Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva 2015

The 2015 Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva is a sophisticated, deeply complex, and elegantly structured Spanish red wine that beautifully exemplifies the finest traditions of aged Rioja Alta wines. Sourced from choice plots of low-yielding old vines averaging over 35 years of age, it displays a deep garnet-red hue with a brilliant ruby-tinted rim in the glass. The nose lifts with a tremendously clean, highly expressive, and evolving bouquet of stewed plum, blackberry, and blueberry, seamlessly layered with tertiary aromas of leather, sweet vanilla bean, clove, and cinnamon. On the palate, this medium-to-full-bodied wine is harmonious, ample, and fruit-forward, coating the mouth with a velvety, satin-like texture and rich layers of dark stone fruits, pomegranate, and chocolate mocha. Aged for 30 months in medium-toast French oak barrels followed by over three years of patient bottle maturation in underground cellars, its firm, integrated structural framing is supported by a fine-grained tannin profile and an elegant, balanced acidity. It transitions into a remarkable, endless finish highlighted by lingering traces of roasted coffee bean, black licorice, and a distinct chalky minerality.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with roasted lamb shoulder, slow-cooked beef cheeks, braised venison stews, grilled ribeye steak with rosemary, rich regional fare like patatas a la riojana with chorizo, or an upscale artisanal charcuterie board featuring rich cured meats and aged Manchego cheese.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of black cherry and butterscotch set the stage for further black cherry, pomegranate, caramel and coffee-bean flavors with a hint of cured bacon. Plush tannins build in volume and slowly drop away to showcase a violet-strewn finish.

92 Points - James Suckling 

Complex, slightly old-fashioned nose of old leather, bark, oranges and savory, earthy mushrooms. Juicy and zesty on the palate, with a medium body and fine, caressing tannins. Reserved and long. Drink now, but can still hold.