2017 Roda I: Tempranillo masters strike back
I am in total admiration of Agustín Santolaya and his team. Not only do they turn out brilliant iterations of Roda vintage in, vintage out, they have also gained huge respect for their ground-breaking research into Tempranillo; in the wake of their efforts, Roda has become one of the standout bodegas on the modern Rioja scene.
Roda dry farm traditional bush vines (some as old as a hundred years) on high slopes near the town of Haro. Agustín likes to describe how Atlantic and Mediterranean weather fronts meet here and fight it out, defining the distinct character of each vintage. After a frosty start to 2017, hot, dry weather dominated the season, leading to a powerful, concentrated Roda I. The bouquet marries black plum and blueberry notes with clove and paprika, vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is voluminous and beautifully smooth. Suave and polished, this is very refined Rioja. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment Winter 2022
