$39.99 on 6+ bottles (code: 6saves3)

93 pts Wine Advocate
Drink Date: 2023 – 2028
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.
Valenciso is one of the most reliable medium-size producers (150,000 bottles) from Rioja, combining modernity and tradition. In 2023, they celebrated their 25th anniversarycongratulations! That year, they also finished a project to reduce sulfites in their wines. Since 2017, their vineyards (31 hectares all around Haro and their winery in Ollauri) are organic (but the wines don’t carry certifications for now).Reviewed by: Luis Gutirrez Release Price: $50Feb 29, 2024

Our Tasting Note
Deep ruby core, vibrant lighter ruby rededge, slight brick.Nose is pronounced, black cherry, cassis, currants, subtle spices, leather, anddark cocaochocolate from thesubtle and well integratedFrench oak used (only 33% new for 18 months). The palate is med+ bodied, med/med+ grain, good acidity, pronounced palate that iselegant and intense at the same time, fruit and oak trail into the long in the persistent finish. Excellent modern style that is not that modern.

Details
Grapes:100% Tempranillo
ABV:14%
Vineyards:villages:Ollauri, Briones, Rodezno, Haro and Villalba estate vineyards in the north of Rioja Alta between 16632000 feet; clay-calcareous soil;
Viticulture:Sustainably farmed and following organic principles
Winemaking:fermented in concrete vats using only indigenous yeasts; spontaneous malolactic fermentation March 2019 in concrete; aged 18 months in 100% French oak; wine transferred to concrete for 12 months to further age and settle before bottling; vegan friendly.

The most important thing at Valencisco is the vine. The vineyards are located at an altitude of between 480 and 610 metres above sea level in La Rioja Alta, in Ollauri, Briones, Haro, Rodezno, Gimileo, Zarraton and Villalba. Clay-limestone soils favor the acidity and finesse of the northern tempranillo.