R. Parker (93/100)
If 2008 felt cool and Atlantic, the 2009 Roda I could be described as Mediterranean, from a warm and healthy vintage. Here they aim for black fruit character while the regular Roda should show red fruit. The grapes are sourced from over 30-year-old vines and is mostly Tempranillo with some 5% Graciano. It matured in first and second use French oak barrels for 16 months. It's a warm vintage, without reaching the heights of 2011, but there was some stress in the peak of the summer, which in some wines might have provided some dry tannins. The advantage of old vines is that they are able to absorb these effects. There was some rain in September that might have saved the vintage. In general, everybody talks about a very healthy vintage, but again the challenge is to keep the freshness. The nose shows those aromas of thyme and rosemary, with dark fruit, ripe and a bit heady. The palate is truly spicy, voluptuous and full, with dusty, fine tannins and a tasty finish. 99,661 bottles produced.