Wine Advocate #251 - Oct 2020 - Luis Gutiérrez - Viña Real Gran Reserva 2014 - 94/100 - Drink: 2020 - 2032
The iconic Rioja Alavesa red 2014 Viña Real Gran Reserva was produced with grapes from their own vineyards in the villages of Laguardia and Labastida, mostly Tempranillo with 5% Graciano fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in new and second use barriques for 24 months. As with the Imperial Gran Reserva, I found great balance and elegance here, transcending the character of the year. It's a little shy and takes time to show aromas of fine spices, decayed leaves, wild berries and flowers. It's full and round, faithful to its style, juicy and rich even in more austere years. It's tasty and dry and has the balance to develop nicely in bottle. Another one for the table. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2017.