I couldn’t help myself, I just needed to have another look at the 2005 Rodas. I find the 05 Roda to be quite closed at the moment, you need to have a quick look straight after opening the bottle or give it a big ol’ decant (or about 2 to 3 years in the cellar) to really show what its made of. But that’s not anything new, just about every vintage of Roda and Roda II has been the same. The trainspotters will notice the new Rioja label on the back of the bottle too. This year’s blend is 85% Tempranillo, 9% Craciano and 6% Garnarcha…

Locked up tight upon poring into the glass, but slowly notes of espresso coffee and mocha start to eek their way out. Then its a rush of fruit: cherries, a little blackcurrant, raspberry and plum. Then its the full deal: earthy herbs, a little cola, woody spice and pencil shavings. In the mouth there are those great Roda tannins, lush and full, with a balance of sweet and savoury fruit with pleasing acidity. It’s quite juicy too, which I like.  I have a few hesitations in rating this higher then the 04, I think the 04 has it by just a whisker right now. But still, this is excellent booze. Drink from 2012 to 2021. 93+ Pts

Source: The Spanish Acquisition RRP: $85 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.roda.es