As I Was Saying - Cafés

This is a very nice, upscale, café/restaurant nearby; and what it looks like at the end of the evening.


We also sipped on a very nice vino:

The 1998 version of this wine was a gold metal winner and some say that the 2001 is even better. 'Twas delicious.

A quote or 2:

Classic oaky but subtle nose. Nice structure, crisp tannins, good fruit and good length. Drink 2007-2010.

Traditionally made Riojas such as this are becoming rare as the race seems to be on to make bigger, more intense, earlier drinking, and less oaked wines. But with extended barrel and some bottle aging, the best Riojas such as this one develop a soft, velvety, oaky patina. At the same time, because Rioja is one of the cooler parts of Spain, they retain good acidity. This beautiful blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Manzuelo, and 10% Garnacha.