Sierra Cantabria is one of the historically important estates of Rioja Alavesa; while the Eguren family started bottling their wine under this name in 1957, they had been growing wine grapes there since 1870 to sell to the booming wineries of Rioja. Their Gran Reserva is arguably the most classic representation of the region in their lineup (in contrast to their Senorio de San Vicente bottling). The greater use of American oak here brings in the classically prominent vanilla and coconut character, complementing the extended aging bouquet of soft, mellowed out earthy red fruit and tobacco. Coming from the outstanding 2010 vintage, this Rioja has a lot of class, is aged to perfection for eminent drinkability, and is fairly priced!
ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 93 POINTS - "Bright ruby-red. Highly perfumed red fruit, floral and spice aromas are complemented by subtle vanilla and coconut accents. Smooth, focused and gently sweet, offering raspberry, cherry-vanilla and candied rose flavors and an earthier hint of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a long, energetic finish that strongly repeats the red fruit note. Raised in a 50/50 mix of French and American oak barrels, 25% of them new."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS- -"An edge of tar and smoke lines the cherry, clove and herb flavors in this complex red, which is focused and balanced. Mineral elements and woodsy notes combine on the long finish. Drink now through 32. 1,000 cases made, 500 cases imported."
ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 93 POINTS - "Bright ruby-red. Highly perfumed red fruit, floral and spice aromas are complemented by subtle vanilla and coconut accents. Smooth, focused and gently sweet, offering raspberry, cherry-vanilla and candied rose flavors and an earthier hint of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a long, energetic finish that strongly repeats the red fruit note. Raised in a 50/50 mix of French and American oak barrels, 25% of them new."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS- -"An edge of tar and smoke lines the cherry, clove and herb flavors in this complex red, which is focused and balanced. Mineral elements and woodsy notes combine on the long finish. Drink now through 32. 1,000 cases made, 500 cases imported."
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