Herederos del Marqués de Riscal Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2021 750ml

Refined nose with peppery and earthy undertones to the savory berry fruit, subtle vanilla and orange. Minerals as well. This is firm and quite long on the palate, with medium body and a traditional, nicely rustic twist at the end. Really poised and persistent, showing precision and finesse. One of the best Reserva expressions lately from Marques de Riscal? A joy to drink now, but will hold well over the next 10 years.

The scent of purple plum, lavender and dried thyme wafts from the glass. Satiny tannins coat the mouth and bring black currant, Simka plum, olive tapenade, baking spice and cocoa powder flavors. The smooth finish is noted for a light burst of mint.

The winery’s flagship wine, the 2021 Reserva has a highly appealing spicy balsamic character and an undertone of freshness highlighted by the addition of 3% Graciano. A solid 20 months in American oak provides structure and toasty notes to the ripe, full-bodied creaminess of the wine, rich in red and black cherry fruit that’s textured and layered throughout supple, silky tannins. This is a classic, ready to go another 10-15 years.

A combination of licorice, blackberries and cherries on the nose, a floral element emerging as the wine evolves. The medium- to full-bodied palate is incisive with polished, focused tannins and a clean, chiseled finish. Uncomplicated. Drink or hold.

Sourced from vineyards over 40 years old in Rioja Alavesa, the 2021 Reserva (Tempranillo with other varieties) opens with refined oak, soft caramel and vanilla framing red fruit, cherry and a touch of blackberry. On the palate, it is compact and chalk-textured, flowing with juicy energy before finishing on red fruit and liquorice. A classical Rioja, the cooler vintage lends detail and lift.

Ripe mulberry and boysenberry fruit is accented by wild thyme, warm spices, mineral and mandarin orange peel in this well-balanced red, with light, taut tannins. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2031.