2003 Rioja Vinas de Gain
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Complex, musky aromas of creme de mure, currant, licorice and pepper. Sweet, supple and densely packed, with fruit-driven flavors of black raspberry and licorice. Finishes with substantial but thoroughly ripe tannins. A very strong vintage for Artadi's entry-level Rioja.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This terrific winery’s 2003 Vinas de Gain is a 100% old vine Tempranillo from their high altitude vineyard sites in Rioja Alavesa. A superb entry level effort, it reminded me of the famed Pomerol, l’Evangile. Wonderful scents of black raspberries, sweet cherries, smoke, truffles, and earth soar from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-hued 2003. Ripe and elegant, with beautiful purity, superb intensity, and a long, smooth finish, it is a glorious Rioja to enjoy over the next 5-7 years. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
About the producer

Owner and winemaker Juan Carlos López de Lacalle is among an elite group of global vintners whose expertise creates wines that stand above others in their regions. Artadi produces refined Rioja in unoaked and oaked styles, including superb Reservas and single-vineyard wines such as Viña El Pisón.