2001 Rioja Reserva
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The “regular” 2001 Reserva is super fragrant and becoming approachable. Dense, sweet, harmonious, and altogether charming, this is a great wine that will continue to evolve for a few more years and which should drink well for another 25. Bodegas Fernando Remirez de Ganuza is one of Rioja’s benchmark estates. It encompasses about 132 acres located in four regions of Alava Rioja planted to approximately 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. The winery itself is located in the village of Samaniego. Upon my arrival at the Bodega in May 2010, I discovered a surprise. In addition to a vertical tasting of all the Reservas, Senor Remirez had prepared a similar vertical of Trasnocho, a wine that has never been exported to the USA. With all due respect, the greatest vintages from Bodegas Fernando Remirez de Ganuza in my opinion are 2004 and 2001. Trasnocho is Fernando Remirez de Ganuza’s take on a more contemporary style. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2001 Fincas de Ganuza Reserva is the product of a far better vintage. The color is deeper and more vibrant than the 2000, the aromatics more complex and expansive. There are splendid scents of cedar, lead pencil, black currants, and blackberry liqueur followed by a youthful palate impression of intense, sweet fruit and ripe tannins. The wine is balanced and very long. It can be drunk now but should evolve for several more years and last through 2020. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
Bright, saturated medium ruby. Sexy aromas of blueberry, licorice and dark chocolate, with a light gaminess adding complexity. Impressively sweet, dense and rich, with sappy, mouth-staining flavors of black fruits, spices and licorice perfectly framed by superb acids. Large-scaled and full, with terrific purity and verve. Finishes with firm but utterly suave tannins and outstanding length. This very youthful Rioja should develop spectacularly over the next decade or more.