1996 El Pison Riserva
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Tasting notes
Spectacular is the limited production 1996 Vina El Pison. Fashioned from a vineyard planted in 1931 on pure limestone, this wine is outrageously rich, complex, and profound. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of sweet black fruits, vanillin, flowers, and minerals. There are layers of fruit, great flavor extraction, unbelievable finesse, complexity, and elegance. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Full-bodied and super-concentrated, this compelling Rioja will be at its peak between 2002-2025. Sadly, only 300 six packs were exported to the United States, but it is well-worth seeking out. ERIC SOLOMON, EUROPEAN CELLARS, 236 West 27 St., Room 801, New York, NY 10001; tel. (212) 924-4949; fax (212) 924-0567
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Saturated full ruby. Knockout nose combines roasted black raspberry, blackberry, violet, mocha, dark chocolate and smoky oak; a lovely combination of floral and torrefaction notes. Superripe, dense and very rich; the sweet fruit flavors retain a sappy, snappy character. A chewy, bright wine that already shows terrific incipient complexity. Finishes with thick tannins and superb fruit. One barely feels the 13.5% alcohol.
Saturated full ruby. Knockout nose combines roasted black raspberry, blackberry, violet, mocha, dark chocolate and smoky oak; a lovely combination of floral and torrefaction notes. Superripe, dense and very rich; the sweet fruit flavors retain a sappy, snappy character. A chewy, bright wine that already shows terrific incipient complexity. Finishes with thick tannins and superb fruit. One barely feels the 13.5% alcohol.
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.