After tasting more than 2,800 Spanish wines with his team in the space of a year, James Suckling reveals 10 that should not be missed
Having tasted more than 2,800 Spanish wines over the past year, James Suckling and his team failed to award a perfect 100 points, but they were still mightily impressed by the quality. Historically, Spain’s strength has been in powerful yet refined reds, and such wines dominate the team’s Top 100 Spanish Wines of 2018. The occupant of the number one position is a near perfect example of what makes the new Spanish reds from the native tempranillo grape so special
BODEGAS RODA RIOJA RODA I RESERVA 2011 There is beauty here and the transparency is inspiring, with dark berry, floral and mineral character. Full body and ultra-fine tannins. A glorious wine that will age for decades but is beautiful now. 98 points
MUGA RIOJA ARO 2015 A more sophisticated, savoury, mineral attitude on the nose, with dark chocolate, plum liqueur and dark cherry that’s still very primary. Violets, too. This has sexy, seductive dark plum and berries on the palate with an immaculate tannin texture and freshness. Profound, unending depth. Wow. Try from 2023. 99 points
CONTINO RIOJA VIÑA DEL OLIVO 2016 This is sleek and racy with a polish and beauty that are incredible. Full body with ultra-fine tannins that touch you at the beginning and take you down to a gorgeous depth of fruit. Super. A great single-vineyard wine. Drink in 2022. 98 points