Bodegas Hermanos Pecina Gran Reserva Rioja 1998

First impression is of a wonderfully clear but richly deep crimson colour with a nice light rim and plenty of legs on the glass. This opens the nose to black currant and just a hint of vanilla. A rich and enticing aroma. An immediate succulence with surprising amounts of fresh fruit still present, again black currant and red cherry with perhaps just a hint of an earthy undertone. This wine has aged and developed perfectly, the tannins are now smooth and with just a touch of dryness perhaps manifesting as a spicy leather, it is a wine that overwhelming delivers fresh dark berries and oaking that has balanced impeccably to add a supreme subtle vanilla tone.

91/100 eRobertParker.com

96/100 Tim Atkin (Tasted 2016)

98/100 MD (tasted 2020)