Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2016 750ml

Prior Vintage 2015 |

Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2015 is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, and 10% Mazuelo. Aged for a total of 24 months in oak, (16 months in French oak and then 8 months in American oak). The grapes were hand-harvest from their premium "Pradologar Estate vineyard" and then hand-selected at a sorting table for quality control. Only indigenous yeast from the vineyard is used for fermentation. It is important to take note that Marques de Vargas is aiming to preserve the varietal correctness over the long extended ageing that is typical for the Gran Reservas of the region.

Tasting notes: The nose exudes freshness and combines blue fruit, herbs and spicy red fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is seamless with well integrated tannins giving way to balsamic notes, plum and tobacco undertones. Modern style Rioja Gran Reserva aiming to preserve the freshness and acidity of each varietal. Elegant and long-lasting finish.

Food Pairings: Risotto di Cepia in black ink.

Oscar Garcia-Moncada

Prior Vintage 2015 |

Luis Gutiérrez writes: The 2015 Gran Reserva feels quite harmonious even if it was generously oaked. It's 80% Tempranillo with 10% each Mazuelo and Garnacha that matured in barrique for 24 months, the first 16 in French barriques and the rest in American oak barrels. It has some oxidative notes, hints of iron, blood and iodine and fine-grained tannins. It finishes with some bitterness and slightly astringent. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

James Suckling writes: A creamy and supple Rioja with walnuts, vanilla, savory plums, tobacco and leather. A hint of violets, too. This is juicy and fine-grained in a medium-bodied palate, before a long, bright finish. Sandblasted tannins. Drink now. - James Suckling 92

Sarah Jane Evans MW, Christine Parkinson, Beth Willard write: Milky chocolate notes on the nose give way to fresh blueberries and spice. Fruit is rich and opulent, giving a fleshy mid palate. Warm finish.

Prior Vintage 2015 |

Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2015 is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, and 10% Mazuelo. Aged for a total of 24 months in oak, (16 months in French oak and then 8 months in American oak). The grapes were hand-harvest from their premium "Pradologar Estate vineyard" and then hand-selected at a sorting table for quality control. Only indigenous yeast from the vineyard is used for fermentation. It is important to take note that Marques de Vargas is aiming to preserve the varietal correctness over the long extended ageing that is typical for the Gran Reservas of the region.

Tasting notes: The nose exudes freshness and combines blue fruit, herbs and spicy red fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is seamless with well integrated tannins giving way to balsamic notes, plum and tobacco undertones. Modern style Rioja Gran Reserva aiming to preserve the freshness and acidity of each varietal. Elegant and long-lasting finish.
Food Pairings: Risotto di Cepia in black ink.
Oscar Garcia-Moncada