Bodegas Izadi Izadi El Regalo 2021 750ml

A long-lasting wine that will develop a more nuanced character with time in the bottle, the 2021 El Regalo Viñedo Singular is a blend of Tempranillo and other varieties. Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1936 in Villabuena de Álava, Rioja Alavesa, it aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. A garnet color in the glass, the 2021 unfolds cherry and sour cherry aromas along with balsamic and wild herb notes, all atop a layer of fine cedar. Dry and ample, the fine-textured tannins are imbued with the restful energy of the old vines—rich and compact at the same time. This is a terroir-driven Rioja. (Joaquín Hidalgo)

A long-lasting wine that will develop a more nuanced character with time in the bottle, the 2021 El Regalo Viñedo Singular is a blend of Tempranillo and other varieties. Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1936 in Villabuena de Álava, Rioja Alavesa, it aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. A garnet color in the glass, the 2021 unfolds cherry and sour cherry aromas along with balsamic and wild herb notes, all atop a layer of fine cedar. Dry and ample, the fine- textured tannins are imbued with the restful energy of the old vines—rich and compact at the same time. This is a terroir-driven Rioja.<br/><br/>

A serious Rioja showing formidable depth, complexity, precision and length. Chocolate, blackberries, minerals and iodine on the nose. Quite polished on the palate, with a full body and polished but broad-shouldered tannins. Long, naturally concentrated and caressing. Clearly shows potential for aging. Better in two more years.

The exuberant 2021 El Regalo is ripe, showy and generously oaked, but somehow it feels in better balance than the Reserva from 2020 I tasted next to it. It's modern, ripe and powerful, quite aromatic and showy. It's mostly Tempranillo with some white grapes and has 14.85% alcohol. It had an élevage of 16 months in barriques and 5,000-liter oak vats. 14,272 bottles and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in July 2023. (Luis Gutiérrez)

Fresh and balanced, with minerally hints of iron and smoke underscoring a dark mix of ripe red and black currant, cured tobacco, fig cake and cedar notes. Lightly chalky tannins provide structure and good tension throughout. Drink now through 2029. 1,250 cases made, 625 cases imported.