2001 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Reserva (Spain, La Rioja, Rioja)

When I first popped sand poured, this seemed like a classic version of Rioja except with greater structure than I would have expected. Focused, and with all that finesse I am used to by now. With air, though, this turned into a very different wine. packed on weight and became extremely floral and spice laden on the nose. On the palate, the fruit profile became darker and almost like Chateauneuf du Pape with a slight Grenache expression (although the blend contains no Grenache btw) and ripe, sweet tannins. Long and dry (in a good way) finish. I think this still has a lot of baby fat, but it's promising and has the stuffing to go the distance. The only thing I'd be a little concerned about is the acidity level, which is lower than in many of the other Rioja samples I've tasted, and not because I think the wine will fall apart, but because I think this will likely not develop into a Burgundy like wine, but more likely a CdP like wine. Great wine though and a ridiculous QPR.