Baron de Ley Rioja Reserva 2004
As far as recent Rioja vintages go, 2004 rivals the powerful, structured 2001 for quality, and both are comparable with ‘94 and ‘96, Rioja’s two best vintages of the 1990s. That’s why we’re so excited to get our hands on the Baron de Ley for this month’s club.
Baron de Ley is unique because Reserva and Gran Reserva are the focus. The Imas Estate, on the banks of the River Ebro, was acquired in the early 1980s. The intent was producing wines of exceptional quality, with a Bordeaux model in mind. The estate, complete with ancient vineyards, also included a 16th century Benedictine monastery, which today serves as both headquarters and wine cellar. The new owners planted 90 hectares of vines, the majority being Tempranillo. Although only established in 1985, they have already earned a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in all of Rioja.
The 2004 Reserva spent 30 months in new American oak barriques, with medium toast, followed by 24 months in bottle. Deep, bright red in color with cherry-vanilla, cola and exotic oak spices on the nose. A traditional style of Rioja, with lots of lush, creamy oak character, sweet cherry and red berry flavors and supple texture
Wine Advocate
Baron de Ley’s crimson-colored 2004 Reserva is 100% Tempranillo aged in American oak. It gives up aromas of cedar, spice box, mineral, tobacco, and blackberry leading to a sweetly-fruited, elegant, already complex, velvety-textured wine that will provide pleasure for another 10 years. It is an excellent value in traditional Rioja from a great vintage.
Score: 90.
—Jay Miller,
April
2010.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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