Marques De Riscal Reserva 2021

Marques De Riscal Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2021

Grapes: 96% Tempranillo with 4% Graciano, hand harvested, 50 year old vines on clay/limestone soils, aged for 20 months in American oak barrels and at least a further year in bottle before release.

Producer Tasting Note:

Intense black-cherry colour with good depth of colour and hardly any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas on the nose with notes of liquorice, cinnamon and black pepper, with just a subtle hint of the long cask-ageing, thanks to its great complexity and ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and easy to drink on the palate, good backbone and lovely, polished tannins. The long, persistent finish leaves gentle balsamic reminders of the finest quality. Classic Rioja style: fresh, fine, elegant and very suitable for laying down for many years.

Critic's Tasting Note: 

"A combination of licorice, blackberries and cherries on the nose, a floral element emerging as the wine evolves. The medium- to full-bodied palate is incisive with polished, focused tannins and a clean, chiseled finish. Uncomplicated. Drink or hold."

92/100 points, James Suckling, June 2025

Also rated 91/100 by Tim Atkin MW, 93/100 Guia Penin and 90/100 Wine Spectator

Food Match: This wine pairs well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not too spicy, pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grilled and roast meat