Mature Rioja tasting with some additions

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve

Towards straw yellow. 2013 base. Apples, lemons, some citrus, nutes, brioche, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, apples, detailed, lovely mousse, has aged very gracefully, long. 90

1978 La Rioja Alta Reserva 904

 Dead.

 

1975 La Rioja Alta Reserva 904

 Dead.

 

1990 La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva

Bright ruby, brick rim. Light nose of wild strawberries and forest floor. Fresh acidity, soft tannins, anise, some figs, again wild strawberries, some liquorice, light bottle but charming. 90

 

1993 La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva

Bright ruby, brick rim. Earthy, anise, dates, wood polish nose. Fresh acidity, light bodied, anise, red berries, some liquorice, good length. 89

 

1982 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890

Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Exotic spices, liquorice, nuanced, floral, strawberries, detailed nose, a beauty.Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, elegant texture, bright, detailed, lovely balance, long. 93

 

1964 Faustino 1 Gran Reserva

Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Raspberries, red berries, detailed, nuanced, bright, detailed, spices, layered nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins and few of them, detailed, juicy, nuanced, bright, very clear expression, long. 94

 

1981 Contino Cosecha

Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Exotic spices, dates, detailed, liquorice, leather, strawberries, sus bois nose, black tea, scented and lifted. Fresh acidity, smooth, nuanced, detailed, bright, elegant, layered, stunning balance, liquorice, soft red and figs fruit, layered and long. A beauty! Once again! 96

2009 Robert Weil Rheingau Riesling Kabinett

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, some petroleum, minerals, fruit driven, yellow apples nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, apples, elegant body and texture, a smooth Riesling, good length. Lovely maturity, but no hurry. 89

 

2005 Niepoort Vintage Port

Ruby. Blackberries, dark fruits, liquorice, very fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, detailed, fruit forward, juicy, lighter bodied and finish, long. 91

 

 Van Zeller 20 Years Old Tawny

Amber with ruby core. Dried fruits, anise, liquorice, dried apricots, figs and dates nose. Fresh acidity, dried fruits, anise, figs, dates, liquorice, long if narrow finish. Bottle bought in 2018 by the collector. Tasted in 2024, so some six years of storage minimum after bottling. 89