Spain continues to be a world leader in value, particularly the reserva and gran reserva wines of Rioja. Campo Viejo’s Gran Reserva from the 2011 vintage is a beautiful example, showing superb freshness despite its age and after significant time in oak. This spicy Rioja retails for about the price of a mediocre bottle of California Cabernet or a low-level Bordeaux. Primarily tempranillo with a dash of graciano and mazuela, this sleek Rioja delivers a wallop of red fruit mid-palate with impressive length. A tremendous value, it was a platinum award-winner at the 2018 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.
Campo Viejo, Rioja Gran Reserva (Spain) 2011
By Robert Whitley