The other night we enjoyed a bottle of the Allende Rioja 2004 produced by Finca Allende from the village of Briones in Spain. Charles Metcalf calls this region the "undiscovered jewel of Rioja." The Rioja is made with 100% tempranillo grapes. Upon opening, the dark inky purple color was the first thing that caught my attention. Then a wonderful aroma of cherries, plums and floral notes along with some spices. However, the tastes were more red fruit with an abundance of strawberries and cranberries. There are subtle tannins and some acidity that is well integrated. The flavors never ended. Towards the end of the bottle, we realized this was an unfiltered wine. It does not state this on the label. There was a small amount of sediment but was certainly acceptable. They age this wine in both new and used french oak barrels for 13 months before bottling. The Wine Advocate rates it 92 points, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both rate it 90 points. I side with the Jay Miller and his 92. This is one of the best Rioja's I have drank. For $22, this is a must buy. At $27, it is still a buy. Very nice wine.
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