Winemaker Notes
Lovely ruby-red with medium depth of colour and slight brick-red hues, the text-book definition of Rioja Gran Reservas. Great aromatic intensity on the nose, less fruit-driven, but generous aromatics of lavender, ginger and saffron. A round and balanced palate, displaying silky tannins while still remaining fresh and lively. The aftertaste is long and lingering, it offers hints of toasted wood and dried fruits.
This wine is enjoyed alongside a classic from Rioja's cuisine, chuletillas al sarmiento- milk-fed lamb chops, which they grill over dried vine shoots to provide a unique and healthy smoke taste. They also call this their “fireplace wine”, it can be slowly enjoyed on its own, with a cheese platter or Iberian jamón.
Blend: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
The nose shows some herbal and spicy character, with aromas of red currants and creamy vanilla. Elegant on the palate.
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James Suckling
A velvety, plush and polished Rioja showing mint chocolate, cassis, baked plums and rose essence on the nose, as well as a touch of coconut. It’s full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a delicious, toasty finish. Drink now or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Sweet, ripe black cherry and boysenberry fruit joins toast, vanilla and red licorice notes, all brightened by the citrusy acidity in this elegant red, which offers supple tannins. There's more up front, but this continues nicely in a quiet, balanced way through the mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2029. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
Hailed as the star red variety in Spain’s most celebrated wine region, Tempranillo from Rioja, or simply labeled, “Rioja,” produces elegant wines with complex notes of red and black fruit, crushed rock, leather, toast and tobacco, whose best examples are fully capable of decades of improvement in the cellar.
Rioja wines are typically a blend of fruit from its three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental, although specific sub-region (zonas), village (municipios) and vineyard (viñedo singular) wines can now be labeled. Rioja Alta and Alavesa, at the highest elevations, are considered to be the source of the brightest, most elegant fruit, while grapes from the warmer and drier, Rioja Oriental, produce wines with deep color, great body and richness.