Montecillo Gran Reserva

[PinotEnvy]

Somebody recently gave me a bottle of 1998. I am wondering how long this bottle can sit. Is it something that needs to be drank sooner or can it be enjoyed later?

Thanks.

[TheEngineer]

I wouldn't worry too much about that PE. That particular bottle is a rioja and when Rioja's have a Gran Reserva on the label, it means that they have spent a minimum of two years in the tank and three years in the bottle for a total minimum of five years. The 1998 is a relatively recent release that is ready to drink when released but can stand a bit more bottle time. I'm drinking my 94's and 96's now with the occasional 98. The current vintage that I see in stores for Montecillo Gran Reserva is 2000 moving onto 2001. The bottle is typically around $25 usd.

[wondersofwine]

Echoing the engineer, some '98 Gran Reservas are ready for drinking now but can probably last another 3-5 years at least. For the most part, I prefer the 94's and 95's now but have had at least one '98 that was fully ready to drink.

[AltaJoe]

Don't forget the '96. Especially from the Ribera Del Duero.

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[PinotEnvy]

Thanks everybody. I'll cellar it for a few years then. Even though it can be opened now, the recomendation seem to be it'll be even better in 2012 or so.

[newsguy]

thought i had posted this here, but apparently did not. this is my tasting note, originally posted on another forum, from an offline in Dec. 2006. this was one of the bottles i brought, and ended up being a few folks' WOTN.

98 Bodegas Montecillo Gran Reserva: Very obviously different from the previous bottle (95 vintage of the same bottling), which was reddish in color going slightly orange at the rim. This wine was much darker in color, with a much bigger nose that screamed of French oak. Bigger fruit (red & dark), plus a touch of black pepper, with perfect balance (good acidity, soft tannin) and a long, expanding finish. Great concentration. Will probably improve for a few more years, then hold for a decade, but why wait? I will buy more and drink up over the 2-3 years. 92+ points.

[TheEngineer]

Gotta love that philosophy (sp?)!!! Consume now love it, buy more age it and love it later!!