Quintanilla

Score

96

"Excellent depth here showing iodine, mussel shells, hibiscus, spices and lots of black and blue fruit. Chalky tannins aplenty on the palate with a structured and melted finish. Full-bodied, tight but crunchy. Focused, assertive and long. Drinkable now, but better from 2025."

Score

93+

"I also tasted the 2020 Quintanilla, a wine that looked really superb from barrel, floral, aromatic and elegant, with round tannins, fine-boned, balanced and harmonious. This is from a 1.99-hectare plot in Elvillar that was planted in 1951 on limestone and clay soils with a sandstone mother rock at some 75 centimeters from the top. It's very aromatic with notes of cinnamon, a lactic touch and a medium-bodied palate with very fine, abundant and chalky tannins. 2,500 bottles were filled in June 2021."

Score

94

"The 2021 Quintanilla is 100% Tempranillo from a vineyard planted on calcareous soils in 1950 in Elvillar de Álava, Rioja Alavesa. Deep purple in color, it showcases enticing aromas of cherry, blueberry and strawberry, complemented by hints of wild herbs and violets. It's dry, chalky and compact on the palate, possessing a taut and energetic character that highlights the blue fruit notes. This is a terroir-driven wine with a modern twist, emphasizing focus and a fruit-forward expression."

Score

94+

"The bottled 2021 Quintanilla comes from a very white soil that is very rich in limestone. The wine has a lot of tension and tannins with more grip than La Hoya. It has balance but feels dynamic and has very good depth. It has notes of licorice and a minty touch. It feels really energetic and nicely textured, with a fine thread on the palate and some austerity, similar to La Hoya (they are only 100 meters apart), but La Hoya is juicier and this is more serious and austere. 3,000 bottles were filled in May 2023."