El Rayo Olarra 2021 Rioja 750ml

Unapologetic, expressive Crianza, delivering a punch of toasty oak, salty liquorice, sweet spice and melting dark chocolate. Although the wood is the main protagonist, it is very well-worked and altogether delicious, encasing the tannins in sweet spice and fleshy coconut. Core of plum and ripe figs. Fragrant violets, tobacco and coffee in the background. Some ageing potential here.

Score: 91 points -- Ines Salpico, Decanter, 2025