1998 Artadi, Rioja, El Grand Vino De Artadi, Grandes Añadas (RT99) As this approaches 25 years of age it has matured to utter magnificence. Bought on release and since aged in my cellar, my research shows this wine was produced from 1994 though 2001 and subsequently discontinued, which in my view is a shame. When produced it was the top bottling available from Artadi, today El Pison takes those reins. Showing its age with its faded, pale brick hue, it reveals a profound array of aromatic magnificence with layers of delicate dried red fruits, dried rose petals, dusty country spices and faint whisps of underbrush. With time in the glass, it blossoms showing more complex and delicate dimensions and grows in its stature. The palate is equally alluring delivering a perfectly balanced fruit, acid and soft tannin elixir. This is one of the finest Rioja’s I’ve had in ages and reveals a profound, modern interpretation of Rioja. Drink now-2032
