Finca de la Rica 2016 El Guia Rioja 750ml

Finca de la Rica makes this 95/5 mix of tempranillo/viura at a modest 13.5 percent alcohol. The fruit, 45-year-old tempranillo and 100-year-old viura is grown organically and cofermented. One quarter goes through carbonic maceration followed by a stainless steel ferment. The nose is reminiscent of ripe and tart cherries and currants, while the palate is texturally soft with ripe raspberry and strawberries dusted with brown spice and sagebrush (a little Okanagan). A wonderful food wine that would ignite a plate of jamon, olives, and dry aged cheeses. Real wine and fine value.

Score: 90 points -- Anthony Gismondi, Gismondi On Wine, June 2018