Burgo Viejo "Licenciado" Reserva Rioja 2016
There’s something so sensual about Tempranillo from this famed region, and the fact that you can find exceptional wines on the cheap is the best part.
Burgo Viejo is a property shared by six families, all with an outstanding commitment and ability to produce fantastic wines from their hometown of Rioja. This wine is full-bodied, with a dense and dark personality, rich in fruit, minerals and spice.
What’s not to love?!?!?
A dark core of spiced black and red cherries, spiced cocoa, peppercorns, baking spice, vanilla, sandalwood, savory herbs, crushed minerals, and warm earth make for a wine that is an absolute pleasure to imbibe, with a texture so divine that you’ll be praying to whichever deity you covet and thanking them for bringing this wine into your universe.
Talk about praying at the Rioja altar!
The palate is other worldly, delivering garnet waves of fruit and spice with supple tannins that is downright gulpable!
Yes… gulpable!
Rich enough to pair with a hearty stew or meat off the grill, yet supple enough to enjoy with tapas, or dare we say it, by itself!
95 Points. Under $20!
What are you waiting for?!?!?!
Bodegas Burgo Viejo is the property of six farming families and comprises more than 200ha of vineyards in the Rioja Oriental region, from where the more full-bodied styles of Rioja are produced (see ‘Regional Profile’, p42). Historically, the bodegas sold their high-quality grapes to neighbouring wineries, until the arrival of the young winemaker Gorka Etxebarria, who saw the potential for them to produce excellent wines themselves. Tempranillo is a firm favourite for this producer, despite Garnacha being the most widely planted grape in the area, and they certainly make a success of it, going by the many accolades they have received over the years. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Distinctly pure, vivid reserva, precise style: limpid fruit, brisk acidity, notable but well balanced oak. Classic. Simon Field MW: Intense colour, powerful aromas of tar and blue fruit; minty savoury, rich, lifted and long; an impressive reserva statement of intent. Pierre Mansour: Classy, spicy black fruit, full, round, generous – depth yet beautifully balanced, very classy, effortless. Drinking Window 2020 - 2026
Vinous
Spice-laced cherry, black raspberry, vanilla and tobacco aromas show very good clarity and pick up a hint of smokiness as the wine stretches out. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense dark berry, floral pastille, cola and vanilla flavors sharpened by a subtle peppery nuance. Shows impressive energy and minerally thrust on the persistent finish, which is given shape by smooth, harmonious tannins.