2021 Marques de Riscal
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Tasting notes
Sourced from vineyards over 40 years old in Rioja Alavesa, the 2021 Reserva (Tempranillo with other varieties) opens with refined oak, soft caramel and vanilla framing red fruit, cherry and a touch of blackberry. On the palate, it is compact and chalk-textured, flowing with juicy energy before finishing on red fruit and liquorice. A classical Rioja, the cooler vintage lends detail and lift.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The winery’s flagship wine, the 2021 Reserva has a highly appealing spicy balsamic character and an undertone of freshness highlighted by the addition of 3% Graciano. A solid 20 months in American oak provides structure and toasty notes to the ripe, full-bodied creaminess of the wine, rich in red and black cherry fruit that’s textured and layered throughout supple, silky tannins. This is a classic, ready to go another 10-15 years.
Full bottle 1,158 g. Selective hand-harvesting of the Tempranillo and Graciano grapes in Rioja Alavesa took place in September. Aged for 20 months in American oak barriques and a further year in bottle before release. Winemaker Luis Hurtado de Amézaga. Vegan. RS 1.9 g/l. Available in 496 stores. Could only be Rioja on the nose! Warming, fleshy, subtle (but evident) oak. Generous, fleshy and soft and enveloping on the palate. Acidity to balance. Well-priced for an aged, serious Rioja Reserva. (AWH)
Big and rich, it shows plenty of oak but also enough fruit to carry it. The alcohol feels a little warm on the palate. It finishes with spice and sweet dark berry fruit.