Rioja Wine

One of Rioja's most reliable and beloved Crianzas — Marqués de Cáceres delivers classic Tempranillo character with the polish and consistency that has made this estate a benchmark producer in the appellation for decades. Hand-harvested from old vines in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, aged 12 months in French and American oak, and built for everyday enjoyment at an exceptional price.

Sommelier's Pick

Oscar Garcia, Lead Wine Sommelier, 67wino.shop: "One of Rioja's benchmark Crianzas. A well-rounded red that delivers a solid drinking experience. Aromas of plum compote, cassis and notes of cinnamon and cloves. Medium-bodied with polished and pleasant tannins. Consistent and satisfying finish."

Vineyard & Winemaking

• DOCa Rioja — Tempranillo and other traditional varieties
• Hand-harvested from small, low-yield old vine plots in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa
• Clayey-limestone soils with ferrous subsoil in Rioja Alta; more limestone in Rioja Alavesa
• 12 months in French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels
• Oak distribution: 25% new, 25% second-use, 50% third- to fourth-use — for balance and integration
• Vegan-friendly

The 2021 Vintage

An excellent growing season with 30% more rainfall than average, well-distributed across the year. A warm February brought consistent bud break, while a warm and slightly humid May supported healthy early growth. A 10-week period of showers with ideal temperatures through summer ensured slow, even ripening — resulting in fresh, well-structured fruit with natural acidity and balance.

Tasting Profile

Deep ruby with a garnet rim. The nose offers inviting aromas of plum compote, cassis, cinnamon, and cloves with a subtle vanilla oak lift. On the palate it's medium-bodied with polished, approachable tannins, bright acidity, and a consistent, satisfying finish. Classic Rioja Crianza — honest, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

Perfect Pairings

Serve at 62–65°F with beef stew, lamb chops, roasted chicken, paella, shrimp fried rice, or a simple charcuterie board. A versatile everyday red that punches well above its price point.

Marqués de Riscal is one of Spain's most storied estates, founded in 1858 in the village of Elciego in Rioja Alavesa. Elevated vineyards, meticulous farming across 540 owned hectares, and a cellar housing every vintage back to the 1860s define a house built on permanence and precision. The Frank Gehry–designed hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant on-site speak to the same ambition: world-class in every dimension.

The 2021 Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo and 3% Graciano, aged 20 months in American oak. The nose opens with licorice, black cherry, cinnamon, and black pepper — expressive and layered, with a balsamic freshness that keeps everything lifted. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet polished, with silky tannins, ripe red and black fruit, and a long, persistent finish with gentle spice. Classic Riscal: structured, elegant, and built to age another 10–15 years.

Expert Ratings

"The winery's flagship wine, the 2021 Reserva has a highly appealing spicy balsamic character and an undertone of freshness... 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." — Jeb Dunnuck, 92 Points. (Vintage 2021).

"A combination of licorice, blackberries and cherries on the nose... The medium- to full-bodied palate is incisive with polished, focused tannins and a clean, chiseled finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

"Ripe mulberry and boysenberry fruit is accented by wild thyme, warm spices, mineral and mandarin orange peel in this well-balanced red, with light, taut tannins." — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

Winemaker Notes

Intense black-cherry color with good depth and barely any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas of licorice, cinnamon, and black pepper with a subtle hint of oak, balanced by ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and easy to drink, with good backbone, polished tannins, and a long, balsamic finish.

Pairs well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles, bean and pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grills, and roasts.

El Coto Crianza — Rioja, Spain 2022

El Coto is Spain's most beloved Rioja — a winery founded on a simple and powerful idea: that exceptional quality and honest value should never be mutually exclusive. The 2022 Crianza is crafted entirely from Tempranillo grown at the estate's Oyón winery, fermented with rigorous temperature control for optimal structure and color extraction, then aged a minimum of 12 months in selected 225-litre American oak barrels and at least 6 months in bottle before release. The result is a smooth, silky, and beautifully balanced Crianza that has earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles — and overdelivers at its price point vintage after vintage.

The nose is fresh and inviting: bright raspberry, ripe cherry, vanilla, and emblematic toasted oak aromas with well-integrated spice. On the palate, the wine is silky and persistent with layered fruit, soft tannins, and a smooth, lingering finish with integrated spicy flavors. It is approachable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly food-friendly — the kind of Rioja Crianza that never fails.

"El Coto Crianza is exceptionally balanced with layers of fresh raspberry, cherry, spice and toasted oak, building to a silky finish. Silky and persistent on the palate, with well-integrated spicy flavors." — Winemaker's Notes, El Coto de Rioja

• Producer: El Coto de Rioja, Oyón, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja, Spain
• Varietal: Tempranillo
• Aging: 12+ months American oak + 6+ months bottle — vanilla, toasted oak & spice complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh raspberry, ripe cherry, vanilla, toasted oak, soft tannins, silky finish
• Awards: Gold Medal — Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025
• Best Paired With: Iberian ham, aged Manchego, roast lamb, grilled chorizo, jamon, cheese boards

Spain's most accessible Rioja Crianza at an honest price — El Coto is the benchmark for what balanced, American oak-aged Tempranillo can deliver for everyone.

67 Wine Somm Series DOCa Rioja Tempranillo 2021 — Rioja Alavesa, Spain

The 67 Wine Somm Series is curated by Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine’s in-house sommelier and Spain specialist. Each selection is Oscar’s personal search for wines that over-deliver on quality relative to price — bottles he would pour at his own table. This Rioja Tempranillo is a direct expression of that philosophy: a classic, food-friendly red from one of Spain’s most celebrated appellations at an everyday price.

Sourced from Rioja Alavesa — the northernmost and most elevated sub-zone of the DOCa Rioja, situated in the Basque Country — this 100% Tempranillo benefits from limestone-clay soils and a cooler, Atlantic-influenced climate that produces wines with brighter acidity, more aromatic lift, and greater elegance than those from the warmer Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. Widely regarded as Rioja’s most terroir-expressive zone.

The 2021 delivers exactly what great everyday Rioja should: red berries, plums, and vanilla on the nose, a medium-bodied palate with good consistency and structure, and a very pleasant, clean finish.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Sommelier — “Red berries, plums, and vanilla. Medium-bodied with good consistency on the palate. Very pleasant finish.”

• Curated by: Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Sommelier & Spain Buyer
• Producer: 67 Wine Somm Series
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja (Rioja Alavesa)
• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, plum, vanilla, medium-bodied, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled chorizo, patatas bravas, aged Manchego, Spanish tapas

Classic Rioja Alavesa at an honest price — Oscar’s pick for the table, every night of the week.

67Wine Somm Series Rosé — Rioja, Spain 2024

The 67Wine Somm Series Rosé is the house rosé we’ve always wanted — and the 2024 vintage is its most vibrant expression yet. Curated by Oscar Garcia Moncada, our in-house Wine Buyer, this Grenache-based rosé is sourced from Rioja, where warm days and cool nights produce fruit of exceptional purity and freshness. It is the kind of bottle that disappears fast: pale pink, effortlessly refreshing, and priced to drink without hesitation.

The nose is bright and inviting: fresh-cut watermelon, wild strawberries, cranberries, and ripe raspberries. On the palate, it is medium-light in body with crisp, beautifully integrated acidity and a finish that is dry, clean, and endlessly thirst-quenching. A pure, delicious expression — perfect for picnics, beach days, or an easygoing lunch in the sun.

