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The Lucia Victoria Reserva Rioja 2018 is a wine available at Costco for $8.89 (the .89 indicates a Costco special buy) and can be found elsewhere for about $15.
This wine was produced by Bodegas Valdelacierva from 2 vineyards (50-year-old vines) near San Vincente in the Rioja Alta region. The importer is Vinamericas and here is a link for more information.
Rioja is a region with very regimented wine regulations. There are 4 general classifications for Rioja Red wine.
Wines marked with only Rioja have no aging requirements and tend to be the most affordable.
Crianza wines must be aged for 2 years with at least one year in an oak barrel.
Reserva wines must be aged 3 years with a minimum of in barrel and an additional 6 months in bottle.
Gran Reserva wines are aged 5+ years with a minimum of 2 years in barrel and two years in bottle.
The Lucia Victoria Reserva Rioja 2018 for 24 months in French and American oak barrels and since this is Spring of 2024 the rest is aged in bottles.
This 100% Tempranillo and the vineyards had chalk and limestone soils.
Rioja Alta has the coolest climate and the highest altitude of the 3 Rioja regions. This is a wine that receives 91 points by Janes Suckling the leading wine reviewer. The Alcohol content is 14%.
The Lucia Victoria Reserva Rioja 2018 Tasting Notes
The color is a raspberry red with black highlights. The nose is ripe red berries, spice, herbs, a little chocolate, and a floral edge. The Lucia Victoria Reserva Rioja 2018 has some age to it but tastes youthful and vibrant.
This Tempranillo tastes like black cherry, herbs, interesting spice, plum, and a little mocha. The mid-palate brings blueberry, orange zest, cranberry, and a hint of vanilla.
The tannins are soft, but make their presence known, the acidity is well controlled.
The Summary
- The Lucia Victoria Reserva Rioja 2018 is an excellent $8.89 wine.
- Typically value-priced Rioja wines are in the Crianza category and this is a bargain way to taste age-worthy wine.
