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Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Rioja Gran Reserva 2011 750ml
🇪🇸 #43 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2018
Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta — Rioja Gran Reserva 2011
Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta has been crafting wines in Haro, the historic capital of Rioja Alta, since 1895. Their Gran Reserva is the pinnacle of the house — produced only in the finest vintages, when the fruit and conditions align to create something truly exceptional. The 2011 vintage is one such year: a classic Rioja growing seaso...Show More >
Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta — Rioja Gran Reserva 2011
Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta has been crafting wines in Haro, the historic capital of Rioja Alta, since 1895. Their Gran Reserva is the pinnacle of the house — produced only in the finest vintages, when the fruit and conditions align to create something truly exceptional. The 2011 vintage is one such year: a classic Rioja growing season that delivered concentration, structure, and the natural balance required for long aging. A traditional blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo, it was aged for a minimum of 60 months — at least 18 in oak and the remainder in bottle — before release, in the time-honored Gran Reserva tradition.
Deep ruby with garnet edges, the nose is complex and evolved: dried cherry, leather, cedar, tobacco, and earthy minerality layered with notes of vanilla, dark spice, and a whisper of balsamic. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky with fine, integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, lingering finish of red fruit and warm spice. A wine of sublime delicacy and elegance — exactly as the winemaker intended.
"A classic combination of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo that takes us back to the origins of great Rioja wines. Produced only in the finest vintages, which allow us to bottle exceptional wines. The sublime fusion of delicacy and elegance. Time stands still, enabling us to continue savoring the future." — Martinez Lacuesta Winemaker
- Producer: Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
- Founded: 1895
- Vintage: 2011
- Appellation: Rioja DOCa
- Varietals: Tempranillo, Graciano & Mazuelo
- Classification: Gran Reserva
- Aging: Minimum 60 months (18+ months oak, remainder in bottle)
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Dried cherry, leather, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, dark spice, balsamic, silky tannins, long finish
- Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2035+
- Best Paired With: Roast lamb, aged Manchego, braised short ribs, wild mushroom dishes, charcuterie, grilled ribeye
- Serve: 62–66°F, decant 45–60 minutes
Produced only in the finest vintages — Martinez Lacuesta Gran Reserva 2011 is a rare opportunity to drink classic Rioja at the peak of its evolution.
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Wine Information:
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja DOCa
Sub-Region:
Appellation: Rioja - Haro
Variety: Tempranillo
Type: Reds
Size: 750ml
Choose when time is of the essence
92 Points Wine Enthusiast : Fine aromas of brandied cherry, spiced plum and earth get this reserva from a great vintage off to an impressive start. The layered palate is lively but showing maturity, while it tastes of black currant, brown sugar and myriad spices. A peppery, chocolaty, dry finish is beyond nice. Drink this well-priced overachiever through 2025. Editors' Choice
