2019 Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva, 2017 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva, 2019 Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza Wine Tasting, Pairing, and Review
Wine: Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva
Region: Spain, Rioja
Year: 2019
Price: $7.99
Retailer: Costco
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Tempranillo
Professional Rating: RWS 8.3, CWB 89
What we tasted and smelled in this Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva:
- On the nose: Spicy, black cherry, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, anise, licorice, smoke, wood, tar, roses, complex
- In the mouth: Punch-you-in-the-face, full bodied, fruity, jammy, black currant jam, fig jam, bramble, alcohol on the aftertaste almost like a hard alcohol, not super oaky, good as a Sangria base, crowd pleaser, a party wine, summer wine
Food to pair with this Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva: Crusty bread stinky cheese and fig jam, salumi board, steak, grilled meats, cookout
As a reminder on our rating scale, we rate on a scale of 1-10, where 7 and above means that we would buy it, and 4 and below means that we are likely to pour it down the sink, and a 5 or 6 means we are likely to drink it and finish it, but we are probably not going to buy it.
Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva Wine Rating:
- Joe: 8/10
- Carmela: 8/10
A killer deal for the price
Wine: Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva
Region: Spain, Rioja
Year: 2017
Price: $13.99 (on sale)
Retailer: QFC
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo (Carignan)
Professional Rating: JS 92
What we tasted and smelled in this Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva:
- On the nose: Dusty, fruity, vanilla, black cherry, rose, candied cherry
- In the mouth: Balsamic vinegar, tart, dusty, plum, tannic, grape skins, plum skins, hot alcohol ending, more of a food wine
Food to pair with this Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva: Red meat, more casual wine, cheeseburger, Swedish meatballs, tapas, pizza
Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Wine Rating:
- Joe: 6/10
- Carmela: 6/10
Wine: Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza
Region: Spain, Rioja
Year: 2019
Price: $14.99
Retailer: Fred Meyer
Alcohol: 13.5%
Grapes: 93% Tempranillo, 2% Mazuelo (Carignan), 5% Garnacha
Professional Rating: WW 89, WS 89
What we tasted and smelled in this Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza:
- On the nose: Fruity, flowery, potpourri spray, underripe cherry, raspberry, plum, alcohol, red licorice, leaf and dirt on the swirl
- In the mouth: Cherry, Rainier cherry, candy sweet, fresh fruit, crunchy red fruit, some acid, sharp
Food to pair with this Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza: Carbs, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, flautas sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak, Chicago Italian beef
Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza Wine Rating:
- Joe: 7/10
- Carmela: 7/10
Which one of these are you finishing tonight?
- Carmela: Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva
- Joe: Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva
Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva wins the wine challenge! Hands down!
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