Bodegas Benito Urbina Rioja Selección 1999
Colour: Medium garnet core, lighter on the edge.
Nose: Plum, dates, vanilla, crème de cassis, faint tobacco, integrated oak
Palate: Dry, medium body, medium acidity, medium soft tannins. Red cherry, blackberry, mineral, plum.
Finish: Medium finish, light oak, stone, touch of spice.
Score: 77/100
The nose smells like classic Rioja, very fruit forward, still smells fresh, wouldn’t have guessed it was an 18 years old wine. The usual black fruits along with vanilla and touch of oak. The palate is very soft, and a bit hollow mid-palate. Carries the fruit from the nose, with a touch of minerality; followed by a medium finish with a touch of spice.
Overall a pleasant wine to drink, but it’s rather simple. The whole wine is very integrated, knocked some points off on the palate. Would drink now.