Lat 42 Rioja 1999

One of my favourite wines of all times it has to be said. Had it the first time more than two years ago, when we tasted the 2001 vintage during the first wine tasting, where it scored 3 out of 5, then we tasted the 2002 vintage during the third wine tasting, where it scored 4 out of 5 and again the 2002 vintage during the fourth wine tasting, where it scored 3 out of 5.

This however is the 1999 vintage. I found it by chance at the beginning of the year, and bought ten bottles, of which this was unfortunately the last one. It's not often you find an 11 year old wine for close to 80kr, which is as good as this one. It's very woody and such a wonderful smell. I will admit that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you love Pinotage from South Africa, then you'll love this. Dark, and very bold.

For this wine we made a traditional lamb dish from South Africa called Biriyani. Originally from Malaysia, but have krept into the South African culture over a very long time. Lots of spices, mixed with the lamb, basmati rice and lentils, served with fresh coriander. The wine lasted long after dessert was done, and is fantastic after the meal all by itself as well. If you're into Spanish wines like I am, try this, but be careful, it is a bit wild. Tame it by making a spicy lamb dish like Biriyani.

Here's the link to Systembolaget. They currently have only the 2003 vintage in stock, which I have not yet tasted.

Below you can see that the cork is a little mouldy, not because the wine got air, but just because it's so old. 11 years. You can also see that in the colour of the wine. More brown than red. All the tannins are gone, yet the wine remains powerful in the nose and the taste.