Rioja Reserva 'Finca Martelo'

Score

91

"The 2014 Reserva is mostly Tempranillo with 5% Mazuelo from the plots Altos de Valecilla, Calvo, Martelo and Berzal around the winery in Páganos-La Guardia. The destemmed and crushed grapes underwent a ten-day cold soak and fermented in stainless steel. 80% of the volume matured in oak barrels for 18 months. I noticed quite a lot of oak, and winemaker Julio Saez said they used up to 40% new barrels. The wine comes through with strong toasty and smoky aromas and roasted coffee notes. The palate has abundant, chalky tannins that might need some more time in bottle and/or powerful food. 40,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2016."

Score

92

"Plenty of cedar, dark-chocolate and coffee character, but the dried strawberry and cherry character shows through. The tannins are quite pointed but soft and silky, just as the red fruit is quite elegant. A very interesting mix of Riojan craftsmanship and Burgundy style. Drink now."