Viña Ijalba Rioja Crianza

Very acidic and unbalanced. Completely unlike the previous bottles we've had (bought at the same time and stored together in our cellar), which were quite good. Disappointing to encounter this level of bottle variation.

2005 Ijalba, Rioja, 13%abv, Organic, Tempranillo 90%, Graciano 10% Ruby red with pink rim. Nose: Prominent oak spice, vanilla, slight tar with a distinctive blackcurrant, strawberry jam and a Christmas cake spice like nutmeg. Palate: Ripe tannins, chalky minerality. Rich bitter black cherry fruit and strawberry jam. Leather, vanilla and nutmeg secondary notes. Typical Rioja oaky presence but not dominant. Rich silky mouth feel. Great balance and complexity. Long lingering spice finish. Good to Exceptional Quality

Rioja Wine Trade Tasting (Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California) : Expressive berry, baked berry nose; tart berry, graphite palate; medium finish