2004 El Pison
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Tasting notes
The 2004 El Pison stands out from its peers. It has a deeper color than the 2007 with a splendid nose that jumps from the glass. Notes of espresso, balsamic, Asian spices, pain grille, mineral, and black cherry lead to a velvety, mouth-filling, deep wine that effortlessly combines elegance with power. It should easily drink well for another 30-40 years. It simply does not get any better. No visit to Rioja would be complete without a visit to Artadi and maestro Juan Carlos Lopez de Lacalle. Artadi’s most recent releases are the 2007s which were reviewed in Issue 183. On this occasion, we sampled the promising 2009s from barrel in addition to the 4 vintages of the flagship Vina El Pison (all of which have been previously reviewed, the 1995 and 1998 by Robert Parker). The El Pison comes from a single Tempranillo vineyard planted in 1945 on pure limestone. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Extraordinary depth and vibrancy of colour here again in this single vineyard wine awarded a 100-point score by the Wine Advocate. Deep, dark, tightly wound nose of muscular, sensuous black fruit. Plum skin and glossy black cherry notes come through, and a sinuous, deep-set coffee and chocolate darkness. Little floral and spicy notes, and a certain smokiness, with layers of mocha, black fruit coulis and vanilla. Fabulous concentration of fruit. Very closed and dense, with liquorice and a certain minerality, but the blackcurrant and Morello cherry brightens, and the structure of tannins and beautifully polished wood marries with vibrant acidity to give great tenacity and purity, whilst staying warm and rich. Hugely promising for the future.
Interesting dried herbs on the nose with a great spread of ripe black fruits on the palate. Juicy, bloody, full and rich – much less subtle than the Pagos Viejas. But a big impact. (JR)
Inky ruby. The nose is breathtaking in its floral, mineral and fruit intensity, offering a near-hallucinogenic bouquet of fresh and dried flowers, raspberry, wild strawberry, blackcurrant, cured meat, licorice, iron and graphite. This smells (and tastes) like a blend of great Hermitage and grand cru Vosne-Romanee. Deep, sexy and ridiculously sweet, the red and dark berry flavors coating every square inch of the palate, with gentle tannins providing enough supporting structure. This is almost absurdly packed with fruit and features a sappy, seemingly endless finish that's nothing short of remarkable. Wow!
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.