Ramon Bilbao, Gran Reserva, Rioja

Part of a mixed Rioja lot. Top shoulder fill. Pnp. Transparent, light garnet in the glass only very slight bricking towards the rim. Fine wood spices and a touch of animal notes on the nose, soft and round but quite precise on the palate, tannins completely resolved. Sweet, medium (-) finish. Very pretty, fully mature Rioja. My wife guessed mature Burgundy.

Another spoiled bottled courtesy of WineBid. I have two bottles left of other wines which I purchased from WineBid, and I expect both to be bad. No more WineBid for me.

90% Tempranillo 7% Mazuelo 3% Graciano Dark red colour with browning rim, showing some age Tobacco and leather on the nose, still fruity if not that fresh On the palate there's a little VA, then some ripe fruit. Quite soft, very little tannin left. LEather and tobacco on the finish. Mellow and pleasant but lacking intensity. Fruit tasting a bit stewed. Don't think this has the bone for longer ageing Enjoyable now but wouldn't keep.

Its not disgustin, green, or anything. but it tastes like rum. Not like a rioja at all. MY wife also said "rum??" after one sip. very sweet.

Very pretty nose, sweet pipe tobacco. Quite delicious. Savory notes with big red and blue fruit. Excellent

The wine is clear and bright with a deep garnet colour. The nose is clean and developing, showing medium+ intensity aromas of strawberry, dark plums, dark cherries, cedar, coconut, coffee and hints of liquorice and lavender. The wine is dry in the mouth with a medium acidity. It has medium+ firm fine-grained tannins and a medium+ alcohol. It has a medium+ body and medium+ intensity flavours. The finish is medium+. It is a very good quality wine. The finish is …

Surprisingly buttery and soft, earthy tobacco on the finish

Opened this up and let it air out for about an hour. I compared this with my tasting notes of the 2005 and this is certainly more fruity. The 05 had wood notes on the nose, here I get more red berries and a little peppery spice. I take a sip and that's when the wood notes make themselves known but very subtle, it's a good and full bodied but not too bold. This is very food friendly, I paired …

Historical Ramón Bilbao Tasting (Plus another unexpected back to 80s supper at Garcia de la Navarra) (Bodega Santa Cecilia - Madrid) : At this stage, hurray for the beavers! Potential but for the next 2033 or so En este momento sólo puedo decir, ¡vivan los castores! Tiene potencial pero para el 2033 o así.

Historical Ramón Bilbao Tasting (Plus another unexpected back to 80s supper at Garcia de la Navarra) (Bodega Santa Cecilia - Madrid) : Long live ahead. Aromas of leather and ironed clothes. On the palate harsh, astringent and a oaky finish. Con mucho tiempo por delante Cuero y ropa recién planchada en armario en nariz. Áspero astringente y de un final a roble en boca.

Nice leather note. Good with cured meat as well.

Purchased at a Costco near San Juan, PR. Enjoyable wine. Well integrated with nose of forest, earth, red fruits and smoke. Medium acidity, smooth tannins. Medium body and finish. Paired well with grilled lamb and beef filets.