This wine was the wine of the month and got a good write up so I thought I would give it a go … Crianza (Tempranillo by another name). I always expect these to be big wines. I decanted this one for 1/2 hour (an oversight) and it really needed an hour min, likely more like 1.5 hours. First taste out of the bottle was a strong alcohol flavor with lots of tannins but not a lot of fruit. It softened as it breathed with some of the harshness going away. Fruits became more evident as well. This wine is still young for my tastes and would not be my choice. While I would not rush to take it back, I would not be rushing to buy more. Both of the tasting notes below quite raved about this wine so I can only surmise it’s just not to my palette.
From the LCBO Web site:
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 VINTAGES 114835 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 19.95
Wine, Red Wine, 13.3% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Rioja, Spain By: Bodegas Altanza
Release Date: Mar 28, 2009
Tasting Note
The 2004 Lealtanza Crianza was sourced from 30-year-old [Tempranillo] vines and aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers a complex bouquet of cedar, tobacco, blackberry, and black cherry. Smooth-textured, ripe, and sweetly-fruited, this nicely balanced wine has excellent depth and length. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008)
Winecurrent.com said:
Lealtanza Crianza 2004 DOCa Rioja
13.5% alcohol This is a great value wine the Vintages panel has chosen as Wine of the Month. The nose is big and fruity with significant notes of tobacco and cigar box alongside black plum cherry vanilla pepper and eucalyptus. The first impression in the mouth is somewhat soft with refreshing acidity. As the wine washes over the palate the tannins increase in impact. With its medium-bodied frame this wine is relatively well balanced today and will reward three to five years cellaring. At this price buy some for now and a whole lot more for down the road. Enjoy with any manner of roasted game. (MT) (114835) $19.95 Rating 4.5/5
