Valenciso Reserva 2018

95 points Tim Atkin
"The last cold vintage we had" is how Luis Valentin describes 2018, a vintage that saw 600mm of rain. This Rioja Alta Tempranillo from the area around Haro is suitably fresh, refined and focused, showing graceful tannins, chalky minerality and flavours of bramble and clementine.

94 points James Suckling
A more layered and refined Rioja here that shows fragrant berries, black cherries, plums, peppercorns, pencil shavings and graphite. Juicy and linear on the palate with a medium body and structured but creamy tannins. Turns more expansive in the finish with excellent length. Very classy and almost a bit Bordelais. Delicious already, but should hold well for the next five to seven years.

93 points Robert Parker
The 2018 Reserva reveals developed aromas and a polished palate, tasty, almost salty flavors and a long, dry finish. It has notes of leather and meat and felt surprisingly ripe despite the cooler year, but the longer and slow growing season ripened the grapes thoroughly to 14.5% alcohol. It matured in French oak barrels, one-third of them new, for 18 months. It was bottled in December 2021. 67,000 bottles produced.

17 points Jancis Robinson
100% Tempranillo. From a blend of vineyards owned by Valenciso. Two years in concrete and then 19 months in French oak. Deep blackish crimson. Nicely composed on the nose and palate. Readier than the Finca Valpiedra Reserva 2016. A wine with a beginning, middle and end, with real substance. (JR) 14.5%