WTN: Two Riojas from Bodegas Londoño

I had never even heard of this producer before, but the wines were quite decent. I think I like both of them: yet I have so little experience with young Rioja that I really don't know how these will turn out (I don't think either is built for the long haul, but both need more age). They seemed to have a brightness to the fruit aromas that wasn't obfuscated by lashings of new oak, so might these actually be "traditional" Riojas (Victor?)?

This was also my first taste of a varietal Graciano.

Bodegas Don Sancho de Londoño Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2007
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano; 13,5% abv. A bit of the dill oak from presumably American oak (though I can't find any info on this producer so I can't check!), but it doesn't obfuscate the bright fruit aromas. Good body, juicy fruit, both strong tannins and crisp acidity. I think I like it, but I want to try it when the oak on the scent settles down more.


Bodegas Don Sancho de Londoño Graciano Rioja 2008
13,5% abv. Youthful color. A dense, dark toned aroma with lovely vegetal/loamy/tobacco aromas to the ripe, juicy fruit. Full bodied, starts out with fruit very apparent, but the structure becomes very apparent towards the finish with crisp tannins and moderately high acidity. Though primary, this seemed a very enjoyable wine.

[James Roscoe]

I love the label Otto.

I like Riojas pretty much any way unless they have too much oak. In the states I always find Jorge Ordoñez to be the most reliable importer of Spanish wines. Fortunately my daughter carries his stuff.