Viñedos de Páganos Rioja La Nieta

This was a big disappointment, despite the fact that the wine is very good. But I drank 2005, 2009 and 2013 and all were fantastic. I have the impression, that cool, Atlantic year made a very serious wine anf slow ageing wine. It was definitely to young. I would proclaime it needs at least 5 more years.

Superb, outstanding wine! Plush, well integrated tannins, great structure and balance. A gold standard for Rioja wines! It is a shame I only had one bottle. :(

This 2007 Vintage was so smooth! Notes of deep plum, hint of leather, and absolute deliciousness!!

Enjoyable, but there is nothing distinctive about this wine to set it apart from other Riojas which cost much less. Earthy, with dark ripe blackberry and cherry framed by sweet oak tannins and a little acidity for balance. I don't see this improving much with age, so I can't justify buying more at auction unless it can be acquired for around $30 per bottle.

Opaque crimson color. Brooding nose of blackberries and cured meats. The palate is dominated by dark fruit, with moderate tannins. This finishes with flavors of licorice and a somewhat woody aftertaste. Very modern; not classical Rioja by any means. I find this rather overpriced at $100/bottle.

So far the most disappointing bottle. It may well be that it has entered a hibernation phase or has become somewhat disjointed as part of its maturation. Serious deep extracted dark red fruit, tawny wood and tannic notes, a rich feel but somewhat at 6s and 7s with itself. With time in the decanter, it got better not not more complex. It is interesting to follow the development of the over-the-top new world Riojas and Toros from the early 2000's. …

Whether one loves classic or new world Rioja, this is the pinnacle of the latter. Moving away from the hot and tannic into a medium retreat,leaving a wealth of rich palate coating deep dark old vine brambleberry , plum, cedar, raspberry and smokey fruit and a constant hint of complexity begging to emerge. This will last a long time. Drinkable as it ages but expect more complexity and some old wood tones to emerge in the next few years.

Drank at Iberica This is one of my favourite Rioja's. This really is a beauty. Amazing balance and finesse with an incredible length. Notes of cherries, dark fruit, leather and vanilla. I need to find some more now.

The second favorite at Richard's Rioja tasting. I really like this wine which was daaaark, cherries and black berries and plum and a balanced but changing palate from start to finish. Very different from other Riojas and worthy of its reputation.

A very impressive wine that is an explosion of cherry-led lush velvety fruit across the palate that marreis extraordinarily well with steak. Inital nose was minty but with decanting themint receded and the dark fruit and clay-like outer circle appeared. Crushed berries onthe nose, and , while not as complex a tempranillo as the Moro top wines, a wonderful experiecne

2011 Rioja Grand Tasting: 197 wines from 63 producers (Westin St. Francis, 32nd Imperial Floor, San Francisco, California) : Very dark purple red violet color; berry, plum nose; tasty, fresh, dense, berry, ripe plum palate; medium-plus finish

Eguren wines tasting with Marcos Eguren (Brussels) : Dark red colour, some purple notes. In the nose dark berries, tar, slightly sweetish and spicy impression. Slightly more than medium bodied, quite dark berries, very pronounced acidity, long aftertaste. 92-93 p. La Nieta shows darker aromas both compared to Amancio 2006 and Victorino 2008 when tasted alongside (a bit of a surprise for a Rioja) and clearly the highest acidity, but has less weight than those two. A very interesting combination. …

Highly touted and perhaps at the pinnacle of new age Rioja. The first 2 bottles I had were too alcohol driven.The third,after 3 hours of decanting,was truly the rich, dark cherry center, less smokey ring but definite clay and earthy feel, all balanced by gobs of dark fruit and a mellifluous feel. Full fruit from beginning to end of palate.Time will tell if the complexity is coming forth with 10+ years.

Aromatically - caramel, milk chocolate, and anise. On the palate a huge potential...benefit from decant has a little tannin to resolve.