Notes from the Winemaker:
Terroir: The Baron de Ley Rioja Reserva is produced exclusively from estate vineyards in Mendavia. Gravel soils, southeast exposures, and the cooling of the Mediterranean sun combine to produce a wine of great power and structure.
Vinification: The Baron de Ley Reserva is produced with 100% Tempranillo that has been hand harvested, sorted and then vinified at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks. Maceration typically lasts 7-10 days in order to extract as much fruit and structure as possible. The young wines are aged for 20 months in new American oak followed by 24 months in bottle prior to release.
Ratings & Reviews:
90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:"The crimson-colored 2004 Reserva is 100% Tempranillo aged in American oak. It gives up aromas of cedar, spice box, mineral, tobacco, and blackberry leading to a sweetly-fruited, elegant, already complex, velvety-textured wine that will provide pleasure for another 10 years. It is an excellent value in traditional Rioja from a great vintage." - Jay Miller (Jun 2010)
90 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
"Deep, bright red. Cherry-vanilla, cola and exotic oak spices on the nose. Traditionally styled Rioja, with lots of lush, creamy oak character, sweet cherry and red berry flavors and supple texture. Needs some more time for the oak to recede." - Josh Raynolds (Sep/Oct '09)
