Vina Real 2012 Rioja Reserva 750ml

The 2012 Viña Real Reserva is a blend of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano from Rioja Alavesa; it fermented in stainless steel and aged in new oak barriques for 22 months with rackings every four months. I found the whole Viña Real range pretty closed and backward, serious, with moderate oak and pretty good balance. There is good ripeness without any excess or signs of heat (it was a very dry year), with some floral aromas coming out with time in the glass. Fine and elegant, quite a surprise.

Score: 92 points -- Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate, 2016