“Pale pink in the glass, it opens with vibrant aromas of fresh-cut watermelon, wild strawberries, cranberries, and ripe raspberries. Crisp, beautifully integrated acidity, dry and effortlessly refreshing.” — Oscar Garcia Moncada, Wine Buyer, 67Wine

• Producer: 67Wine Somm Series, curated by Oscar Garcia Moncada
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rioja, Spain
• Varietal: Grenache (Garnacha)
• Style: Dry rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Watermelon, wild strawberry, cranberry, raspberry, crisp acidity, dry finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now — best enjoyed young and fresh
• Best Paired With: Grilled shrimp, summer salads, charcuterie, light pasta, ceviche, or simply on its own

Bright, dry, and made for summer — the 67Wine Somm Series Rosé is the benchmark for what a house rosé should be.

Our Professional Review — Oscar Garcia Moncada

In September 2022, I had the pleasure of traveling to Rioja, Spain, to visit one of my favorite producers: Bodegas Perica. Located in the picturesque village of San Asensio in La Rioja Alta, Bodegas Perica has been a bastion of winemaking tradition for three generations. The winery was in the midst of harvest, and I was fortunate enough to participate—gaining firsthand insight into the rigorous grape selection process that defines Bodegas Perica’s approach.

Anyone who has experienced a wine harvest understands the backbreaking labor involved in hand-harvesting: long hours, quick reflexes, and relentless speed. Yet despite the physical demands, the reward is undeniable—gathering at the end of the day to share a hearty meal and plenty of wine with a community united by purpose and passion.

David García Ábalos, the current owner of Bodegas Perica, and Zigor Cornago García, Director of Commerce, graciously gave me a personal tour of the winery, cellar, and production facilities. Perica stands out for using only estate-grown grapes from its own vineyards—a true commitment to quality and terroir. The winery also ages its Crianzas in 225-liter French oak barrels, and notably, many of its wines undergo extended aging beyond the minimum requirements set by the Rioja DOCa.

Founded in 1912 by Don Juan García, Bodegas Perica now cultivates over 150 hectares of vineyards in the prestigious Rioja Alta subregion, known for producing some of the finest expressions of Tempranillo.

This visit was especially meaningful to me, as it culminated in a tasting straight from the barrel to select the next wine for a private label project with 67Wine. After exploring a range of vintages and barrels, I ultimately chose the 2020 vintage. For me, it hit all the right notes—vibrant fruit, layered aromas, balanced structure, integrated tannins, and just the right touch of acidity. This wine is layered with nuances of tobacco, perfectly matured red fruit, and a touch of vanilla.

This superb Crianza, aged for up to 16 months in barrel followed by further aging in bottle, overdelivers in both quality and value. It drinks more like a Reserva—a testament to the exceptional fruit quality grown in Viña Olagosa in La Rioja Alta and to the meticulous work of the Bodegas Perica winemaking team.

Tasting Notes

Color: Medium garnet

Nose: Enticing aromas of red and black fruit — strawberries, raspberries, black cherry, and blackberry — with subtle hints of tobacco, cedar, and vanilla.

Palate: Medium-bodied with great balance. Acidity, tannins, and alcohol are all in harmony. Black cherry, strawberries, and raspberries intermingle with notes of tobacco, dried mushrooms, and a touch of eucalyptus.

Finish: Clean and pleasant with a long-lasting mouthfeel.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine

Food Pairings

Steaks, grilled tuna, roasted poultry, BBQ, and burgers.

Product Details

• Producer: Bodegas Perica
• Vineyard: Viña Olagosa
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Blend: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
• Aging: Up to 16 months in 225L French oak barrels
• Vintage: 2020
• Style: Medium-bodied, elegant Rioja Crianza
• Format: 750ml

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Hinia — Rioja Reserva 2014

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta is one of Haro's most storied producers, crafting wines in the historic heart of Rioja Alta since 1895. Hinia — named for the fossilized shells found in the vineyard soils, remnants of an ancient sea that once covered the entire region — is a homage to the refined, classic wines that made Haro famous. A traditional Rioja blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo, it was aged for 36 months in American oak with natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, producing a wine of genuine complexity and elegance.

Deep cherry red in the glass with an aromatic nose of ripe black fruit, spiced plums, tobacco leaf, balsamic, and a seductive layer of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate from the extended oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied with palate-coating tannins, vibrant citrus zest energy, and a long, persistent finish of ripe cherry and vanilla blossom. Balanced, opulent, and built to last.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points — Elaine Chukan Brown | "Spiced and ripe plums and cherries gain the energy of citrus zest, and the opulence of vanilla blossom and a drizzle of balsamic. Balanced with great persistence for a pleasurable wine." (Vintage 2014).

• Producer: Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Founded: 1895
• Vintage: 2014
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa (Rioja Alavesa)
• Varietals: Tempranillo, Graciano & Mazuelo
• Aging: 36 months in American oak
• Classification: Reserva
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe black fruit, spiced plum, cherry, tobacco, balsamic, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, Manchego, charcuterie, grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto
• Serve: 60–65°F, decant 30 minutes

93 points from Wine Enthusiast — Hinia is classic Rioja at its most refined: a wine that honors a century of winemaking tradition in Haro.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia, 67Wine Buyer: This legendary Bodega produces some of the most classic and sought-after Riojas. The entry-level Reserva is my go-to wine to enjoy with any of my weekend favorite meals. Lovely nose of dark fruit, cedar, and herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a structured finish.

Marqués de Murrieta didn’t just make one of the first Rioja wines — they essentially invented the category. Founded in 1852 by Don Luciano Murrieta, the estate has spent over 170 years refining a house style built on elegance, consistency, and the singular personality of the Finca Ygay estate. The 2022 Reserva is a classic expression: raspberry, blueberry, and cherry on the nose, lifted by thyme, rosemary, and sandalwood, with a juicy, precise palate shaped by fine tannins and a fresh, pleasant finish. Medium-bodied, structured, and thoroughly satisfying.

Blend: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, Garnacha
Appellation: Rioja, Spain
Estate: Finca Ygay, Castillo de Ygay
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml

The Castillo de Ygay — declared a museum in 2019 — sits at the heart of a self-contained estate of over 300 hectares. Led since 1983 by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, Marqués de Murrieta completed a landmark renovation in 2021, adding 25,000 m² of state-of-the-art production facilities while leaving the estate’s identity untouched. Every variety in the blend — Tempranillo for structure, Mazuelo for acidity, Graciano for freshness, Garnacha for roundness — is grown on-estate and contributes its own personality to a wine that has been made the same way for generations.

“A palpable example of the elegance, consistency and regularity that characterize Marqués de Murrieta. This wine shows the incredible personality of the Ygay Estate.” — Winemaker’s Notes

Bodegas Escudero · Serna Imperial Reserva · Rioja Baja, Spain · 2015 · 750ml

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852, and four generations on it's still very much a family business. Of their 150 hectares of vineyards, 120 sit on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga range in Rioja Baja, where the grapes for Serna Imperial are grown. The vines are around 40 years old and planted between 450 and 800 meters above sea level.

Predominantly Tempranillo, blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this Reserva spent 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle before release. The result is a mature, harmonious Rioja with real character, now showing the savory complexity that comes with age.

Winemaker Description

Brick red deep covered. Clean, complex and with a good intensity on the nose. Red fruit aromas well conjoined with those of the aging. Balsam, spices (pepper), tobacco and leather. Well structured, tasty, large, soft but with character and a good harmony in its flavors. Complex and retronasal clean.

Bodegas Escudero

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2015

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852 and, four generations on, it is still very much a family business. They own a total of 150ha of vineyards, of which 120ha are located on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga mountain range, where the grapes for this wine are produced. The vines are grown at between 450m-800m above sea level and are approximately 40 years old. Predominantly made from Tempranillo blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this reserva was aged for 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle.

Decanter, 95 Points

Supple, juicy, well-balanced, fully rounded. A lovely vintage and a great wine.

