Posted from CellarTracker
I opened the 2001 Campillo ‘Reserva Selecta’ [Rioja] on Friday and have been enjoying it all weekend. I’m unfamiliar with this producer, but picked this up from PJ’s some years ago, and they maintain a good spectrum of Rioja, so I trust their suggestions. There are dilly / vanilla notes on the nose, very pleasing. A dusting of cocoa here too. Smooth texture, no acid/tannin imbalance. Drinks very pleasurably while surveying a stack of magazines to either read or throw away. It doesn’t flaunt intense concentration, but its just a harmonious traditional Rioja. Although I would not have been able to identify the region blind - it tastes like a mature Bordeaux in some ways – although less earthy, scorchy, with more bright red berry fruit. I’d buy this producer again if I could find it locally, but it seems to be only carried by specialists. A-
Food pairing (at least one of the nights) was a Goan coconut fish curry, tamarind brussel sprouts, chapatis, and cucumber raita. It didn’t really go well with the wine. Regional Indian cuisine, and its spices/pairings, is odd even for me, an ABCD. The minions, with no preconceptions, inhaled it all.
Bo’ selecta!!
I sold Campillo and visited the beautiful winery in 2000. It is a Faustino project. I thought the wines were well made with lots of character.