Akutain, Rioja Cosecha

This is an eye-opening and beautiful Rioja. It’s from a tiny property, only 6.5 hectares, and made in a converted stable by the vineyard. But it’s made with a passion and uncompromising commitment, and a reverence for the traditional methods, that seems more like that of a cutting edge hipster California winemaker than a Rioja veteran.

Previous notes given by the other tasters are accurate, and I also got some qualities of earthy tomato paste, but even at $17 I didn't see this as a value buy (maybe a tad high as well). If this were $12 I could reconsider, but really lacked much of the qualities I look for in a Rioja. Overall 85 (B).

Definitely some leather there and a nice new fruits but certainly not fruit driven. Fairly short finish. I would call this quaffable and appropoaritely priced at $15. Maybe a bit more new world here but pleasant. Date it but wouldn’t give it the ring. :-)

Aroma of leather and wet earth, but with a bright, fruity freshness. No oak. Balanced, very accessible and versatile. Moderate finish. Really good QPR play. A Tempranillo for those who don’t like the big, leathery, oaky, overblown style. Drink with anything including all by itself, but don’t decant too long.