- Region
- Rioja
- Producer
- La Rioja Alta, S.A.
- Vintage
- 2016
- Grape varieties
- 88% Tempranillo
- 22% Grenache / Garnacha
- Bottle size
- 150 cl
- Ratings
- 93 points Wine Spectator
- 95 points James Suckling
- 94+ points Robert Parker
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Classification
- DOCa
- Special characteristic
- Contains sulphites
Hand-picked grapes. Cool, wild-yeast fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation. The Tempranillo part of the blend was transferred to fifth-use American oak barrels in March of the following year, where it matured for 36 months. It was racked six times during this period. Meanwhile, the Garnacha spent 30 months in third- and fourth-use American oak barrels, during which it was racked by hand five times. After the components were blended together, the wine was bottled and released for sale.
Pale garnet. A remarkable nose of ripe fruit, spice, and balsamic notes. A hint of black pepper on the palate along with coffee and vanilla. Rich expression with fine acidity, balanced tannins and a complex, elegant finish.
The Tempranillo used for this blend comes from the 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards in Fuenmayor y Cenicero, while the Garnacha comes from the La Pedriza vineyard, which is located in Tudelilla at an altitude of 550 metres above sea level.