One of the grand old estates of Rioja, La Rioja Alta, began in 1890. Their new Gran Reserva, made from Tempranillo with 6% Graciano for added backbone, is very much a collectible-level wine at an affordable price. The wine powers out of the glass, releasing rich, deeply accented aromas of strawberry, mushroom, clove, cedar, and leather. The palate is juicy, fresh, sophisticated and structured, showing ripe red fruit, spice, sweet herbs, and some cedar and coconut from the oak. It is hard to think of a wine that offers so much complexity and refinement at this price point.
La Rioja Alta, Rioja Gran Reserva (Spain) 2014
By Miranda Franco