Oh dear followers, this is my favourite kind of wine.  I just love these classics – few wines are made in this traditional fashion. Why?  They’re challenging, different, unique, unusual.  I’ve opened up a 2000 version of this in the past.

This bottle was opened at 11 years old in 2015.  As a white Rioja, it’s made of Viura grapes, but in this classic style, it’s extremely Chenin-like.  A deep shade of pale lemon, it has intense aromas of beeswax, lanolin, Meyer lemon and loads of sherry-like flor.  

Dry on the palate, it shows refreshing acidity, medium body and flavours of sherry, lanolin and wet wool, bruised apple, almond and yellow plum.

While the nose is intense, the palate is somewhat muted, but the elegance and complexity make up for any perceived imbalance.

It’s always a treat to open a Lopez de Heredia.  Let me take this opportunity to thank you for following Winellama! WSET Very Good plus