Wine bought in Rioja in 2015. Stored in private cellar up today. Outstanding storage conditions and very high filling level. Fully mature and therefore drinking well now or cellar for the next 20-25 years. Viña Real 1973 - 93/100 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. But drink soon". Viña Real 2016 Gran Reserva - 95/100 Parker: "The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle". *** All international parcels are shipped with the highest standards of quality: through the premium “UPS International Express”, the fastest service against signature provided by the courier. Packed in a special wine box officially certified by UPS / DHL. Bottles are packed individually, one by one, and wrapped in a 3 layers bubble wrap. Due to the nature of the wine and the value of the products all lots are shipped with insurance coverage. ***