2001 Allende
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Allende has a more complex bouquet than the 2000 with briary, dill, orange zest and a touch of limestone that is beautifully composed. The palate is very well-balanced, with juicy dark berry fruit laced with black pepper and balsamic with fine concentration towards the masculine finish. This is probably the finest Allende – up to this point! Commencing with the Allende Blanc, I was impressed by how well this ages. Predominantly Viura with a higher percentage of Malvasia in older vintages, it develops a fine waxy texture and almost dried Barsac-like personality.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(aged in a very high percentage of French oak barrels) Saturated medium ruby. Aromas of currant, chocolate, spice, smoke and truffle. Superripe and impressively concentrated; full, round, broad and deep. Thick, fruit-driven flavors of roasted currant, raspberry and plum. Finishes with palate-coating tannins that really spread out horizontally. According to importer Jorge Ordonez, the low-toast Francois Freres barrels relied on previously to age this wine were too austere for this tempranillo. Today's wine incorporates Saury and Darnajou barrels as well.
Full, exciting, characterful and round – which is more than can be said for most white riojas. Bravo! This would make a great wine to serve blind with a first course at dinner. (JR)