Sarah Jane Evans, Decanter

A broad and generous mouthfeel, the tannic grip still persuasive, but acidity is wrapped around the black fruit core with subtle conviction.

Simon Field, Decanter

Liquorice and dark fruit, compact, quite complex, framed by muscular tannins, underlying depth that unfurls in the glass, and really good length. Drinking Window 2020 - 2023

Pierre Mansour, Decanter

Pairings & Serving

Serve at 60–65°F and give it 30 minutes to an hour in a decanter to open up. A classic partner for roast lamb, grilled steak, chorizo, jamón, wild mushrooms and aged Manchego.

Specs

• Producer: Bodegas Escudero
• Wine: Serna Imperial Reserva
• Vintage: 2015
• Appellation: Rioja Baja, Rioja, Spain
• Blend: Predominantly Tempranillo, with Mazuelo and Garnacha
• Vineyards: Southern slopes of Monte Yerga, 450–800m, ~40-year-old vines
• Aging: 14 months in five-year-old American oak, plus 28 months in bottle
• Rating: Decanter 95 points
• Size: 750ml

A 95-point, decade-old Rioja Reserva from a family making wine since 1852.

Marqués de Cáceres is one of Rioja’s most celebrated and internationally recognized estates, founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner in partnership with the legendary Bordeaux oenologist Émile Peynaud. The winery pioneered a more elegant, French-influenced style of Rioja — emphasizing freshness, precision, and terroir expression over heavy extraction — and has remained one of the appellation’s benchmark producers for over five decades.

The Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest) Reserva is a step above the standard Reserva, crafted from a careful selection of 15–25-year-old vines in the premier Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa sub-regions. Aged in oak and bottle in accordance with Reserva regulations, this is a wine of genuine complexity and cellar-worthy structure.

The 2020 shows a deep, brilliant crimson color. The nose is powerful yet delicate — noble wood, lightly spiced, with hints of vanilla and cocoa against a background of dark fruit, touches of licorice, and woodland notes that give the wine personality and elegance. On the palate it is very expressive, full-bodied and refined, with delicious flavors of berries laced with toasty notes and a long, classy finish.

Selected Harvest. 15–25-year-old vines. Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa — Marqués de Cáceres at its most refined.

• Producer: Marqués de Cáceres, Cenicero, Rioja Alta, Spain (est. 1970)
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja (Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa)
• Classification: Reserva — Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest)
• Varietal: Tempranillo-based blend
• Vine Age: 15–25 years
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, vanilla, cocoa, licorice, noble wood, spice, woodland, toasty berries, long elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, Ibérico ham, aged Manchego, slow-braised short ribs, mushroom dishes

Classic Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s founding estates — Marqués de Cáceres Vendimia Seleccionada is the benchmark.

Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añón Reserva — Rioja Alta, Spain 2020

Bodegas Olarra is one of Rioja's most storied estates — a winery so architecturally ambitious it has been called the Grand Cathedral of Rioja, its landmark building designed by architect Juan Antonio Ridruejo as one of the first purpose-built wine production facilities in Spain. The 2020 Cerro Añón Reserva is crafted from a Tempranillo-dominant blend — with Graciano and Mazuelo — grown in the prestigious Rioja Alta sub-district, aged in oak in accordance with Reserva regulations to build the classic structure and depth that has defined this bottling for decades. The result is a sophisticated, layered red that overdelivers at its price point and is approachable now but built to hold.

The nose is complex and inviting: dusty dark cherry, blood orange, cedar, dark fruit, fragrant blossom, rosehip, and a sultry seam of cigar box oak. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied with finely corded tannins, a smooth mouthfeel, and a savory, lightly earthy finish with sweet tobacco and lingering spice. It is elegant, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Reserva Rioja that disappears fast at the table.

"Deep ruby in the glass. Enticing dark fruit aromas join flavors of cedar and sweet tobacco with a savory, lightly earthy finish. Tannins are finely corded and lengthy, creating a smooth mouthfeel. Sophisticated, layered, and enjoyable with both the approachability to drink now, and the hutzpah to hold years in cellar." — Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points. (Vintage 2020). 

"Thriving with fragrant blossom, rosehip and fresh cranberries and a sultry seam of cigar box oak, and furnished with a broad structure and opulent tannins." — Decanter Magazine, 96 Points. (Vintage 2020). 

• Producer: Bodegas Olarra, Logroño, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja — Rioja Alta
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
• Aging: Oak-aged Reserva — cedar, tobacco & dark fruit complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blood orange, cedar, blossom, rosehip, cigar box, sweet tobacco, earthy finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, chorizo, aged Manchego, slow-braised short ribs

One of Rioja's most celebrated estates at an honest price — Cerro Añón Reserva is the benchmark for what structured, oak-aged Rioja Alta Tempranillo can deliver.

Bodegas Perica · Rioja Alta · Spain · 2012

In Rioja, Gran Reserva is not a marketing term — it is a commitment. A minimum of 28 to 30 months in Bordelaise barriques, followed by at least 36 months of bottle aging before release. Bodegas Perica Viña Olagosa Gran Reserva honors that tradition fully: a family project rooted in Rioja Alta, drawing Tempranillo from the Viña Olagosa estate in San Asensio and Garnacha and Mazuelo from the Zaco estate in Haro, blended with the kind of patience and craft that only a multigenerational producer can sustain.

The nose is intense and complex — vanilla, cedar, tobacco, and leather, the unmistakable signature of long oak aging done well. On the palate it is medium-bodied and beautifully composed, with polished, aged tannins, notes of espresso and dark spice, and an elegant, lingering finish that speaks of both time and terroir.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Buyer | “Ruby color with copper rim; on the nose intense and complex: vanilla, cedar, and tobacco. Medium-bodied with polished aged tannins and espresso and more tobacco notes. Very elegant finish. For sure one of my top Gran Reservas to drink now!”

• Producer: Bodegas Perica
• Vintage: 2012
• Appellation: Rioja Alta, Spain
• Varietals: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
• Aging: 28–30 months in Bordelaise barriques + 36 months bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, cedar, tobacco, leather, espresso, dark spice, polished tannins
• Pairings: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, charcuterie, mushroom dishes

A textbook Rioja Gran Reserva — complex, elegant, and drinking beautifully right now.

Rioja Gran Reserva That Rivals Wines Twice the Price

Marques de Vargas is one of Rioja’s most respected estates, distinguished by its commitment to varietal correctness and minimal intervention. Only indigenous yeasts from the vineyard are used for fermentation — a philosophy that prioritizes terroir expression over the homogenizing effects of commercial yeast. Rather than chasing the heavily extracted, over-oaked style common in the appellation, Marques de Vargas produces a Gran Reserva of remarkable freshness, elegance, and longevity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

• Wine Enthusiast — 94 pts: Deep ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, caramel and thyme. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry, licorice, dark chocolate and orange zest wrapped in feathery tannins and a soft sheath of acidity. A nice floral note on the bright finish.
• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: Surprisingly clean and fresh — peppery and spicy with toasty notes. 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, 13% Mazuelo, matured in 225- and 500-liter French oak barrels for 23 months.
• James Suckling — 91 pts: Delicate creaminess and sweet spices to the blackberries and dark plums. Medium to full body with lots of dusty tannins. Subtle finish with creamy, spiced cherries. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2017 750ml

A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, and 13% Mazuelo, aged 23 months in French oak. The 2017 is peppery, spiced, and layered — with black cherry, dark chocolate, and orange zest on the nose, and a long, floral finish. Built for the cellar, but approachable now.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
• Appellation: Rioja, Spain
• Producer: Marques de Vargas
• Vintage: 2017
• Classification: Gran Reserva
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — exceptional with roasted lamb, Iberian pork, cochinillo asado, rabo de toro, Jamón Ibérico, aged Manchego, and Idiazábal.

