Critics Ratings

La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2001
The 2001 Gran Reserva 904 will not be released for another 3 years. Dark ruby-colored with a garnet rim, it displays a lovely nose of Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and blackberry. On the palate it has exceptional depth, layers of spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness, and an elegant personality. Upon release it should continue to evolve for another 5-6 years and drink well through 2040.’ - Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Jun 2010)

‘Deep ruby. Complex, highly perfumed scents of dark berry compote, cherry pit, pipe tobacco and vanilla. Smoky, sweet and focused, offering vibrant black raspberry, bitter cherry and vanilla bean flavors that gain power with air. This doesn't act like a 12-year-old wine! Finishes smooth and very long, with lingering sweetness and gentle, fine-grained tannins.’ - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Sept 2013)

Muga Reserva Crianza 2007
‘Black cherry mingles with light herbal and smoky flavors in this firm, fresh red, with an earthy note adding depth. The tannins are firm, the acidity fresh. Light-bodied, but has drive. Drink now through 2014.’ - Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 89/100 (Sep 2011)

Muga Reserva Crianza 2017
‘A nose with vanilla and spiced berry aromas is typical of Muga and provides a nice entry for the saturated but integrated palate of this wine. Saucy plum, tomato, berry and vanilla flavors finish with textural integrity and length. Drink through 2025.’ - Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (Sep 2021)

Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2007
‘The wine is quite tight at the moment, with subtle and elegant notes of red and black fruit, cedar wood, nutmeg and vanilla. The characteristic that strikes me as more important here is the balance, something that Valenciso seems to be quite good at, producing classically proportioned wines with the right amount of extraction, acidity and wood. It should age very well.’ - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Dec 2013)

Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2009
'Spicy earthy briary aromas include a note of cola along with requisite berry and cassis scents. A slightly choppy mouthfeel and flavors of blueberry, cardamom, herbs and oak define the palate, while this finishes fruity and open. Drink through 2024.’ - Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (July 2017)

Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2010
‘Notes of earthy, clove and all spice carry the nose. This is full, juicy and popping on the palate. Flavors of raspberry, mixed spices and exotic tea finish with red-berry leftovers and even more spice notes. Drink through 2028.’ - Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Feb 2018)

‘Dried cherry, berry, tea, tobacco, vanilla and spice flavors mingle in this lean, gentle red. Modest tannins and light acidity keep this lively as the elements float across the palate and glide into a spicy finish. Graceful, in the traditional style.’ - Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Nov 2017)

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Vina Tondonia Reserva 2005
‘Lovely, glowing, mature deep ruby. Orange rim. Heady and complex – the most complex wine in The Bunch tasting by a mile! So fresh and layered and appetising. Seems silly to even other to write this but it could only be Rioja! So pure!!!! Dry finish but there is enough fruit here.’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Sep 2018)

Provenance

Private Client