Vina Izadi Rioja Crianza

[Innkeeper]

1999 Vina Izadi, Tinto Crianza, Rioja (DO). 100% tempranillo. This one ran $13 at Miranda’s Vineyard in the Portland Market; had asked Holly for a value in a nice Spanish wine, and she recommended this one. She was right on. Crianza means that it has been in barricas for at least 12 months. Rioja Risevras have to be in them for a minimum of three years. Frankly, a year is enough for me. The Crianzas almost exclusively are in Virginia oak, while the Riservas and better usually are in some French oak. I wonder is Horton puts their Norton in Virginia oak, as there seems to be some familial resemblance. It came from Alava, smaller than La Rioja, but still part of the Rioja DOC.

This one came across with overripe strawberries on the nose and upfront. Across the palate I tasted spices, some leather, and the vanilla from the oak. It had a lot of finesse and finished thoughtfully. I thoroughly enjoyed the last glass after dinner. Next time, I will probably pick up a box of it. Look for it.

Matched with grilled lamb sirloins in mint-lemon mayonnaise. http://www.wines.com/ubb2/Forum39/HTML/000508.html