months before being bottled and allowed an additional six-plus years rest in bottle.
Now drinking with the softness, integration and texture that only age can bring, it offers classic markers of macerated strawberry, truffle, tangerine zest, dark plum, coconut oil rubbed on fresh leather, dried black cherry, tobacco, roast chicory, cardamom and cedar along with medium-plus acidity that keeps every taste fresh.
Having been bottled up for so many years, you'll want to give this blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 5% Garnacha and 5% Graciano a quick decant or at least twenty minutes in a glass to allow it to stretch its legs. Then sit back and enjoy the nuance and finesse of mature wine that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!
“Aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and red currant excite your nose in this enticing Rioja wine. It has flavors of ripe red plum, black raspberry and cassis all wrapped in silky soft tannins. The finish is long-lasting and there's a splash of bright acidity in the post palate.”
- 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast (10/1/2023)
“A medium- to full-bodied red, with hints of cured tobacco, iron and smoke serving as a savory thread that winds through macerated cherry and dried cranberry fruit flavors. This version is enlivened by balsamico acidity and framed by creamy, sculpted tannins. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2029. 4,500 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.”
- 90 Points, Wine Spectator (3/31/2024)
“Intense oak spice, wood and coconut scents. Tangy and nervy in the mouth with red berry fruits, well-judged tannins and a long finish. Quite complex.”
- 91 Points, Decanter (2022)
Liquid velvet this one, a lack of hard edges allows it to pair with a wide swath of dishes from simple lamb and pork preparations to highly seasoned dishes from Morocco or India. It'll even keep the show going through a post-dinner hunk of Manchego.
The $55 release price quoted by the media seems a bit high, but there's absolutely no argument to be had at eighteen bucks!
Release Price: $55Vin Chicago Blowout Price: 17.99
