Ming L

9.2

I like to drink Rioja Reserva at 8–12 years of age, when the balance really clicks: the woody notes are fully integrated, lending gentle spice, cedar, and tobacco, while the fruit remains vibrant and expressive. The 2015 Contino Reserva shows just that sweet spot with ripe red and black cherry, dried herbs, and a touch of leather, framed by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. It’s poised rather than powerful, with a long savory finish.
Certainly has the stuffing for another 8-10 years development. — 9 days ago

John Van Trijp

10

Weekend with Friends and average wines…😎 blend 1970, 1976, 1982 — a month ago

setver

9.2

Bomba vino, pio u Ossiano Dubai s familijom. Top! — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Viura – 2023
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A barrel-fermented white made from 100% Viura, showcasing the bright, zesty character of Rioja Alavesa with a subtle touch of oak for texture and lift, without weighing it down.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and citrus blossom with hints of saline minerality and light vanilla. Fresh, vibrant, and expressive.

Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity, medium body, and a lively, zesty profile. Clean, balanced, and enticing with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back.

Food Pairings
Seafood, grilled octopus, oysters, ceviche, or manchego cheese. Also excellent with sushi or Mediterranean salads.

Verdict
A modern, energetic take on Viura, bright, balanced, and quietly elegant. Perfect for fans of zesty whites with just enough structure to feel serious.

Did You Know?
Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) is the backbone of white Rioja, and barrel fermentation, rather than just barrel aging, adds complexity and finesse while preserving freshness. — 2 months ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

Purplish,a sharp Tempranillo blend with pronounced nose. — 9 days ago

Ericsson

9.7

Mariano García’s final vintage at Vega Sicilia. What a great bottle.

The nose opens with damp forest floor, leather, cedar, and quiet red fruit; subtle, reserved, endlessly composed.

On the palate, it’s silk laid gently over structure: dried cherry, tobacco, graphite, and savory earth carried by fine-grain tannins and measured acidity.

The finish reads like the final lines of a great novel: inevitable, complete, and exactly as it should be. And already, there’s a touch of nostalgia, because I don’t know when I’ll encounter something like this again. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2020
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A Crianza-level Rioja built for approachability, freshness, and everyday enjoyment. Predominantly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, aged briefly in oak to soften the edges while preserving fruit purity.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, and plum with hints of licorice, vanilla, and subtle spice. Light herbal notes and soft oak support without dominating.

Mouthfeel
Medium-light body, juicy and vibrant with mild tannins and easy-going acidity. Friendly texture that drinks effortlessly, even slightly chilled.

Food Pairings
Tapas, grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, or chorizo, anything casual and flavorful.

Verdict
An easy-drinking, fruit-forward Rioja that embraces the modern, relaxed side of Rioja Alavesa. Fun, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing without trying too hard.

Did You Know?
Crianza wines are Spain’s most versatile category, requiring a minimum of 2 years of aging with at least 1 year in oak, striking the sweet spot between young fruit and gentle structure. — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.6

Silk and stone in perfect balance.
Quiet power; dark cherry, tobacco, graphite; unfolding with patience and grace. Another great Unico. — a month ago

Ruud Verhagen

9.5

Delicious! — 24 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Gran Reserva blend of Tempranillo with a small percentage of Graciano, aged extensively in oak and bottle. The 2018 vintage delivers depth, elegance, and maturity without excess weight, a refined display of Rioja Alavesa pedigree.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, dried fig, redcurrant, and plum layered with cedar, leather, vanilla bean, clove, and cocoa. Subtle dried herbs and balsamic notes appear with air, adding savory complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with silky, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Supple, harmonious texture with a long, elegant finish that leans more refined than powerful.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, grilled ribeye, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto.

Verdict
A beautifully composed Gran Reserva that blends classic Rioja maturity with freshness and finesse. Complex, layered, and quietly profound, more about harmony and nuance than sheer extraction.

Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines represent only a small fraction of Rioja production and must undergo a minimum of 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in oak and 2 years in bottle, resulting in their signature silky texture and developed aromatics. — 2 months ago