Senorio de San Vicente Rioja 2018 750ml

San Vicente is a unique wine which marries the modern intensity of fruit and concentration with classic Old-World style Rioja aromatics of mountain herbs and licorice.

Tim Atkin 92 points One finca and one 18-hectare vineyard supply the Tempranillo fruit for this ultra modern, 90% new oak-aged red from clay-limestone soils at 580 metres. Inky, tannic and minty, with layers of rich, dark berry fruit, hints of mint and mocha and the potential to age. But will the wood integrate with time? 2023-30. Vinous 94 points Raised in 90% French and 10% American oak barrels, all new, for two years) Youthful violet color. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes oak-spiced dark berries, potpourri, vanilla and incense, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Sappy, plush and seamless on the palate, offering deeply concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. The impressively long, spice-tinged finish displays sneaky tannins, outstanding clarity and an echo of candied rose.Wine & Spirits Magazine 92 points Tempranillo rooted in high-elevation limestone-rich soils develops a particular briskness that you can find here in this wine, especially if you decant it and forget it for several hours before dinner. It develops from a bright line of red cherry and American oak toward a complex tension between that brightness and an underlying austerity. Oak plays a major role for now but should meld with the fruit as the wine mellows over the next five years.

Senorio de San Vicente has for many years been one of my top favorite Rioja wines. The Eguren family is synonymous with Region and they have always strive to produce terroir-driven wines with a style that showcases singularity. The 2018 bottling of Senorio de San Vicente is a powerful Rioja that only gets better with age. Seductive nose of dark fruit with accents of leather, coffee and cigar box. Full-bodied yet seamless on the palate. Flavorful and expressive with notes of smoked meat and umami. Long stern finish that should only get better with age.
Oscar Garcia Moncada