HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(Continued) 90–94pts
‘To me, a lot of these wines tasted like they were worth more than £ 20’
Simon Field MW
Bodegas de la Marquesa, Valserrano Crianza, Rioja 2016
90 SJE 91 SF 89 PM 91 £15 Davy’s, Jascots, Private Cellar, The Vintner
A fine counterplay of dark plum fruit and ripe savoury tannins lifted by a punch of acidity. Rich, full and elegant. Drink 2020-2022 Alc 14.5%
Coto de Imaz, Reserva, Rioja 2015 90 SJE 88 SF 91 PM 92
POA
Widely available via UK agent Liberty Wines
Wonderful cherry fruit aromas and flavours supported by warming toasty oak and layers of lifted peppery spice, all melded together perfectly. Drink 2020-2024 Alc 14%
Fincas de Azabache, Tunante de Azabache, Rioja 2018
90 SJE 90 SF 92 PM 89 £9.99 Ellis Wines
Lifted summer fruits with a crackle of bracken; explosively juicy and plump on the palate, with lively cherries and plums; warm and full.
Drink 2020-2022 Alc 14%
I Petralanda, Marqués de Zearra Crianza, Rioja 2014
90 SJE 89 SF 91 PM 89 £11.25 Yapp Bros
Appealing aniseed, quince and damson notes underpin this beautifully supple, fleshy style. Rich, bold and satisfying with a long finish. Drink 2020-2022 Alc 14%
Bodegas Riojanas, Viña Albina Crianza, Rioja 2017
90 SJE 89 SF 90 PM 90 £15.99 Hayward Bros, ND John, Salut, Topsham Wines, Vagabond Wines, Vineyards of Sherborne
Luscious red fruit, pot pourri and spice with a dart of acidity, a cushion of billowing tannin and a linear finish. Drink 2020-2022 Alc 13.5%
Fos, Saltaviñas, Rioja 2017
90 SJE 87 SF 90 PM 93 £14 Templar Wines
A wealth of intense flavours here, from smoky bonfire, tar and roses to liquorice and cassis, supported by a full, dense, lengthy structure.
Drink 2020-2023 Alc 14%
Izadi, Reserva, Rioja 2015
90 SJE 89 SF 91 PM 91
POA Widely available via UK agent Liberty Wines
A complexity of fleshy dark fruit, spice and salinity all successfully rendered; textured, rounded and creamy with plenty of length. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 13.5%
Campo Viejo, Reserva, Rioja 2015 90 SJE 91 SF 90 PM 90 £12.75
Available via Pernod Ricard UK
An aromatic interplay of cedarwood, cardamom and bilberries with a rigorous structure, firm tannins and charm running throughout. Drink 2020-2023 Alc 13.5%
Exopto, Flor de Luna Vendimia Seleccionada, Rioja 2018
90 SJE 90 SF 90 PM 91 £12.99 Naked Wines
Smoky pencil shaving oak with plentiful juicy blackberry fruit. Glossy and impressive with a rasping tannic structure and velvety length.
Drink 2020-2023 Alc 14%
Heredad Pangua Sodupe, Lagar de Pangua Reserva, Rioja 2015
90 SJE 92 SF 86 PM 93
N/A UK www.heredadpanguasodupe.com
Generous strawberry fruit with notes of almond essence and chocolate; bold, opulent and firm character with a strong, oaky finish.
Drink 2020-2023 Alc 14%
Leza García, Reserva, Rioja 2015
90 SJE 92 SF 90 PM 89 £19.99 Kendrick Champagnes & Fine Wines
Elegant dark plums and damsons with cedary smoke, dry-edged, food-friendly tannins and a long, pure finish. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 14% ➢