Deep ruby color; cherry, dark plum, blackberry, cedar, black olive, oak, vanilla, tobacco, cocoa on the nose and palate.
Dry; pleasant but significant chewy tannins that will relax with air; moderate acidity. Full body. Blend of 90% tempranillo, 5% graciano, 5% mazuelo. Solid, substantial Rioja. There are many who adore this brawny, big red style. Others who demure. Such is wine. 14% ABV
Although this vintage was nine years ago, as a “gran reserva” this is relatively recent release from Ramón Bilbao. To qualify as a “gran reserva”, a Rioja wine must age at least six years from the harvest. After fermentation, including malolactic in concrete to deliver this soft, appealing plushness, the wine spent 30 months in American oak and 36 months in bottle before release.
Given its relatively recent arrival to me, it appears to have been held longer. In fact, there was a subtle logo/name change, with this bottle bearing the old logo/label scheme. This label spells the name “Ramōn”, while previous bottles spelled it “Ramén”. Subtle, but a tell for the evolution of the maker.
Ramōn Bilbao started his wine adventure in 1924 because he saw it as an opportunity to travel the world. The family continued the tradition until the founder’s grandson, Ramōn Bilbao Pozo, died without leaving an heir in 1966. The winery became a corporation in 1971, and in 1999 was obtained by the family firm of Diego Zamora S.A., which operates it today. A visit to their website is a delight, including several engaging and informative videos. The interesting story is available on the website, with links below.
Rodolfo Bastida is the technical director and general manager of Bodegas Ramōn Bilbao. In addition to a technical agricultural engineering degree, he has a master’s in viticulture and enology and a master’s in business management. Sara Bañuelos is the technical director. She has a bachelor’s degree in enology at the University of La Rioja. Rosana Lisa is the director of innovation and deputy technical director. She has a bachelor’s degree in enology. Qualified people making quality wine. Hard to get better than that.
Ramōn Bilbao Gran Reserva, Rioja 2015 is fulsome presentation of dark fruit tempranillo. Palate immersion in rich, fully-engaging dark fruit wine. Flaunting example of Rioja tempranillo. Full, deep, heavy, chewy, major extravaganza of what Rioja tempranillo can be. Pair with rich beef fare—grilled, roasted, barbecued; beef stew; barbecue; lamb—roast, lamb with rich sauces, grilled lamb chops; veal; venison; baked chicken; pasta dishes with meat and tomato sauces. Cheese—cured and hard cheeses; manchego; brie (with rind); camembert (with rind); aged cheddar; goat cheese (chèvre); roquefort, gorgonzola, parmigiano-reggiano, comté. $37-42
Ramōn Bilbao website; includes interesting videos
