2006 Bodegas RODA Reserva Rioja

The grapes for RODA are carefully selected from more than 20 meticulously supervised vineyard blocks spread out amongst Rioja's best terroirs. Each vintage only the best 17 blocks are chosen to be vinified for the reserva, which ensures superior grape quality. This particular vintage is composed of 81% Tempranillo, 14% Graciano, and 5% Garnacha. The wine was aged in French oak (50% new) for a period of 16 months and then it was also held back in bottle for an additional 20 months prior to release.

Immediately on the nose I get wonderful aromas of dark black cherry and unsweetened coco powder. There are also some very nice spice and oak aromas that are accompanied by hints of black plum and dried wildflowers. It's a very pretty bouquet that opens up in the glass and becomes more and more perfumed as the wine evolves. The red fruit character really starts to burst on the nose after about 20 minutes in the glass.

On the palate this wine is rich and full-flavored and displays beautiful flavors of black cherry, tart red currant, red raspberry, cedar-spice, and hints of dark chocolate.

I really like the finesse of this wine and the fact that it has perfect balance. The oak is very much present, but it doesn't overpower the fruit. To me this is extremely key when speaking of reserve Rioja, because I don't think I'm alone in stating that many reserve Rioja's tend to be on the woody and oaky side because of their extended barrel aging that is required by law.

This wine also has very sharp acid and firm tannins which makes it appear to be very age worthy. It has great balance, intense and delicious fruit, and is powerfully structured! 94 points

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