Rioja Gran Reserva, Viña Real

Score

92

"The Gran Reserva from Viña Real is also from the wet, cool and challenging 2013 vintage, so I tasted the 2013 Viña Real Gran Reserva next to the Cune Gran Reserva from the same vintage. This classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano matured in barrel for 24 months. This is a redder style of Viña Real, a little lighter, less concentrated and more aerial, with a cereal-like twist and a medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins. Good for food. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2015."

Score

92

"A delicious red now with wet earth, spice and ash aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. A nice wine from a difficult vintage. Drink now."

Score

93

"(fermented in stainless steel tanks, with malo and aging in new and used French and American oak barrels) Brilliant ruby-red. A sexy, expansive bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, incense, vanilla and exotic spices, with a floral note that gains strength as the wine opens up. Sweet, broad and densely packed, offering intense black raspberry, cherry liqueur, cola and vanilla flavors that are underscored by vein of juicy acidity. Finishes with impressive, spicy power, sharp delineation and round, even tannins that build slowly."

Score

93