RED WINES
RIOJA
99 Marqués de Riscal 2016 150 Aniversario Gran Reserva (Rioja). Dark-garnet to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of black currant, bittersweet chocolate and almond blossom. It alights on the palate with flavors of blackberry, cassis, chocolate-covered espresso bean, violet and citrus zest. Energetic tannins power their way into a cherry-pie finish. Made with vines more than 30 years old, this wine is unfiltered; decant before serving and strain if necessary. Drink through 2045. Shaw-Ross International Importers. —M.D.
abv: 15% Price: $60
97 Viñedos de Paganos 2018 La Nieta (Rioja). This deeply colored wine features a bouquet of black cherry, white chocolate and clove. It fills the palate with firm tannins and flavors of blackberry preserves, milk chocolate, roasted fennel bulb and orange zest. Notes of violet and flint grace the enduring finish. Fine Estates From Spain. —M.D.
abv: 14.5% Price: $150
96 Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia 2017 Macán (Rioja). A joint project between Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild and Vega Sicilia, this deep-violet-colored wine has aromas of blackberry, white chocolate and fennel pollen. There is nice balance of fruit and spice flavors, with black cherry, raspberry, clove and mint leading the charge. Undertones of pomegranate, Valencia orange and milk chocolate glide along on plush tannins that melt into a bright finish. Europvin USA. —M.D.
abv: 14.5% Price: $110
96 Bodegas Faustino 2004 Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva (Rioja). For full review see page 166. Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits. Cellar Selection.
abv: 13.5% Price: $105
96 Bodegas Olarra 2011 Laztana Gran Reserva (Rioja). Dark ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of cherry and butterscotch, with a hint of forest floor. It is smooth in the mouth, offering weighty tannins and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, caramel and clove. There is a pervasive sense of brightness in the mouth from first sip to the spicy finish. Tri-Vin Imports. —M.D.
abv: 14% Price: $60
96 R. Lopez de Heredia 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva (Rioja). Garnet to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of blackberry, dark chocolate and herbes de Provence. It is smooth on entry, with flavors of pomegranate, cranberry, caramel, olive tapenade and Mediterranean herbs. Vigorous tannins land on the palate and are quickly washed away by bright acidity. Drink through 2045. Think Global. —M.D.
abv: 13% Price: $55
95 Alberto Orte 2010 La Antigua Clásico Gran Reserva (Rioja). This wine has a nose of red plums, Delicious apple peel and almond toffee. Hearty tannins line the palate, backing flavors of spearmint, mocha, black cherry, cranberry and juniper. While the tannins stick around through the lengthy finish, striking acidity keeps the palate bright. Olé & Obrigado. —M.D.
abv: 13.5% Price: $60
95 Bodegas Franco-Españolas 2012 Excelso Gran Reserva (Rioja). For full review see page 167. W. Direct. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 14% Price: $68
95 Contino 2018 Reserva This deep-ruby-colored wine has a bouquet of black cherry, clove and butterscotch. It is surprisingly soft on the palate, with filigree tannins and flavors of ripe summer cherry, blackberry, milk chocolate, fennel bulb and violet. Arano LLC. —M.D.
