Anybody have any thoughts on it? Would love to know reviews of it!
Forgot to to take a pic, but as you can see here, this bottle had one of the most beautiful labels around: https://bodegasabeica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Abeica-Gran-Reserva-2010.pdf
This was smooth, rich with well-integrated nutty oak, good interest from several layers of flavour, with medium finish. Mostly, however, it was banana. This was the overwhelming element in the aroma and flavour throughout - specifically, banana chips on the nose, and bruised, mushy banana on the palate. It made the wine taste either very young or all too old.
An interesting wine to be sure, but not very enjoyable imo. My three companions were very keen, though, so I may be in the minority.
Question: does this banana flavour result from the carbonic maceration that the makers advertise prominently? I think I have heard that Beaujolais Nouveau may have a banana aroma for that reason. Also, is carbonic maceration usual in rioja, or a sign of an experimental winery?
