La Viña de Andres Romeo 2001, Rioja

There is no doubt that Benjamin Romeo is a perfectionist when it comes to winemaking. He is both passionate in the bodega, and obsessive in the vineyard. He worked as winemaker at Artadi between 1985 and 2000, and now has his own small project where he makes limited quantities of high quality, limited production Rioja, called, Contador, Cuvea del Contador, and La Vina de Andres, named after his father Andres. “Truly compelling, the 2001 La Vina de Andres Romeo emerges from a single vineyard called La Liende. It boasts an inky/ruby/purple color in addition to a huge nose of graphite, black currants, cherry liqueur, licorice, cedar, and spice box. Powerful, rich, full-bodied, impeccably pure, elegant flavors reveal nicely integrated wood, acidity, and tannin. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. This compelling 2001 should hit its prime in 3-4 years, and last for 15 or more.” Robert Parker (4/2004)