Get to know: Bodegas Ollauri, Conde de los Andes Rioja Tinto 2004
Tasting Note
2004 was one of those book additions in Rioja. And this wine reflects it, with the addition of a long and slow maturation. The result is dazzling: the definition of finesse, that sum between warmth and freshness, between power and pleasure, that only great wines of great years can achieve. Aromas are ripe and complex with balsamic, dry tomato, spices, licorice, smoke, black and red fruits, like strawberry and black cherry. Extraordinarily smooth, complex but well balanced on the palate. Cherry, dried red fruit, tobacco, oak, vanilla and fig. Nice smooth tannins, low acidity. Simply wonderful.
Try this with a rack of lamb.
Kate Says
"At 19 years old it’s very much alive and well, and oh so beautiful. Complex with an array of aromas from fresh and ripe strawberries, stewed strawberries, layers of spices, traces of nuttiness and dried figures... A wine to plan the ultimate dinner party around."
Producer Info
Bodegas Ollauri-Conde de los Andes sits in the heart of Rioja Alta and boasts the most stunning (15th century) cellars you're ever likely to see. The wines though are bold and modern, and nicely complimented by a plethora of older vintage gems they have to hand.
In an impressive network of cellars with names like ‘Los Candiles', ‘Los Gallegos’ or ‘De la Flor’, at a depth of 40 metres, lie wines from vintages ranging from 1892 to 2019.
This kilometre, which holds the histories of centuries-old wineries, is the result of their commitment to renovating the cellars, maintaining the historic vintages and making wine in the winery.
More than 450,000 bottles are stored there, of which 40,000 are from before the 1970s.
Their wines do not use the traditional naming conventions based on age and are instead released when Bodegas Ollauri believe they are ready.
Spain,
Rioja
Tempranillo
75cl
Lamb
Medium Bodied