1998 Rioja Vinas de Gain
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Tasting notes
No one produces more complex, concentrated, ageworthy Riojas than Artadi. Readers who are unable to locate and afford their two expensive cuvees should check out the 1,500 cases that made it to the United States of the sensational 1998 Vinas de Gain. A selection from three hillside parcels where the vines average 40 years, and are bottled after 18 months in French oak (no filtration), it is an elegant, stylish effort with terrific fruit, a sweet, complex nose of black cherries, minerals, lead pencil, spice box, and vanilla. Made from 100% Tempranillo, it possesses an impressive texture, medium to full body, and beautiful balance as well as purity. It is a wine to drink now and over the next 10-12 years. For $18.00, it is a superb value. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
No one produces more complex, concentrated, ageworthy Riojas than Artadi. Readers who are unable to locate and afford their two expensive cuvees should check out the 1,500 cases that made it to the United States of the sensational 1998 Vinas de Gain. A selection from three hillside parcels where the vines average 40 years, and are bottled after 18 months in French oak (no filtration), it is an elegant, stylish effort with terrific fruit, a sweet, complex nose of black cherries, minerals, lead pencil, spice box, and vanilla. Made from 100% Tempranillo, it possesses an impressive texture, medium to full body, and beautiful balance as well as purity. It is a wine to drink now and over the next 10-12 years. For $18.00, it is a superb value. Aug 2001, www.robertparker.com
Bright medium ruby. Aromas of currant, licorice, graphite and charred oak. Lively and light on its feet, with firm acids and modest density. Should make a nifty little food wine.
About the producer
Owner and winemaker Juan Carlos López de Lacalle is among an elite group of global vintners whose expertise creates wines that stand above others in their regions. Artadi produces refined Rioja in unoaked and oaked styles, including superb Reservas and single-vineyard wines such as Viña El Pisón.