Mark S.

9.1

Deep cherry red with violet 20 oak vanilla clove cinnamon nutmeg. raspberry blueberry cherry dry plum. Leather. Tabacco. coconut American oak 40% Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M+ Acidity M+ Tannin M+ Smooth. Bitterness M Body M++ Finish M+ 140% Concentrated Robust Smooth, Ready to drink. potential for ageing Viñedos del Contino (CVNE) Reserva Rioja Tempranillo @6600, AD, 251204 — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2020
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A Crianza-level Rioja built for approachability, freshness, and everyday enjoyment. Predominantly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, aged briefly in oak to soften the edges while preserving fruit purity.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, and plum with hints of licorice, vanilla, and subtle spice. Light herbal notes and soft oak support without dominating.

Mouthfeel
Medium-light body, juicy and vibrant with mild tannins and easy-going acidity. Friendly texture that drinks effortlessly, even slightly chilled.

Food Pairings
Tapas, grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, or chorizo, anything casual and flavorful.

Verdict
An easy-drinking, fruit-forward Rioja that embraces the modern, relaxed side of Rioja Alavesa. Fun, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing without trying too hard.

Did You Know?
Crianza wines are Spain’s most versatile category, requiring a minimum of 2 years of aging with at least 1 year in oak, striking the sweet spot between young fruit and gentle structure. — 9 hours ago

Rudi Sanchez-Colberg

10

Show stopper. 59 years old and still providing an amazing experience. Never faded during our tasting. Elegant nose and complex mouth with a long, lingering finish. — 21 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2019
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, aged in oak. The 2019 vintage leans slightly riper and more concentrated than 2018, offering darker fruit and a touch more structure without sacrificing Valserrano’s signature elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry compote layered with vanilla, cocoa, sweet tobacco, and a hint of dried herbs. Subtle licorice and baking spice linger on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with polished tannins and more grip than the 2018. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the finish is smooth, long, and quietly complex.

Food Pairings
Lamb chops, Iberian pork, roasted mushrooms, aged Manchego, or paella with chorizo.

Verdict
A refined yet slightly richer expression of Valserrano Reserva. Dark fruit, subtle earth, and graceful spice come together with impressive balance and drinkability. Classic Rioja with modern finesse.

Did You Know?
The Valserrano estate, founded in 1880, is still family-run and among the pioneers of Rioja Alavesa. Higher elevation and limestone soils are key to the region’s lifted acidity and refined tannin profile. — 10 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Viura – 2023
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A barrel-fermented white made from 100% Viura, showcasing the bright, zesty character of Rioja Alavesa with a subtle touch of oak for texture and lift, without weighing it down.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and citrus blossom with hints of saline minerality and light vanilla. Fresh, vibrant, and expressive.

Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity, medium body, and a lively, zesty profile. Clean, balanced, and enticing with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back.

Food Pairings
Seafood, grilled octopus, oysters, ceviche, or manchego cheese. Also excellent with sushi or Mediterranean salads.

Verdict
A modern, energetic take on Viura, bright, balanced, and quietly elegant. Perfect for fans of zesty whites with just enough structure to feel serious.

Did You Know?
Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) is the backbone of white Rioja, and barrel fermentation, rather than just barrel aging, adds complexity and finesse while preserving freshness. — 9 hours ago

Dan Cobb

9.5

Very soft, light structure. Very approachable — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Gran Reserva blend of Tempranillo with a small percentage of Graciano, aged extensively in oak and bottle. The 2018 vintage delivers depth, elegance, and maturity without excess weight, a refined display of Rioja Alavesa pedigree.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, dried fig, redcurrant, and plum layered with cedar, leather, vanilla bean, clove, and cocoa. Subtle dried herbs and balsamic notes appear with air, adding savory complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with silky, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Supple, harmonious texture with a long, elegant finish that leans more refined than powerful.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, grilled ribeye, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto.

Verdict
A beautifully composed Gran Reserva that blends classic Rioja maturity with freshness and finesse. Complex, layered, and quietly profound, more about harmony and nuance than sheer extraction.

Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines represent only a small fraction of Rioja production and must undergo a minimum of 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in oak and 2 years in bottle, resulting in their signature silky texture and developed aromatics. — 9 hours ago

Christopher J. Simovich

9.8

This was perfect right from the bottle to a 20 minute decant. I felt like an angel baby swatted in cotton candy after drinking this one. Paired with meats and dishes at Bazaar in Washington DC. — 15 days ago

Rudi Sanchez-Colberg

9.8

Pure power. Extra long finish. One of the best Unicos I’ve tasted. — 21 days ago

Sébastien F

9.3

C'est du haut niveau sur du fruit mur. La mûre, les notes viandées, le sous bois, une bouche tapissante, une longueur folle.
Un tout petit excès d'alcool à peine domageable. — 2 months ago