The 2009 Crianza is pure Tempranillo from Briones grown on clay-rich soils and has the treatment of a superior wine. It ferments in oak vats and ages in a mixture of French and American oak barrels for 16 months with a further half year resting in bottle before being sold. It displays discrete aromas of red and black fruit, some leather, licorice, Chinese ink and smoke notes. The medium-bodied palate is clean, with fresh flavors of red currants and spices. Very drinkable. Drink 2014-2017.
Vivanco is a well-known name in the wine trade in Rioja, as Pedro Vivanco was in that business and he grew the family firm in the 1970s. Pedro, together with his sons, Rafael and Santiago, built an impressive new winery in Briones, Rioja Alta, and an even more impressive wine museum in 2004. Without knowing them all, I’d venture to say it’s probably the best in its class in the whole world, and has to be seen to be believed. Pedro is an avid collector of wine-related objects including art, and he had the disposable income to build a very large collection. Rafael studied oenology in France and is in charge of winemaking. Under his guidance their wines have seen steady progress. They own an impressive 400 hectares of vineyards, mostly around Briones and Haro averaging 20 years of age, but some plots are as old as 80 years or more. All four varietal wines from the top-of-the-range Coleccion are very true to their varieties and make an interesting and didactic exercise tasting them together.
Imported by Opici Wines, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-1200
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