94pts Vinous
The 2020balos is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and other varieties, sourced from balos in Rioja Alta. Aged for 12 months in various sizes of oak vats, this garnet wine reveals a minty core of wild herbs intertwined with delicate red fruit aromas. On the palate, it is dry, juicy and fairly rich, with supple, chalky tannins that contribute to its nimble and compact mouthfeel. Representing the precise style championed by Telmo Rodriguez, this is a tasty and ethereal red from the Sonsierra area.– Joaqun Hidalgo, December 2023
93+pts Wine Advocate
The serious, austere, and new 2020 balos was produced with grapes on marl and limestone from the Marqus de Legarda, who is mentioned on the label. It’s a blend of 73% Tempranillo, 17% Graciano, 6% Garnacha and 4% other varieties, presented in a straight Bordeaux bottle. It reflects more the character of Haro than the Rioja Alavesa, wines with more Graciano. It’s medium to full-bodied with 14.17% alcohol and has fine-grained, chalky tannins. – Luis Gutierrez, July 2023

73% Tempranillo / 6% Garnacha / 17% Graciano / 4% Other indigenous varieties
Altitude:494-528m
Vine age:40-90 years old
Soils:Calcareous clay marl on Miocene limestone