Miguel Merino 2021 Mazuelo de la Quinta Cruz 750ml

Is Mazuelo, otherwise known as Carignan, capable of finesse? In the right hands it is. This remarkable example comes from a 1.4-hectare parcel that was planted in 1986 and is remarkably bright and ethereal. Pomegranate, wild strawberry and pink grapefruit flavours are embellished by silky tannins, subtle reduction and vivid acidity. The essence of the new, terroir-focused Rioja. 2025-32.

Score: 98 points -- Tim Atkin, Rioja 2024 Special Report