1997 Rioja Vinas de Gain
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Tasting notes
1997 was a poor vintage in Rioja, yet Artadi has produced an elegant 1997 Crianza Vinas de Gain with notes of red cherries, peanut butter, and vanilla. It is a beautifully-etched, finesse-styled Crianza with sweet fruit, medium body, and fine length. Drink it over the next 3-5 years. ERIC SOLOMON, EUROPEAN CELLARS, 236 West 27 St., Room 801, New York, NY 10001; tel. (212) 924-4949; fax (212) 924-0567
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red-ruby color. Tangy, aromatic nose of black raspberry and French oak (40% new barrels were used in '97), plus an intriguing violet perfume. Juicy, fresh and penetrating, but a wine of only moderate flesh. Captivating flavors of dark berries, violet, bitter chocolate and flowers. A bit thin on the back end, which features light tannins. But enticingly fruity.
About the producer
Owner and winemaker Juan Carlos López de Lacalle is among an elite group of global vintners whose expertise creates wines that stand above others in their regions. Artadi produces refined Rioja in unoaked and oaked styles, including superb Reservas and single-vineyard wines such as Viña El Pisón.