We are thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for wine lovers everywhere. R.H.C. Selections, located in Bend, Oregon, has traveled through time and space to bring you a rare and exceptional vintage from the Rioja region of Spain.
The wine in question is a 1920 Rioja from the oldest winery in the region, Marques de Legarda. With a wine-making history that dates back to the 14th century, Marques de Legarda is considered one of the oldest wineries in the world.
In 2011, 140 bottles of this rare 1920 vintage were discovered in the winery’s cellars. They were produced and forgotten shortly thereafter and have remained unopened in a forgotten corner ever since. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to taste a wine steeped in history.
As you savor this vintage, take a moment to reflect on the events of 1920. What were your parents/grandparents doing in 1920? What was going on in the vineyards of Rioja in 1920?
A few notes to get you started…
World War 1 in which Spain had remained neutral had just ended.
Inauguration of the League of Nations held in Paris.
Jan 17 First day Prohibition comes into effect in the US as a result of the 18th amendment. Ironic to think about…
Aug 18 US ratifies the 19th Amendment to the constitution bringing in women’s suffrage.
Aug 31 Detroit radio station is 1st to broadcast a news program on the air.
The provenance of these bottles is impeccable, having come directly from the winery and tested before being re-corked with fresh corks. Our importer had a chance to taste one before bringing them to us and I, as a long-time wine professional, recently had the opportunity to try one for myself. The wine is in amazing condition considering its age and I have never been offered a wine like this in my career.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity. Savor a piece of history in a bottle and join us in raising a glass to liquid history.
From my tasting 02/24/17
Bricky color with with a touch of orange at the edges
Cigar box, saddle leather, earth, sage, violet, lavender, mint, eucalyptus, Earl Grey tea, cherry, strawberry, toasted orange zest, sassafras root, sandalwood, linen, clove, spice cake and and a touch of briny minerality.
Very soft and elegant on the palate with a long linear finish, acidity is still quite lively with a 20+ second finish.
If you decide to properly cellar the wine it will likely be fine for another 20 years, but I don’t know why you would wait that long. Buy it, invite special friends, have with filet or rack of lamb. Buy at least two or you will end up slapping yourself.
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