by John Hartnett » Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:40 am
This past saturday, I opened a Lopez de Heredia 2004 Rioja Crianza Vina Cubillo (approx $24) and paired it with a steak and mushroom sauce. Wine was a pale cherry color with some orange glints, nose of dried cherry, medium to light bodied, elegant earthy cherry on the palate with some menthol. However, I definitely hadn't opened the wine early enough for it to come into its own given my plans for the evening. Recorked the wine and put it back into the fridge. Revisited last night. The wine had really progressed to a nice place. All the same color, nose and palate elements......but with better structure and more refinement. A very nice classic Rioja that needs some time and air to reach its potential. Drink now with air or hold.
