Real de Asúa Reserva Rioja 1994

Sweet oak smoke, all edges utterly melted away as tobacco, leather, soft wild strawberry and rose petal flavours now in full control. This was the first vintage of Real de Asua, and it was seen as something an experiment at the time, at least internally within the company, but tasting it today it is a classic, mouthwatering aged Rioja, showcasing great acidity, plenty of life but very much in its tertiary phase. Feels effortless and perfectly in place. Just 10 barrels made for this first vintage, with almost no bottles left at the winery today. 1994 was a great vintage generally in the region (the CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2004 was served at the King of Spain’s – then Prince Felipe – wedding), proving here its continued ability to delight. 18 months barrel then 18 months bottle for ageing.