2015 La Sorda Reserva

Rioja rules say that Reserva wines have to be at least 3 years old on release, with 1 years stored in oak. This is a great example, and a lot more modern than the last Reserva I had from Rioja years ago. They used to taste oxidized from spending too much time in old barrels. No such issues with this polished, glossy example offered at perfect maturity. Ripe red fruits mix it with smoked meats, bay leaves and spices. A whiff of sweet warm earth and some oaky notes complete the picture. Pure velvet on the palate, soft maturity, not as complex as I expected

Always a pleasure to see a mature example of Rioja. Regulations demand that Reserva Rioja be aged for a minimum of three years, one of which must be in cask – this places them at the “second highest” level of Rioja. Grand Reserva need two years in cask and three in the bottle before release, and they will make a much more serious dint in the wallet. This one is terrific value for what it is. Rioja Reserva often form the region’s sweet spot as they will be given extra time by winemakers and see some of the best grapes. Here, we have a deep red hue. The wine is complex and mature, offering notes of red fruits, notably cherries, and delicatessen meats with gunsmoke and dried herbs. Darker fruits emerge on the palate. Very much made in the typical savoury style, this has good length and plenty of grip, finishing in a rather silky manner so should age nicely for another four to six years