Bodegas Ondarre · Millennium Cava · Brut NV · Traditional Method · Spain · 750ml

Bodegas Ondarre’s Millennium Cava is a traditional method sparkling wine crafted in the classic Cava style — secondary fermentation in the bottle, extended lees aging, and the kind of creamy, biscuity complexity that sets Cava apart from simpler sparkling wines. Made from Macabeu, it delivers exceptional value at this price point: 92 points from Wine Enthusiast for a wine that is simultaneously full and creamy, dry and fresh, with a well-balanced acidity and an elegant, fruity finish. Sustainable.

Very pale brilliant yellow with regular, fine lines of bubbles rising to form a crown. The nose is very pleasant — light, fresh aromas of Seckel pear, vanilla bean, and nutmeg, with secondary notes redolent of bottle aging and floral shades. On the palate, lightly effervescent and beautifully textured — peach, green apple, vanilla, and brioche coalesce in a vivid, elegant, and long finish with an agreeable, well-balanced aftertaste.

“A soft column of bubbles releases a bouquet of Seckel pear, vanilla bean and nutmeg. Lightly effervescent on the palate, this wine offers flavors of peach, green apple, vanilla and brioche that coalesce in a vivid finish.”
— Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points

• Producer: Bodegas Ondarre, Spain
• Style: Cava Brut NV · Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)
• Varietal: Macabeu
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Seckel pear, vanilla bean, nutmeg, peach, green apple, brioche, fine bubbles, elegant finish
• Pairings: Oysters, light appetizers, seafood, soft cheeses, charcuterie, aperitif

WE:92 · Cava Brut NV — traditional method, sustainable, and exceptional value. Creamy, fresh, and built for the celebration.

Discover My Villa Tinto Rioja: A Premium Tempranillo Experience

Winemaker Description

On the nose, it is straightforward and clean, with intense fruity aromas of blackberry, red currant, and banana. The wine is fresh and lively on the palate, very pleasant and long, leaving intense memories of red fruit.

Loads of strawberry and cherry aromas with soft acidity and a creamy finish thanks to carbonic maceration.

Pairing recommendation: Appetizers, rice, salads, dry pasta,white meats and light cheeses.

Memo Summary Notes

The Mi Villa Tinto Rioja 2024 is a fresh, youthful expression of Spanish Tempranillo from Bodegas Perica, a family-owned estate in the prestigious Rioja Alta sub-region.

As a 2024 vintage, this is a Joven (young) wine, meaning it focuses on the vibrant primary fruit of the grape rather than the heavy oak influence found in Crianza or Reserva levels.

This is a very versatile "Tuesday night" wine that doesn't demand a formal meal:

• Casual Dining: Perfect with pepperoni pizza, burgers, or tomato-based pasta dishes.

• Spanish Classics: Great with chorizo, Manchego cheese, or simple meat tapas.

Unveil the Richness of My Villa Tinto Rioja

My Villa Tinto Rioja represents the best of Tempranillo wines, showcasing the rich and ripe fruit flavors that this grape variety is known for. This 2024 vintage features deep notes of cherry and plum, combined with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. The medium body and smooth tannins create a delightful drinking experience, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts. Because of its balanced flavor profile, this wine pairs wonderfully with various dishes, including grilled meats and hearty pastas.

A Perfect Choice for Every Occasion

This exquisite Tempranillo is not just a wine; it’s a companion for your gatherings. Whether you are enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a festive dinner with friends, My Villa Tinto Rioja enhances the experience. It’s enjoyable on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with food, elevating your culinary delights. The wine’s versatility makes it suitable for both casual meals and special celebrations, so you can share its charm with anyone.

Savor the Experience, One Sip at a Time

When you choose My Villa Tinto Rioja, you are treating yourself to a moment of indulgence. This wine not only captivates your palate but also tells a story of artisanal crafting and tradition. Because the grapes are sourced from the finest vineyards in the Rioja region, you can feel confident in its quality. So, take a moment to relax, pour a glass, and let the robust flavors transport you to the sun-kissed hills of Spain.

Bodegas Perica 6 Cepas 6 Rioja Tinto 2023 · Rioja, Spain

Winemaker Description

6 Cepas 6 is a great range that focusses on the fun and approachable side of Rioja. Rather than being over tannic, oaky or dry these wines are bold, fruity and exciting. Hand selecting in the vineyards and sorting in the cellar followed by 6 months aging in new oak barrels.

Red fruits and spices and toasted brioche. Powerful yet fruity enough to remain balanced and subtle. Soft tannins and a lovely finish. Perfect with red meats, pasta or a good old stew!

This wine’s versatility makes it a great “Tuesday night” red or a party favorite: pair it with Jamón Serrano, Manchego cheese, or Chorizo.

Production Process

The grapes are harvested in boxes and always at the optimum moment to guarantee perfect alcoholic and phenolic ripening. These grapes are selected twice before entering the winery, first in the field, where only the perfect bunches are harvested, and then the grapes are sieved in the winery. Cold pre-fermentation maceration for 24 hours. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in truncated cone-shaped stainless steel tanks. Ageing in French and American oak barrels for 8-10 months and subsequent transfer to bottle, where it will remain for the appropriate time in order to achieve its full refinement and roundness, before being released onto the market.

Flavour and Texture

Medium-deep ruby-red colour. The nose is intense with lots of red fruit, such as strawberry and raspberry, with a hint of mint on the nose making it fresh on entry. The nuances of its contact with wood are also present with hints of vanilla, nutmeg and chocolate. The palate is sweet, medium-bodied, with hints of vanilla, coffee and dried fruit. Persistent and balanced, with an acidity that gives it liveliness and youth.

Ideal to accompany vegetables, meats, roasts, game and all kinds of cheeses.

The House

Perica Wineries is a family winery with strong traditional values that dates back to 1912. We have more than 150 hectares of our own vineyards in the best areas of Rioja Alta, thus controlling the total production of our vineyards and the careful winemaking process in the winery.

Don Juan García, founder of the winery, destined these wines for local consumption and for sale in neighbouring villages. Gradually, due to the success achieved, it was his son Don David García, affectionately nicknamed Perica, who inherited the project and consolidated it, giving it his nickname, building the winery and registering it with the Rioja Designation of Origin Control Board in 1950.

Currently, it is the third generation, Rosa and David, who lead the project, the children of ‘Perica’, together with their professional team, have decided to carry out some important reforms in the winery to implement the latest technologies in the winemaking process and to focus on wine tourism.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region: Rioja, Spain
• Grape: Tempranillo
• Type: Red

Bodegas Beronia · Rioja Gran Reserva · 2018 · 750ml

Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2018 combines dark cherry and plum fruit with tobacco, cedar, earthy spice and a layered, savory finish. A favorite of 67Wine's Oscar Garcia, it offers the developed flavors of extended aging while retaining freshness and a firm tannic structure.

Producer & Winemaking

Founded in 1973, Beronia brings traditional methods and modern innovation to its Rioja wines. This Gran Reserva blends Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. The grapes are handpicked at optimal ripeness, and the wine spends 24 months in oak barrels, developing layers of fruit, spice and structure.

Our Professional Review · 

Oscar Garcia · 67wino.shop Beronia Gran Reserva is one of my favorite Gran Reservas. Every vintage seems to get better and better. The long-term aging Gran Reserva gives the wine time to develop a great arrange of flavors and nuances, not found in younger wines. Aromas of toasty oak, cassis, dark plum and cedar. Medium to full-bodied. Great length and integration. Serious but approachable.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2018

James Suckling · 92 Points Attractive nose with a hint of walnut husk and dark earth to the black cherries and sweet tobacco. A hint of truffle and sous-bois, too. Medium-bodied on the palate with firm, dusty tannins that grow and extend in a long, succulent finish. Tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo.

Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points Deep violet to the eye, this wine has a nose of black plum, dark chocolate and dried hillside herbs. Bold red berry flavors are joined by plush tannins and deeper notes of mocha, truffle and thyme. As flavors and textures wind down on the palate, a note of orange zest remains.

Wine Spectator · 90 Points A classy red, fresh and fragrant, with notes of bay leaf, pepper and tar-tinged mineral accenting crushed cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Shows good focus, with lightly chalky tannins in a medium-bodied frame. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2026. 50,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

Serving & Food Pairing Suggestions

Consider decanting for about an hour before serving, adjusting to taste. Pair with slow-roasted lamb shanks, grilled lamb, prime rib, venison, roast duck, wild boar ragù or hearty stews. Aged Manchego, Roncal, salty blue cheese and dishes with truffles or wild mushrooms also complement its savory complexity.

Details

• Producer: Bodegas Beronia
• Vintage: 2018
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: Spain
• Region / Appellation: Rioja
• Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo
• Type: Red wine
• Classification: Gran Reserva
• Harvest: Handpicked
• Aging: 24 months in oak barrels
• Wine Spectator Drinking Guidance: Through 2026

Eguren Ugarte Cincuenta Rioja 2017 is an elegant and beautifully balanced Spanish red crafted from 100% Tempranillo in the renowned Rioja wine region. Produced by the historic Eguren Ugarte family winery in Rioja Alavesa, this expressive wine combines rich fruit character, refined oak influence, and the distinctive elegance of traditional Rioja winemaking.

Aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by additional bottle maturation, the wine develops remarkable depth and complexity while retaining its vibrant fruit character.

#23 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

 ruby-red in color, the 2017 Cincuenta opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, dark plums, red berries, and subtle toasted oak. On the palate, layers of black cherry, raspberry, sweet spice, and hints of chocolate unfold alongside bright acidity and polished tannins. Medium-bodied and beautifully structured, it offers a silky texture and a long, flavorful finish.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points, Best Buy: This dark garnet wine has a nose of black cherry, butterscotch and olive tapenade. It is spicy on entry, offering eucalyptus and clove notes alongside flavors of dark and red berries. Bittersweet chocolate and orange zest. Luxurious tannins build slowly and then remain on the palate.

James Suckling – 92 Points: An unassuming nose of plums, cherries, earth and sweet spices. Medium-bodied with assertive, chalky tannins and bright acidity. Lively and elegant with a silky texture and lots of cherry character on the palate. Succulent fruit lingers through the long, fruit-oriented finish. Drink or hold.

Food Pairing: An excellent companion to grilled lamb, roasted meats, beef, mushrooms, Spanish tapas, charcuterie, and aged Manchego cheese.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

It fermented in stainless steel and matured in French and American oak barrels for two years and was kept in bottle for another three. It has a textbook spicy nose with sweet spices, smoke and toast, berry fruit and herbs, a touch of forest floor and truffles, with a moderate 13.5% alcohol and balancing freshness.

La Bicicleta Voladora · Rioja · Organic & Vegan · 2024

La Bicicleta Voladora, “The Flying Bicycle,” is a fresh, fruit-led Rioja with red-berry aromas, juicy blackberry and red-currant flavors. Medium-bodied and crisp on the finish, this organic and vegan red is aged entirely in concrete rather than oak, keeping the focus on bright fruit and an inviting texture.

Producer & Terroir

La Bicicleta Voladora is Germán Blanco's project in Rioja Baja, made with fellow oenologist Javier Collio. Fruit comes from certified organic vineyards in the Navarra part of the Rioja appellation, where dry-farmed vines grow in clay and limestone soils. The winemaker's account gives an average vine age of thirty-five years, while Oscar's review describes vines aged 20–35 years.

Winemaking

Following the Milú philosophy of “happy wines made from happy grapes,” the grapes are destemmed and fermented at low temperature with native yeasts. A slight maceration before fermentation finishes helps create a delicate, fresh style. The wine spends five to six months in concrete tanks, with no oak, and is unfiltered but lightly clarified.

67Wine Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada · 67wino.shop. 20-35 year old vines. Certified Organic and Vegan; 100% Tempranillo entirely aged in concrete vats. Not filtered but lightly clarified. Notes of red berries on the nose with an enticing mouth-feel. Red currant, juicy blackberry. Medium-bodied with crisp and enticing finish.

Pairing & Serving

Pair with grilled meats, rich stews, aged cheeses, roasted vegetables or pasta with tomato-based sauces. Serve slightly chilled to highlight its fruit and freshness.

Details

• Producer: La Bicicleta Voladora / The Flying Bicycle, Germán Blanco
• Vintage: 2024
• Country: Spain
• Region / appellation: Rioja
• Vineyard area: Rioja Baja, Navarra portion of the appellation
• Grape: Tempranillo; the producer description and staff review specify 100%
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Certifications: Organic and vegan
• Farming: Dry-farmed vineyards
• Fermentation: Native yeasts
• Aging: Five to six months in concrete; no oak
• Finishing: Unfiltered, lightly clarified

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Luis Gutierrez writes:  The white 2020 Blanco is a little closed, young, clean and tender with subtle oak. They produced a little bit more in 2020, and the wine has less oak and less buttery sensations, a change that started with the 2017 vintage, which seems to have found its style harvesting earlier to retain freshness; it has 13.04% alcohol and a pH @ 3.23 and matured in larger oak containers, 500-liter oak barrels and some concrete for 12 months. It's floral and expressive, a blend of Viura with 20% Garnacha Blanca that they still consider work in progress but moving in the direction they want to go. 16,200 bottles and 100 magnums were filled in March 2022.  Drinking 2022 to 2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

James Suckling writes:  A delicious, creamy white with aromas of apricots, baked peaches, hazelnuts, white chocolate and nougat. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a ripe and creamy palate. Lovely buttery pastry and nougat character, with a fresh finish. Drink now  - James Suckling 93

Pedro Ballesteros MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Pierre Monsour write:  Round and warm on the nose, with fine notes of smoke. A mouth-filling wine that's fresh and expressive.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Decanter 90

Winemaker Notes

Contino Blanco 2020 shows a very intense nose, marked by its aging in barrel. It is fresh and fruity wine, a true reflection of the identity of our vineyard. San Gregorio offers a Garnacha Blanca with great complexity and volume. The soils are clayey-calcareous, with medium stoniness, key for good drainage.

Blend: 80% Viura, 20% Garnacha Blanca

Marqués de Riscal · Rioja XR Reserva · 2021 · 750ml

Marqués de Riscal XR Reserva 2021 blends Tempranillo and Graciano in a layered Rioja red. The supplied Jeb Dunnuck review describes 25 months of American oak aging, with dark cherry, vanilla and cocoa across a concentrated palate.

The supplied critics' notes highlight blackberry and black plum alongside cedar, leather and spice, with persistent tannins and a long finish. Enjoy it with a hearty meal now, or allow further development in the cellar.

Winemaker Description

Marqués de Riscal: Throughout its history, Marqués de Riscal has always been an innovating, pioneering cellar and reference in a constantly changing winemaking sector. We seek to make wines which are original, fresh, elegant and easy to drink. Since the beginning, we have always had a clear vocation for export. Today we can be found in more 110 countries to which we export more than 60% of our production.

Expert Reviews - 2021

James Suckling, 94 Points: Dark mushrooms, spices and leather with cedar and black plums. Ripe yet juicy with plenty of blackberries and a twist of citrus and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with dusty tannins and a very lengthy finish. Pretty traditional and linear, this Rioja is excellent to drink now but will benefit from extra time in bottle. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points: Classic and focused with dark, layered flavors, this XR Reserva captures a deeper tone of Tempranillo with a body of black fruits, wet tobacco, spiced cocoa, and a drop of pine resin. Flavor fills the mouth while the wine maintains restraint with a medium body and plenty of length. Melting tannins bring persistence and the potential to enjoy after several more years in cellar.

Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points: An ode to blending, the 2021 XR by Marques de Riscal Reserva is Tempranillo and Graciano made in a fruity, modern style, with sweet tannins and 25 months of American oak aging. Dark cherry, vanilla, and a rich dusting of cocoa powder give it a lustiness across layers of full-bodied concentration and decadence. Ready to enjoy, it will remain enjoyable another 10-12 years.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast lamb, grilled beef, mushroom dishes or aged Spanish cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: Marqués de Riscal
• Wine: XR Reserva
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Rioja, Spain
• Grapes: Tempranillo and Graciano
• Aging: 25 months in American oak, according to the supplied Jeb Dunnuck review
• Size: 750ml

A layered Rioja Reserva for the dinner table or further time in the cellar.

About This Wine

This is not your average Rioja. The 67 Wine Artist Series Rioja Crianza 2019 is a limited edition collaboration between 67 Wine, Bodega Obalo, and legendary Bronx-born street artist Cope2 — one of the most iconic names in graffiti history. The label is an original artwork created exclusively for 67 Wine, making every bottle a collectible as much as a wine.

Behind the art is a wine of genuine quality. Bodega Obalo, established in 2006 on the border of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, farms 100% hand-harvested grapes with rigorous sorting standards. The 2019 Crianza is 98% Tempranillo with small additions of Viura and Garnacha, gravity-crushed into small-batch tanks, fermented, and matured 12 months in French oak before additional bottle aging. Classic Rioja structure, modern winemaking precision.

Somm Pick

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67wino.shop: “A classic Crianza crafted with modern winemaking techniques to highlight the purity and quality of the fruit. Elegant bouquet of red and black fruits, a floral note of violets, and a touch of baking spice. Round, supple tannins with a silky mouthfeel and crisp acidity that keeps the wine lively and engaging. A red Rioja full of life and personality — just like the label it bears.”

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights
• Nose: Red and black fruits, violets, baking spice, subtle oak
• Palate: Medium body, round supple tannins, silky mouthfeel, vibrant acidity
• Finish: Lively, engaging, and persistent

Food Pairings

Mediterranean tapas, roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, aged Manchego, and mushroom-based dishes. Equally at home with Asian, modern French, or contemporary American cuisine.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2019
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: DOCa Rioja Crianza
Blend: 98% Tempranillo, 2% Viura & Garnacha
Oak Aging: 12 months, French oak
Style: Medium-bodied Red Wine
Label Art: Original artwork by Cope2, exclusively for 67 Wine

Luberri Orlegi · Rioja Alavesa · 2024

In Elciego, Florentino Martínez Monje and María José founded Bodegas Luberri in 1991 to make wines that speak of Rioja Alavesa and invite a second glass. Florentino helped champion the region's traditional carbonic maceration style; today, daughters Miren and Laura help carry the vineyard and cellar work forward.

Orlegi is Luberri's youthful red, made in the carbonic maceration tradition. The existing producer description highlights ripe red and purple forest fruit, violets and licorice, followed by an agile, fresh palate and a green almond finish. It is an inviting Rioja for a lively dinner table.

Producer description

Luberri is the young wine of the winery, crafted through the traditional carbonic maceration method in Rioja Alavesa, which remarkably enhances the aromas of fresh red and purple forest fruits, perfectly ripe, as well as floral tones of violets and hints of licorice. On the palate, it is an agile and fresh wine, with a vegetal and green almond finish that leaves a persistent memory. It is the pure expression of that brilliant youth that nature and knowledge ensure to renew in each vintage. Tempranillo 95%, Viura 5%.

Producer description from the existing listing; vintage not specified

From our wine buyer Oscar Garcia· Prior 2020 Vintage

At a recent Panel Tasting with fellow wine professionals for Sevenfifty.com I was able to to taste this beautiful and cheerful red from Rioja Alavesa made by winemaker Florentino Martinez Monje. Luberri Orlegi 2020 is a wonderful happy-go-lucky blend of Tempranillo & Viura using only native yeast to kick-start fermentation and carbonic macerated to preserve the youthfulness of the Tempranillo and Viura. Aromas of Blue fruit and purple flowers (violets and lilacs). On the palate the wine is fresh and pretty enticing. Beautiful finish. The perfect red for Thanksgiving with that is sure to bring lots of cheers to your dinner table.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, Wine Buyer · Prior 2020 vintage

At a glance

• Producer: Bodegas Luberri
• Wine: Orlegi
• Vintage: 2024
• Region: Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Blend in the existing producer description: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Viura
• Style: Young red made with carbonic maceration
• Size: 750ml

A fresh, fruit-led Rioja to share over food and conversation.

Fresh, delicate and effortlessly inviting, Marqués de Riscal Rosado brings an elegant expression of Rioja to the glass. The winery has crafted rosé since the 1960s, drawing on young vineyards to create a style that emphasizes bright fruit, freshness and a smooth texture.

Made from Tempranillo and Viura using the pressing method, this pale-pink rosé offers fragrant red-berry aromas accented by white blossoms. Its soft, rounded palate balances natural fruitiness with a refreshing character, leading to a clean, lingering finish.

A versatile choice for relaxed entertaining, seafood dinners or an aperitif, this is a rosé to enjoy for its youthful charm and lively fruit.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast — 89 Points
An appealing, harmonious rosé with melon and red-apple aromas, delicate floral notes and a stony undertone. Citrus freshness brings definition and lift, making it particularly enjoyable while young.
Review summary — John Sumners, September 2026.

Food Pairing: Grilled fish, shrimp, shellfish, light pasta and rice dishes.

Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo and Viura
Style: Fresh, fruit-forward rosé
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 46–50°F (8–10°C)

96 Points Wine Enthusiast • 95 Points James Suckling • 93 Points Club Oenologique

Crafted from grapes grown on vines more than 80 years old, this Tempranillo-led Gran Reserva combines depth, elegance and the character of mature Rioja. Fruit comes from Marqués de Riscal’s own vineyards and longstanding grower partners. The 2018 vintage spent 28 months in French oak, developing a rounded texture and beautifully integrated oak character.

Deep cherry in color with violet highlights, it offers layered aromas of dark fruit, balsamic notes and delicate oak toast. The palate is generous and polished, with concentrated, rounded tannins and a lingering finish. A refined Rioja with the structure for further cellaring and the complexity to complement a memorable meal.

Professional Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 96 Points | Cellar Selection
Blackberry, savory olive and dried herbs introduce a layered palate of plum and raspberry, with floral accents, cocoa and sage. Velvety tannins carry the fruit into a persistent finish. Recommended drinking through 2038.
Review summary — Mike DeSimone, October 2024.

James Suckling — 95 Points
Praised for its depth and complexity, this wine combines berry fruit with subtle vanilla, dried citrus, pepper and earthy mushroom nuances. The palate delivers intensity and generous fruit, balanced by fine spice and a particularly long finish. Suitable for drinking now or further cellaring.
Review summary — Zekun Shuai, JamesSuckling.com.

Club Oenologique — 93 Points
Awarded in The Rioja Report 2024, as confirmed by the winery’s vintage technical sheet.

Food Pairing: Roasted lamb, grilled beef, game dishes, cured ham and aged Manchego.

Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo-led blend
Aging: 28 months in French oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

At Marqués de Riscal, there used to be “winemaker’s wines” among its historic reservas, like the Reserva Medoc and the XR, which never became commercial names. In the tradition of the cellarmasters from Bordeaux that have long been part of Riscal’s story, the winemaker marked some of the barrels in chalk with the letters XR (Extra Reserva) as a consequence of having found special characteristics which were not present in other wines. These wines were never sold but served as a reference point for the winemaker. This custom lasted almost a century, between the harvests of 1869 and 1964. In 2015, Marqués de Risca released a wine named XR, paying tribute to all the master winemakers who have helped to forge a part of the greatest history of Spanish wine in Marqués de Riscal.

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling - July 17, 2025 "Dark mushrooms, spices and leather with cedar and black plums. Ripe yet juicy with plenty of blackberries and a twist of citrus and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with dusty tannins and a very lengthy finish. Pretty traditional and linear, this Rioja is excellent to drink now but will benefit from extra time in bottle."

93  Points Wine Enthusiast - May 1, 2026 "Classic and focused with dark, layered flavors, this XR Reserva captures a deeper tone of Tempranillo with a body of black fruits, wet tobacco, spiced cocoa, and a drop of pine resin. Flavor fills the mouth while the wine maintains restraint with a medium body and plenty of length. Melting tannins bring persistence and the potential to enjoy after several more years in cellar."

93 Jeb Dunnuck - November 16, 2025 "An ode to blending, the 2021 XR by Marques de Riscal Reserva is Tempranillo and Graciano made in a fruity, modern style, with sweet tannins and 25 months of American oak aging. Dark cherry, vanilla, and a rich dusting of cocoa powder give it a lustiness across layers of full-bodied concentration and decadence. Ready to enjoy, it will remain enjoyable another 10-12 years."

92 Points Wine Spectator - November 3, 2025 "A structured version, with sculpted tannins wrapped in a fleshy range of coulised black cherry and black raspberry fruit, plus accents of candied violet, fennel seed, milled pepper and cured tobacco. Harmonious, this expands nicely on the palate and through the spiced finish."

VINEYARD

Marques de Riscal’s important vineyards holdings and long term contracts are focused around a specific quality approach. For their Reservas they work exclusively with old vines, from before the 1970s, as they firmly believe that these are critical for the delicate Tempranillo grape to achieve appropriate concentration. They work in the coolest area of Rioja (Rioja Alavesa), at elevation, on soils that accentuate freshness and detail, and with a touch of Graciano; these factors bring forward the winery’s trademark vibrancy, refinement, and aging potential. The XR selection is always a barrel selection but in general can be said to come from vines that have lower natural yields and produce more concentrated fruit.

WINEMAKING

Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and is not over-extended, in order to bring delineation to the beautiful old vine concentration. The wine spends just over two years in American Oak Barrels with a small percentage in French oak. The beautiful concentration and irresistible fruit are kept at the forefront of the gentle handling process.

VINTAGE

The 2021 season in Rioja Alavesa was defined by a cool, wet spring and a warm, even summer, ensuring steady ripening and excellent balance. Harvest began later than average, with yields slightly reduced but fruit quality exceptional. The wines show Rioja Alavesa’s hallmark tension: vibrant red fruit purity, fine-grained tannins, and lifted freshness. Precision in vineyard work and restrained cellar craft deliver wines of clarity and length that highlight the region’s leadership in expressive, age-worthy Tempranillo.

TASTING NOTE

Expressive aromas of fruit intermingle with a multitude of spices and pepper. The ripe, concentrated fruit shows beautiful complexity.

FOOD PAIRING

Ham, mild cheeses, rich pastas, poultry, grilled red meats or roasts

Finca Valpiedra is one of Rioja's most distinctive single-estate wineries, situated on a meander of the Ebro River in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. The estate takes its name from the pebble stones and limestone that define its soils — valpiedra meaning "valley of stones" — and it is these soils that give the wines their signature freshness, minerality, and cool-climate precision.

The Finca Valpiedra Cantos de Valpiedra Rioja 2020 750ml is 100% Tempranillo sourced from a single vineyard on the Ebro riverbank, harvested in mid-September and fermented in stainless steel with a 16-day maceration before aging 12 months in French and American oak. Intense purple with violet glints, it opens with black fruit, ripe sloe, and minerality, layered with vanilla, spice, and tobacco from the barrel. On the palate it is oily, rich, and intense with great finesse — velvety, fruit-driven, and juicy, with a long, cool, mineral finish and the characteristic Valpiedra freshness. Drink now through 2030.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Vinous — 92 Points: "Aromas of sour cherry, sweet cherry and fresh plums over an herbal bed. Dry and taut with a granular, reactive texture. Pure in flavors — will settle and evolve with time."
• Wine Advocate — 91 Points: "Aromatic, fruit-driven and juicy. Velvety, clean and modern with a balanced and tasty palate, contained ripeness and good freshness. Develops an acute note of licorice with time."
• James Suckling — 91 Points: "Vibrant spiced cherries, red plums and stones. Succulent and firm, with fresh and fine-boned tannins and a juicy, exuberant finish. Very well made."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Black fruit, ripe sloe, minerality, vanilla, spice, and tobacco
• Palate: Oily, rich, and velvety with cherry, licorice, and great finesse
• Finish: Long, cool, and mineral with characteristic Valpiedra freshness

Wine Details

• 100% Tempranillo — single vineyard, Ebro riverbank
• Rioja Alta DOCa, Cenicero, Spain
• 16-day maceration; aged 12 months in French & American oak
• Vintage: 2020 | Drink now–2030 | 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Brick red deep covered. Clean on the nose with spicy aromas, toasts and dried fruits. Well structured, savory, ample and well balanced. Pleasent finish and harmonized flavors. Complex retronasal, in which we find balsamics and good oak. Finishes elegantly.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

96 Points James Suckling | Mineral, macadamia, pine nuts, white sesame and white fruit with a touch of spice. A bright and linear Capellania that shows excellent tension, freshness and complexity. Long and appetizing finish. More taut and gastronomic now. 100% viura. Drink now or hold. 

95 Points Tim Atkin | The cooler 2018 vintage was ideally suited to the production of high-quality whites like this pure Viura from a six-hectare plateau at 485 metres within the extensive Castillo Ygay estate. Modern, perfumed and poised, it has finely integrated French oak, fennel, thatch and beeswax aromas, herbal complexity and a nutty, fragrant, citrus zest palate. 2025-40 

94 Points Wine Advocate | To catch up with the current vintages that I shall review every 12 months from now on, I tasted two vintages of some of the wines, including the whites. The 2018 Capellanía is 100% Viura from the plot that names the wine. The vineyard is six hectares planted in 1945 at 485 meters altitude, the highest in the estate. It fermented in concrete, the first vintage to do so, as it was fermented in stainless steel until then, and matured in second-use French oak barrels for 22 months. It spent a further seven months in concrete, a long élevage, with the idea to produce a structured white with aging potential, while keeping the varietal character. The wine is subtle and elegant, following the path of all the wines in the portfolio here, still marked by the élevage in oak, spicy and smoky. The palate is balanced, with a nice combination of fruit and oak, with a soft texture, clean, focused and tasty. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.1 and 6.10 grams of acidity. 21,836 bottled and 688 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2022. This is now released with the Gran Reserva back label.

A fresh, inviting expression of Rioja, Arienzo de Marqués de Riscal Crianza 2022 showcases Tempranillo’s vibrant fruit and approachable character. Sourced from vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, this versatile red combines youthful energy with the mellow complexity of 17 months of aging in American oak.

Bright red-fruit aromas mingle with subtle notes of vanilla, coconut and oak spice. The palate is generous and supple, offering juicy cherry and raspberry flavors, a creamy texture and gentle, well-integrated tannins. A persistent, lightly spiced finish makes this an appealing choice for everyday enjoyment and relaxed meals with friends.

