Ostatu Reserva Rioja Alavesa 2016 750ml

Ostatu Reserva is one of the purest, most transparent expressions of high altitude, mountain viticulture in Rioja Alavesa. The tempranillo grapes come from some of their oldest vineyards (50+ years) planted in the traditional goblet method, located on south-facing slopes on the western side of the village of Samaniego, over 600m above sea level, in the foothills of the majestic Sierra de Cantabria mountains. The soils are very poor, heavy calcareous clay with lots of stones and a limestone subsoil. The soils of Samaniego provide the backbone and structure for some of the most exciting and long-lived wines of Rioja. The climate is Mediterranean with strong Atlantic influences pushing in from the Cantabrian Sea, providing exceptional tension and movement in the wines.

Sarah Jane Evans MW, Pedro Ballestero Torres MW, and Pierre Mansour write: Black fruits, wild herbs, savoury tannin, and balsamic notes with rich fruit feel in the mouth. Long and open on the finish. - Decanter 91

Tempranillo from Rioja Alavesa that expresses the terroir and microclimate of this acclaimed region. The Saenz family, who owns the winery and vineyards, date their winemaking tradition all the way back to the 16th century.
Dark opaque plummy colors jump from the glass. Aromas of dark fruit: blackcherry, Plum and blackberry; Layered with soft notes of cinnamon and cloves. Full and satisfying finish.
Oscar Garcia, 67wine