Experiences with aged crianza rioja?

In broad terms and excluding the very top (say dozen) producers, what are forumites experience with ageing riojas at crianza level. 5 years? 10 years? more?

regards

Ian

This is probably not very indicative of modern production, but an CVNE Imperial Crianza 1966 showed two great bottles and the most recent, a couple or so weeks ago, good but tiring.

The current Crianza rules only go back to 1970, so older bottles may reflect different winemaking and/or aging norms.

Currently, Crianzas are only made for mid-term consumption.

Then again, some of the top current Riojas aren't even Crianza or Reserva - they are sold with the 'generic' back label.

The current Crianza rules only go back to 1970, so older bottles may reflect different winemaking and/or aging norms.

Currently, Crianzas are only made for mid-term consumption.

Then again, some of the top current Riojas aren't even Crianza or Reserva - they are sold with the 'generic' back label.

Victor
Many thanks for this info.
re: mid-term, would you say up to 10 years being a fairly safe ageing period, but above 15 being quite risky?

I'm interested in some 1988,1989,1992,1996,1997,1998,1999 's that have cropped up over here, with a mix of producers (typically €7 to €12 wines for their current crianza releases)

regards

Ian

Well, My Sierra Cantabria 94's are still holding up very well indeed - but I would be hesitant as to generalize this to other producers. Also, 94 was a stellar vintage.
'89 might have some potential, but really depends, as to the rest - 96 was not too bad for ageing, 98 wasn't bad either - but I would certainly avoid 97. Ad most really depends on the producer (forget about Paternina, Campo viejo etc). It's hard to tell without more details...

Gert
Thanks for the info/experience:
Some examples:
Nekea Crianza 97, Gran civet Cosecha 96, Homenaje Crianza 89 (Navarra), Rivellana Crianza 96, Valserano Crianza 98, ...

regards

Ian

Nekeas is Navarra too. My general advice: except for top producers and in the excellent 1994 and 1995 vintages, avoid anything over 10 yers old as the chances of getting a tired Crianza wine, at those entry-level price points, are really high. And don't forget 1998 and 1997 were very middling vintages, too.

Many thanks guys - I will heed your advice!