HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(Continued) 90–94pts
Muriel, Viñas Viejas 2011
92 SJE 94 CP 90 BW 91
N/A UK
www.murielwines.com
Bold and lifted aromas of dried orange and rhubarb, with savoury, sweet and sour fruit, and spice on the palate. Long, bright finish with a bit of woody spice. Classic. Drink 2021-2032 Alc 14%
Bodegas Palacio, Glorioso 2014
91 SJE 92 CP 90 BW 90
£17.99
Ehrmanns, Ocado
Floral, scented Rioja, with little development showing on the nose. A velvety palate builds with a rasp of tannin to provide interest; a layer of freshness with a prune and blackcurrant sign-off. Drink 2021-2028 Alc 14%
Marqués de Cáceres 2012
91 SJE 90 CP 91 BW 93
£19.99
Lighthouse Brands
A modern, fruit-forward gran reserva with a vibrant nose of red fruits and balsamic notes. The palate is laden with dark forest berries and chocolate with a savoury, black olive finish. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 14.5%
Ramón Bilbao 2011
91 SJE 89 CP 92 BW 92
£27.50
The Great Wine Co
Elegant, intense and seamless. A modern gran reserva with lots of blueberry, chocolate and a coconut character from the oak, some attractive herbal notes adding complexity. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 13.5%
Olarra 2011
92 SJE 89 CP 92 BW 94 £29
C&D Wines
A suave and opulent wine, with exotic spice, red cherries, walnut and cedar character. Firm yet creamy texture with waves of juicy acidity to add complexity. Intense. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 13.5%
Covila 2014
91 SJE 91 CP 91 BW 91 £12.20
Arkells Vintners
Perfumed, with violets and fine cedar, carrying on to a super-succulent palate with ripe fruit and cooling notes of fennel and menthol. Rich, with a dry grip on the finish. Drink 2021-2029 Alc 14.5%
Montecillo 2011
91 SJE 92 CP 92 BW 90 N/A UK
www.bodegasmontecillo.com
Robust coffee, liquorice and dried-herb aromas, followed by vivid Morello cherries and game on the palate. Supple, with a core of juicy acidity and a delicate, nutty finish. Drink 2021-2028 Alc 13.5%
Valdemar, Conde Valdemar 2010
91 SJE 91 CP 90 BW 92
£25.49-£29.95
All About Wine, Berkmann, Oakham Wines, Strictly Wine
Warm, creamy oak and red fruit aromas; shows gran reserva’s engaging allure.
Finely textured with dark fruits, notes of dried leaves, game and earthy character; quite oaky on the finish. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 14%
Bodegas Corral, Don Jacobo 2008
91 SJE 92 CP 90 BW 90
£20.82
Matthew Clark
A dense and creamy style, with still-fresh red fruit character, lavender and dried tomato notes. Firm grain of tannin persistently adds interest and structure. Long, intense finish. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 14%
CVNE, Viña Real 2014
91 SJE 92 CP 89 BW 92
£26.50-£30.65
Exel, Stop and Save,
Whole Foods Market
Attractive coffee and caramel aromas lead to a fruity, plummy palate of raspberry and spice on the finish. Youthful wine with plenty of character, and it will soften and develop with more time. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 13.75%
Ondarre 2011
91 SJE 91 CP 90 BW 93 £14.95-£15.90
Exel, Hallgarten Wines
Very classic Rioja nose of blueberry and chocolate. The palate is fruity, spicy and fresh with a lovely savoury finish. Some attractive ageing notes, but still youthful. Classy. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 13.5%
Altanza 2011
90 SJE 90 CP 88 BW 91 N/A UK
www.bodegasaltanza.com
Blueberries, blackcurrants and balsamic on the nose; carrying on to the impressively intense palate with liquorice, menthol and wild herbs. An ambitious, polished wine. Drink 2021-2032 Alc 14%