Rioja

Roda I 2004

I get more emails about the two Roda wines than any other. For the last month or so I’ve been getting one almost every day about the 04s, which have just been realeased. The two big questions seem to be 1. are they as good as the 2001s and 2. have they gone up in price? The answer is yes to both.

Roda I follows its usual formula for 2004, 100% Tempranillo from 30 year old vines, 50% new oak for 16 months, then 20 months in bottle. This 04 Roda is highly drinkable, so watch out.

Things kick off with a powerful nose of mocha, blackberry, black current and dark cherry liqueur and adds some earthy undergrowth, vanilla and anise as it gets more air. It slips into the mouth, thanks to some very impressive velvety tannins. Its not that complex on the palate at the moment, but Roda I usually needs a couple of years to strut its stuff. What it is showing now is some lush fruit and plenty of potential: black current, dark cherry and stewed mulberry. Some deft wood treatment and bit of sage towards the finish. I’d cellar this for 5 years, then drink over the following 10. 94 Pts.

Source: The Spanish Acquisition Cost: $125 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.roda.es