Rioja - Red Wines
Such is/was the pre-eminence of Rioja in the Spanish wine market that the name is often used as a catch-all for all Spanish red wine. It is, however, a specific region, hugging the Rio Ebro (but taking its name from a tributary - the Rio Oja) in northern Spain. Much influenced by 19th Century Bordelais wine makers fleeing south from their phylloxera-infested vineyards, Rioja enthusiastically adopted the barrique (a small 225ltr barrel, in Spain made from American rather than French oak) and, thus, Rioja was for many decades intrinsically linked with oak and oaky flavours.
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2015 VIÑA DIEZMO JT Joven Tinto Bodegas Casa Primicia
Rioja Spain
14%
Red
Mazuelo, Graciano, Tempranillo
Another lovely perky, bright red. cherry-fruit flows seemlessly through this fab new rioja. So lifted and appetising - a seriously attractive style that sees just 4 months in wood, thus preservin...(read more)
L&S
2016 ARTUKE RIOJA Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke
Rioja Spain
13.5%
Red
Tempranillo, Viura
Deep, bright purple-edged and glossy in the glass, such a soft, 'real juice' feel - another brilliant wine for this cuvée which is so different from all those brown and oaky and oxidised styles....(read more)
L&S
2014 REY DON GARCIA RIOJA Crianza Bodegas Ruconia
Rioja Spain
13%
Red
Mazuelo, Graciano, Tempranillo

2016 PIES NEGROS RIOJA Crianza Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke
Rioja Spain
14%
Red
Graciano, Tempranillo
The 2016 Pies Negros was already blended, taken out of barrique and was about to be bottled, so the bottled version should be pretty much the same as what I tasted. 2016 reminded them of the vintages fr...(read more)
Luis Gutierrez, www.robertparker.com
2015 FINCA DE LOS LOCOS RIOJA Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke
Rioja Spain
13%
Red
Graciano, Tempranillo
A single vineyard planted in 1981 by Arturo's father, a rich and serious wine, plenty of depth of flavour and a tannic frame which will see it develop comfortably for ten or more years. As with a...(read more)
L&S
2009 LA RIOJA ALTA 904 Gran Reserva
Rioja Spain
13.5%
Red
Mazuelo, Graciano, Tempranillo
Reflecting the excellence of the vintage, as well as its power, this is the latest in a superb run of 904 Gran Reservas. Combining Tempranillo with 10% Graciano for added backbone and grip, it's...(read more)
Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com
2015 RIOJA ALAVESA Rivas de Tereso Sierra de Toloño
Rioja Alavesa Rioja Spain
13%
Red
Tempranillo
Magnums
The red 2015 Rivas de Tereso will be the last vintage with that name (the name of the village where the majority of vineyards are located). It will be called Camino de Santa Cruz from the 2016 vi...(read more)
Luis Gutierrez, www.robertparker.comORDER
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