In this strange year, La Vuelta Espana received much more attention than usual and the race delivered. There was drama and lively racing through all 3 weeks of the race. This year's route brought the pro cyclists to Northern Spain and featured its typical steady diet of challenging climbs and mountain top finishes.
After losing his grip on the Tour de France on the final competitive stage, Primoz Roglic had his sights set on winning his second Vuelta. In order to achieve his goal Roglic had to go up against a formative cast of challengers including Chris Froome and Richard Carapaz. Carapaz turned out to be his primary rival as they traded the overall race lead back and forth while racing through Northern Spain.
Once again, Roglic found himself facing a crushing defeat on the final competitive stage of a grand tour. Entering the day Roglic held a 45 second lead over Richard Carapaz with the GC Victory appearing to be safely in his grasp. However, on the slopes of La Covatilla Carapaz burst away from a small group of GC contenders rapidly opening a lead of 25 seconds over Roglic.
This time, Roglic stood up to the pressure limiting his losses, avoiding a repeat of his worst nightmare, to hold on to overall victory.
This week's Lucha Vino matchup celebrates Roglic vanquishing his nightmare with The Walls 2018 Wonderful Nightmare vs. Bodegas Lan's 2010 Rioja Gran Reserva.
Tale of the Tape
100% Tempranillo from the Stoney Vine Vineyard located in the Walla Walla Valley AVA aged in neutral oak barrels.
Provided as a sample by the winery and available at retail for $48.
96% Tempranillo and 4% Mazuela
The Tempranillo comes from 40 year old vines in three vineyards located in the Rioja Alta region.
Aged for 24 months in French and American oak barrels and then an additional 36 months in bottle.
Purchased at Esquin for $29.99
Round 1. First opening
This matchup features a seasoned Bodegas Lan veteran from Rioja stepping up to challenge an up and coming Luchador from The Walls of Walla Walla.
The Lan veteran is the first to enter the ring brimming with confidence earned over 10 years of experience. The nose features solid aromas of blue fruit, plums, dry leather, menthol spices and creamy barrel notes. The palate also shows blue fruit with light pepper and cedar bark tinged tannins.
The nose is dark, oily and savory with notes of blueberries, coffee and olive brine. The palate follows suit with bold notes of blue fruit, white pepper and olive brine with a slightly tart finish.
Round 1 goes to The Wonderful Nightmare and its flamboyant style.
Round 2. One hour after opening
The Wonderful Nightmare looks to be getting a bit over confident, strutting around the ring and challenging the Spanish Luchador to "bring it on!" The nose is building with bright notes of blue berries, light white pepper and floral tones. Tannins are starting to show up in the palate with tart blue fruit, white pepper and cedar bark and tobacco tinged tannins on the finish.
The Luchador from Bodegas Lan is holding steady with a nose of dark fruit, baking spices, coffee and light cocoa powder. The palate is also showing dark berries, currants, white pepper and menthol with a savory tannin finish.
In an unexpected turn of events, round 2 goes to Bodegas Lan as the Lan Luchador brought it on and surprised the Walls Luchador with a quick move locking up the youngster in a half nelson bringing the Wonderful Nightmare to its knees.
Round 3. One day after opening
Victory comes down to the final round with the match all tied up.
It looks like The Walls has taken notice of that round 2 wake up call. The nose is showing dark fruit, coffee and savory olives with some light floral top notes. The palate is featuring dark berries, white pepper, menthol and a lightly savory tannin fueled finish.
The Lan Gran Reserva has evolved to show a nose of bright blueberries, rose petals and light menthol spices. The palate is more muscular with tart blueberry, white pepper, cedar bark, menthol and a dry tannic finish.
In a close match, The Wonderful Nightmare responds in the final round and takes the match with a 2 - 1 victory.
Wrap up and overall observations
The Wonderful Nightmare from The Walls came in to the match like Ric Flair, a "Limousine ridin, jet flyin, kiss stealin, wheelin' dealin,' son of a gun." And the wine's character derived from The Rocks of Milton Freewater helped this Tempranillo live up to the billing. This Washington Tempranillo is outstanding right now and it will be interesting to see how it evolves over time.
The Bodegas Lan spent two years in barrel and another three in bottle before being released for our enjoyment. Although this wine from Rioja is 10 years old, I feel like it has many more years of life ahead of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment