Rioja and RdD

Question 1

2018

Answer 1

Cooler weather produced fresher wines; some inconsistencies. Rioja WS 89, Better in RdD WS 90

Question 2

2017

Answer 2

One of the toughest years in living memory, with the frost and drought reducing yields by 25% at least. What was left has resulted in wines with elevated alcohol, tannin and extraction. Approach with caution. Rioja WS 87, RdD WS 87

Question 3

2014

Answer 3

A cool growing season produced fresh, savory wines. Rioja WS 89, RdD WS 92

Question 4

2013

Answer 4

A cool, wet growing season; many wines green, diluted. Rioja WS 89, RdD WS 84

Question 5

2007

Answer 5

Cool growing season; many light wines. Rioja WS 84, RdD WS 86

Question 6

2006

Answer 6

Some spring hail in Rioja. Hot summer with some drought stress. Has not lived up to the two previous vintages. Rioja WS 82, RdD WS 88

Question 7

2003

Answer 7

Small, early, drought-plagued harvest of often unbalanced wines. Rioja WS 86, RdD WS 89

Question 8

2002

Answer 8

Exceptionally cold winter and spring was followed by nasty wet weather during summer – disastrous for both quality and quantity. Rain persisted even during harvest. Truly a severe test for both regions. Rioja WS 84, RdD WS 85