1994 Bodegas Montecillo Gran Reserva Rioja

[dananne]

This was a WS 91 and a top 100 pick a few years ago. The other two bottles I had were thin and dilute, with possible cork problems on both. This one was fine, however. In fact, even after an hour in the decanter, it was nowhere near ready.

Cherry-strawberry nose and like flavors, with leather and prickly tannins. A slight grassy component on the finish, somewhat odd for a red. A touch of heat present on the finish, too, though the alc. isn't high (13%).

I only had 3, so they're gone now. If I had more, I'd let them sit 3-5 more to see what develops. Not disappointing, but I can think of more enjoyable experiences from Gran Reservas from the '94 vintage. The Murrieta '94 Ygay Gran Reserva, for example, is stellar. Paid $20 locally for this one, and that was probably a good value.

[wondersofwine]

The Muja '94 Gran Reserva was also very good. I tried it at an offline wine gathering.