Lealtanza Reserva Selección 2007, DOCa Rioja, Spain

 

This wine is 100% Tempranillo with maturation taking place in French oak (1-2 years old barrels) for 18 months with a further 3 months in French oak vats with alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

This wine opened up with a very attractive aromas of blackberry, wild strawberry, savoury spices, vanilla and spicy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with ripe fruit and sweet oak flavours, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. This wines finish is long, creamy, flavourful and wraps up with a little tartness and light tannins. This wine is very enjoyable, made with a crowd pleasing style that represents a very good value. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased December 8, 2012 LCBO New Release (208223) at $19.95

Lealtanza Reserva 2005, Rioja, Spain

Lealtanza Reserva 2005 is 100% Tempranillo grapes, fermented using natural yeast, aged entirely in French oak for 18 months than a further 18 months in bottle before release. A nice exotic bouquet on this Rioja with aromas of ripe berry fruit, Asian spices, soft leather and old wood notes. On the palate, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5 %), spicy red and black fruit, good acidity and velvet tannins. This wine finish is long, very smooth and somewhat spicy. This is a nice bottle of Rioja for fans of the more traditional style with good value for money. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased May 26, 2012 LCBO New Release (276097) at $19.95