Professional Reviews

90 Jeb Dunnuck: A Tempranillo from younger vines, the 2022 Arienzo Crianza spent 17 months in American oak and is made in an approachable, fruity style. Offering great value, it’s a showcase of red cherry and raspberry dipped in vanilla, with a creamy texture and delicate, well-integrated tannins.

90 Wine Enthusiast: Enticing and approachable with great versatility, this Tempranillo Crianza leads with red fruits sweetened by vanilla bean and integrated spice. Melting tannins provide succulent texture carrying in to a juicy long finish. Best Buy.

Food Pairing: Grilled chicken, grilled red meats, swordfish and aged cheeses such as Manchego.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grape: Tempranillo
Aging: 17 months in American oak
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

Remelluri Reserva — Rioja Alavesa, Spain 2018

Remelluri is one of Rioja's most historic and prestigious single-estate producers — a benchmark for classical, terroir-driven Rioja that has no equal at its price. The estate farms 86 hectares of vineyards in the Sierra Cantabria mountains of Rioja Alavesa at extraordinary altitude: 590 to 805 meters above sea level, on limestone, sandstone, and marl soils that impart the mineral precision and structural elegance that define the Remelluri style. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, fermented exclusively with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats, and aged 22 to 24 months in oak containers of varying sizes. The 2018 Reserva earned 95 points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and James Suckling — a dual 95 that places it among the finest Rioja Reservas of the decade.

The nose is serious and captivating: dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, cedar, tobacco, and iron-laced mineral, with a subtle herbal lift from the high-altitude vineyards. On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured and balanced — very fine tannins, a poised mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show genuine elegance and nuance. Almost salty on the finish, with a long, classical persistence of dark fruit, spice, and stone. Decant one hour before serving. Will age with ease for 15 years or more.

Wine Advocate 95 (Luis Gutiérrez) — "A very good classical wine, serious and balanced, with very fine tannins, a balanced mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show elegance and nuance. Very tasty, almost salty." (Vintage 2018).

James Suckling 95 — "A beautifully structured Rioja Reserva with refined tannins, layered complexity, and a balanced elegance that will age gracefully." (Vintage 2018). 

• Producer: Remelluri, Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Rioja Reserva DOCa, Rioja Alavesa
• Vineyards: 86 ha, 590–805m altitude, Sierra Cantabria
• Soils: Limestone, sandstone, marl
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others
• Farming: Certified organic & biodynamic
• Aging: 22–24 months in oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, mineral, fine tannins, almost salty finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, Iberian pork, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, classic Spanish preparations

Dual 95-point Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s most celebrated organic estates — Remelluri 2018 is the benchmark for what high-altitude, biodynamic Sierra Cantabria Tempranillo can deliver.

Winemaker Description 

Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, Sonsierra Crianza is the perfect companion. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels, it offers a balanced blend of ripe fruits, vanilla, and cocoa. Ideal with meats, legumes, or semi-cured cheeses. A wine that’s always a great choice!

The Sonsierra Crianza is a classic expression of 100% Tempranillo, made from carefully selected grapes hand-harvested from the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria in the heart of Rioja Alta. These vineyards benefit from ideal conditions that ensure the production of high-quality grapes, creating a wine that balances tradition with a modern winemaking approach.

The winemaking process starts with a cold maceration of 24 hours, followed by an 8-day fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature to extract the best fruity aromas. After fermentation, the wine undergoes 12 months of aging in oak barrels (70% American oak and 30% French oak), where it gains its characteristic complexity and balance. Finally, the wine rests for a minimum of 3 months in the bottle, allowing its flavors to mature and harmonize.

With a bright ruby-red color, the Sonsierra Crianza opens with a complex bouquet of ripe red fruits, combined with hints of vanilla, cocoa, and toasted coffee from its time in the barrel. On the palate, it is smooth and balanced, with well-integrated tannins and a long, lingering finish that evokes flavors of ripe fruit and vanilla.

Producer Description 

Las Beatas is a spectacular 1.9 hectare property which Telmo and Pablo have invested tremendous time and energy: 15 years of renovative viticultural work took place before a single bottle was made.

There are at least ten grape varieties grown on eight terraces, predominantly Tempranillo with 30% Garnacha, some Viura and traces of many other rare, perhaps unidentified cultivars, all planted on cold sandy soils. Las Beatas was made and aged in a single 1200 liter old French foudre. This is a refined, elegant and fluid wine with great complexity and nuance that will age beautifully. 

Winemaker Description

Purple with ruby highlights, this wine shows up-front aromas of raspberries and black cherries with undertones of leather and spice. On the palate, it is expansive and rich.

Pair with lamb and apricot tajines, prime rib, tomato stews, or green lentil-based dishes.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points  | This deep-hued wine has a bouquet of brambly fruits of the wood, coffee bean and dried sage. It opens with notes of mint and clove accompanied by sturdy tannins and ripe summer cherry, Mission fig, cocoa powder and dried thyme flavors. The lengthy finish is marked with menthol and pomegranate. (2015). 

Robert Parker 92 Points |  There is some more development in the 2015 Finca Valpiedra Reserva, which also feels a little riper, showing the dry, warm and ripe character of the year but keeping a low pH of 3.47 and 6.2 grams of acidity. This is medium-bodied, although some will call them thin—and certainly, they are not full-bodied and round wines, they are sharper. This is a blend of 92% Tempranillo and 4% each Graciano and Maturana Tinta that matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. These wines are feeling a little more traditional than in the past.

James Suckling 92 Points | This shows notes of incense and smoke on the nose, together with spiced plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, licorice and a hint of tar. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Ripe, yet juicy and succulent, with a rich finish. Drink or hold.

Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto — Rioja, Spain 2023

Bodegas Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers — a historic estate in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, that has undergone a remarkable transformation under the direction of winemaker Amanda Klemp, who has brought a precision-focused, terroir-driven approach to the cellar while honoring the estate's deep roots in the region. El Predilecto — "The Favorite" — is a total departure from the Rioja norm: a blend of old vine Garnacha and Tempranillo sourced from two distinct mountain landscapes, united in concrete and crafted to express the full complexity of Rioja's diverse terroir. The Garnacha (65%) comes from Alto Najerilla, in the triangle formed by the towns of Badarán, Cordovín, and Cárdenas in the Sierra Demanda mountains. The Tempranillo (35%) comes from the highest area of Samaniego, near the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Old vines at the foot of both mountain ranges provide greater fruit character and concentration. Fermented separately with native yeast, 100% destemmed without crushing, cold fermented with short maceration, then blended and refined in concrete for approximately five months — a winemaking approach that preserves freshness, precision, and the distinct personality of each site.

The nose bridges two landscapes: red and black fruit intertwine, with cherry and blackberry layered with licorice, a faint balsamic nuance, and an intensity of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and poised — generous, full-bodied warmth with tannins sitting between chalky and plush, freshness carrying the wine forward through a lengthy, supple finish. Precise, modern Rioja that shows two mountain landscapes in one gesture. Age 12–15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 — "A total departure from the norm — intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years."

Vinous 93 — "Bridges two origins. Cherry and blackberry layered with licorice and a faint balsamic nuance. Juicy and poised — a precise, modern Rioja that shows two landscapes in one gesture."

• Producer: Bodegas Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 65% Garnacha (Alto Najerilla, Sierra Demanda) / 35% Tempranillo (Samaniego, Sierra Cantabria)
• Vines: Old vines at the foot of two mountain ranges
• Winemaking: Native yeast, 100% destemmed, cold fermentation, short maceration, 5 months in concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blackberry, licorice, balsamic, spice, chalky-plush tannins, long supple finish
• Style: Full-bodied, precise, modern Rioja
• Drink: Now–2038 (best 2028+)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short rib, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

Two mountain landscapes, one extraordinary wine — Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto 2023 is modern Rioja at its most compelling.