Alcohol: 14.5%
Grape(s): 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 5% Graciano
Localization: Rioja, Spain
Tasting Notes: A fresh, nuanced, Atlantic-style red with tobacco pouch, sweet spice and red berry fruit and a backbone of acidity
Notes: All of the grapes are hand-selected in estate vineyards. The must is fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks and old, open-top foudres. It is then aged 21 months in foudres and barrels of various sizes, followed by more than five years of bottle aging in the Remelluri cellar. Made with low intervention, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfur at bottling.
93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The estate red 2014 Reserva was produced with the grapes from a challenging year with abundant rain and high temperatures in September. They started picking the 11th of October and had to rush and do a severe selection of grapes. It fermented in small vats and oak casks and matured in barriques for 20 to 21 months. They consider 2014 the breakthrough vintage for Remelluri since Telmo Rodriguez came back in 2010, as it takes time until things are sorted. 2014 was a challenging vintage, but when they compare it with 2013, they still favor 2014. I like it, but honestly, it pales in comparison to the Granja Gran Reserva 2014. Rating: 93+
93 Points - James Suckling: Aromas of dried flowers, ripe berries and tobacco continue to the palate that is medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Classic style. Better with a little more bottle age, but already very pretty.
The Domain: The Remelluri estate's origins date back to the fourteenth century when monks from the Toloño monastery founded a sanctuary and farm at the site. The modern winery was established in 1967 when Jaime Rodríguez Salis purchased the vineyards at the heart of the former estate. Since then Remelluri has been devoted to recovering the old lands of this historic estate and restoring the original vineyards. The vineyards here are at the highest elevation in the region, south-facing, and protected from the prevailing winds and frost. It is the unique micro-climate of this area that gives the wines of Remelluri their personality. Poor, stony soil with layers of clay help to retain freshness, while the Atlantic influence provides abundant rainfall and lower temperatures than in the rest of the region. Organic farming principles have always been utilized here to ensure that the wine remains true to its unique terruño. Remelluri also uses an integrated system of agriculture with great respect for the environment. After years of perfecting his craft and gaining international recognition for his winemaking abilities, Telmo Rodríguez has returned to his family winery. Telmo seeks to remain true to his family estate's vaunted history while guiding it into a bright tomorrow. Telmo's vision of the future of the estate is centered around a focus on place. He is changing the dialog from one of aging methods, and even varietals, to one of specific sites. The idea is to explore the unique characteristics of each village through their wines, an idea that Telmo would like to expand to the whole of Rioja.
