Roda Reserva 2004 from Rioja is the wine I have consumed most over the past year.  I love to change the wines I put in my tastings constantly….otherwise I get bored!  The Roda, however, has been the exception…it is the consistently the favorite wine in my line-ups of eight wines from all over Spain.  The 2004 vintage, which is really structured, has only been getting better over the months…I’m dreading the day they come out with the 2005…it’s a very nice wine, but it will take a year to get to where the 2004 is now.  This wine is a firmly modern Rioja with only 16 months in new French oak.  The special thing about it is that perfect balance it has between sweet red fruit, fresh Rioja acidity, perfectly integrated oak and firm, yet ripe tannins.  It is so youthful, with many years ahead, but so easy to drink now.  It is really good value at 20-22€ retail in Madrid. It is the all round wine, a wine that please all types and nationalities of wine drinkers.  I serve it so much I do get burned out on Roda but I can’t stop serving it!  Read on for more details on the wine.

Wine:  Roda 2004
Winery:  Bodegas Roda
Denominacion de Origen (DO): DO Rioja
Alc: 14%
Grape varieties: 85% Tempranillo, 11% Graciano, 4% Garnacha
Oak regime:  16 months in new French oak
Price:  22-22€ retail in Madrid

Tasting notes
Visual:  Pretty deep ruby color
Nose:  A medium intensity nose that gets very intense with some air.  Smoky, spicy notes mix with fresh red fruit and vanilla.  Good complexity and very appealing.     
Mouth:  More complex and intense mouth, with the same spice and fruit notes….fresh, slightly tart yet sweet red fruit, cranberry and cherry.  The fruit really lasts such a long time with the medium, very ripe tannins.  It has really impressive balance between all the parts
Food:  I have has this wine with many different meals and it really goes well with so much food.  The balance, the fresh acidity and the ripe tannins make it match with a variety of dishes.  

Conclusion: The wine has 14% alcohol but it seems lighter….it’s really easy to drink.  It’s a crowd-pleaser that I can serve to almost anyone.  It’s not the most complex wine, but it is so attractive, fresh and has such good balance.