2019 Rioja Reserva

The wine is made from handpicked Tempranillo grown across 17 organically farmed plots in Ollauri and neighbouring villages, all located within five kilometres of the winery. The vines are at least 60 years old and grow in clay-limestone soils at elevations reaching 600 metres.

Fermentation occurs naturally in concrete vats, followed by 18 months in predominantly low-toast Radoux French oak barriques. In recent vintages, around 10% has also been matured in low-toast Caucasian oak to further reduce the influence of wood. The wine then returns to cool concrete vats for a further 24 months of settling before release. It clarifies naturally during this time and is bottled without fining or filtration.

“The latest in a fine run of Reservas from Luis Valentín and Carmen Enciso, this well-priced Tempranillo combines components from Briones, Gimileo, Haro, Ollauri, Rodezno and Villalba. Youthful, structured and vigorous, it's a compact, serious, age-worthy red that manages to sidestep the heat of the vintage. Inky and profound with dark plum and blackberry fruit and a balsamic undertone.”

94 points, Tim Atkin MW, 2024 Rioja Special Report