Marques De Riscal Reserva 2020

Marques De Riscal Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2020

Grapes: 96% Tempranillo with 4% Graciano, hand harvested, 50 year old vines on cay/limestone soils, aged for 22 months in American oak barrels and at least a further year in bottle before release.

Producer Tasting Note:

Intense black-cherry colour with good depth of colour and hardly any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas on the nose with notes of liquorice, cinnamon and black pepper, with just a subtle hint of the long cask-ageing, thanks to its great complexity and ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and easy to drink on the palate, good backbone and lovely, polished tannins. The long, persistent finish leaves gentle balsamic reminders of the finest quality

Classic Rioja style: fresh, fine, elegant and very suitable for laying down for many years.

Critic's Tasting Note: 

"The scent of purple plum, lavender and dried thyme wafts from the glass. Satiny tannins coat the mouth and bring black currant, Simka plum, olive tapenade, baking spice and cocoa powder flavors. The smooth finish is noted for a light burst of mint."

92/100 points, Mike DeSimone, WINE ENTHUSIAST (10/1/24)

Also rated 94/100 by James Suckling, 93/100 Guia Penin and 91/100 Decanter

This wine pairs well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not too spicy, pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grilled and roast meat.