Marques de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 1998

Aroma: Fleeting aroma of raisiny fruit spreading over a balsamic base with oak coming through.
Color: Dominated by a red colour with a slight hint of brick red.
Palate: Intense balsamic attack on the front part of the palate. No further sensation but a remaining tingle of tannin around the edge of the tongue and intense roasted coffee underneath it. Very prolonged, lingering sensations.

In the production of gran reserva wines, Riscal uses grapes from old vines over 30 years of age, either from its own production or acquired from reliable local wine growers. Having selected the wine for gran reserva, following the unification of the vintage, the wine passes to American oak barrels where it will remain for between two and a half and three years, plus a further three years in bottle before its release onto the market.

1. Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva 2001
2. Chateau Lassegue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2003
3. Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2003

1. Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Reserva 2001
2. Vega Sindoa Cabernet-Tempranillo 2005
3. Marques de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 1998

1. Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
2. Robert Mondavi Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
3. Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages 2003