Dark ruby color, medium layer with light mahogany trim. Complexity on the nose, splendid maturity, mineral aromas, ripe fruits, figs, cherries and plums, tomato and dried apricots, cigar box, cherry blossom, harmonious and well-defined spicy touches of cinnamon, vanilla and clove tips. Some leather, blond tobacco, and nutmeg. There is a background of fresh and elegant toffee and balsamic candies. On the palate, harmonious and balanced oak, fruit tannins, great elegance and velvety softness, and wonderful length are appreciated.
Urbina Rioja DOC Gran Reserva 1994
Critical Acclaim
Tim Atkin
TA95
Showing the benefits of blind tasting, this remarkable blend of Tempranillo with 5% Mazuelo and Graciano from a family-owned winery in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón showed very well at the 10 x 10 tasting in London. Amazingly fresh for its age, it has savoury, dried fruit notes, fine tannins, good structure and the intensity and acidity to age further.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
RP92
The 1994 Gran Reserva Especial (from a great vintage) is medium ruby colored with a lovely bouquet of cherry blossom, earth notes, spice box, leather, black cherry, and plum. On the palate it is multifaceted, elegant, concentrated, impeccably balanced, and holding strong. It should drink nicely for another 10-15 years if not longer.
Wine specs
Tasting notes
Wine specs
Food pairing notes
Our wine experts think this Chilean Merlot wine would be a match made in heaven with these dishes. Bon appétit!
Wine specs
Winemaker notes
Bodegas Urbina is a small family-owned and run Rioja producer located in the Rioja Alta sub-region of Rioja, Spain. This Single Estate winery was founded in 1870 and is currently run by fourth generation winemaker Pedro Urbina Jr.
The Urbina Estate comprises of some 75 hectares (182) of vineyards planted with 65 hectares of Tempranillo and 10 hectares composed of Graciano, Mazuelo and the white grape variety Viura. The vineyards are located at Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron at the north western edge of the Rioja DOC and at Urunuela in the heart of the appellation. Cuzcurrita has some of the highest vineyards in the DOC, this means that it is a relatively cool climate growing area compared with other parts of Rioja. The wines from Cuzcurrita tend to have characteristics suitable for great ageing, whilst those from Urunuela produce consistent and fuller bodied wines.
