Spain

93 Points! The more traditional 2012 Gran Reserva comes from one of the driest years on record. It's mostly Tempranillo with some 3% Graciano matured in American oak barrels, 25% of them new, for 26 months, despite which, the wine is not excessively oaky. They wanted to keep the traditional profile but adjusted the toast on the barrels to adjust the excessive vanilla and coconut. This is structured, powerful, ripe without excess, spicy and balsamic, developing the bouquet, still young and with very good balance. It should be long lived. - Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com

90 Points! From the north-west of the Rioja Alta sub-region, and farmed at altitude, these Tempranillo grapes are resourceful in the extreme, their fruits in a strong vintage such as 2012 just coming round now, nearly 10 years on. Impressive, indeed, for a crianza. Raspberry and cassis, with a hint of briary, charcuterie and smoke; then the palate which is just reaching the plateau of drinkability, the tannins now mature, the fruit now ceding to more savoury notes; a little menthol kick on the finish working really well. Great value. - Decanter Magazine