La Sorda Reserva Rioja 2015
- 93
- $65
- Drink by: 2022-2028
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Always a pleasure to see a mature example of Rioja. Regulations demand that Reserva Rioja be aged for a minimum of three years, one of which must be in cask – this places them at the “second highest” level of Rioja. Grand Reserva need two years in cask and three in the bottle before release, and they will make a much more serious dint in the wallet. This one is terrific value for what it is. Rioja Reserva often form the region’s sweet spot as they will be given extra time by winemakers and see some of the best grapes. Here, we have a deep red hue. The wine is complex and mature, offering notes of red fruits, notably cherries, and delicatessen meats with gunsmoke and dried herbs. Darker fruits emerge on the palate. Very much made in the typical savoury style, this has good length and plenty of grip, finishing in a rather silky manner so should age nicely for another four to six years
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
