1973 C.V.N.E. Viña Real Gran Reserva & 1973 La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial - Rioja - 2 Bottles (0.75L)

- C.V.N.E. Viña Real 1973 Gran Reserva:

93/100 Robert Parker: "To me, 1973 represents the last of the truly old-style, classical vintages of Rioja. Moreover, it was a very good vintage with exceptional wines produced especially at the La Rioja Alta winery, but the 1973 Viña Real Gran Reserva was not bad either! The Who released Quadrophenia, Aerosmith made their debut with their eponymous album and Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells became the first release on Richard Branson's newly launched Virgin label. The good old 70s... Not a bad crop of films either; Papillon, American Graffiti, The Sting, Last Tango in Paris, The Exorcist... Also the Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II. Pablo Picasso, who was born in 1881, died on April 8th and Bruce Lee followed him shortly after. Richard Nixon was U.S. President, while the Soviet leader was Leonid Brezhnev. Chances are they went to see The Godfather that year. The 1973 Viña Real Gran Reserva was produced a long time ago, yes, and the wine is very pale and delicate in a slightly decadent style. It is ultra-drinkable, developing some pine needle aromas and fading in the glass".

- Viña Ardanza 1973 Reserva Especial:

Only 4 vintages of Viña Ardanza, 1964, 1973, 2001 and 2010 have deserved the classification ‘Reserva Especial'. This is one of those rare bottles launched from the 1973 vintage.

95/100 Robert Parker: "The 1973 Reserva Especial is a brick/brown color with a splendid and remarkably complex perfume encompassing dried fruits, herbs, and other savories. Elegant but still with great depth and concentration, this silky offering is complete in every way. It is fully mature but shows no signs of old age. It seems to be universally acknowledged in Rioja that 1964 was one of the great vintages of the 20th century. Having been fortunate enough to have tasted several, I cannot argue".

*** All international parcels are shipped to the highest professional standards via premium UPS International Express, the courier’s fastest signature-required service. Each shipment is prepared in a specialist wine box officially certified by UPS / DHL, with every bottle packed individually and protected in three layers of bubble wrap. Given the nature of fine wine and the value of the consignments, all lots are shipped with full insurance coverage. ***