Bodegas Ontañón Gran Reserva Rioja 2015

Critical Acclaim: 92 pts James Suckling; 91 pts Wine Spectator; 90 pts Vinous.

About the Wine: Ontañón Gran Reserva 2015 is a mature Rioja blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano from the high-elevation La Pasada and El Pozo vineyards. The grapes were hand-harvested and carefully selected, followed by more than 21 days of maceration, 24 to 36 months in predominantly French oak with a small proportion of American oak, and more than 24 months of bottle aging before release.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red with a tawny rim. Layers of fruit compote, fig, plum, and cassis meet mineral and forest-floor notes, toasted spice, tobacco leaf, coffee, and vanilla. Fleshy and elegant, with balanced acidity, soft ripe tannins, and a long, harmonious finish.

"Savory red plums, berries and citrus with subtle sweet spices, tar and pepper. Juicy and firm-grained with medium body and a long, lightly leathery finish. Tempranillo and graciano. Delicious now but can keep if you’re looking for additional tertiary complexity."- olol

"Dried rosemary, spice box, iron and mineral notes are a fragrant overtone for this firm, fresh red, which layers mandarin orange peel–infused acidity and chewy tannins with pureed cherry, dried raspberry, red licorice and cola. Lightly plump and focused through the lingering finish. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2033."- Wine Spectator. 

"The 2015 Gran Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano from Rioja Oriental, aged 24–36 months in French oak. Its nose shows developed notes of oak and damp earth alongside red and black fruit. On the palate, fine, reactive tannins bring noticeable grip and reflect the region’s solar intensity. Mature and structured."- Vinous. 

Serving Suggestion: Pair with roast lamb, braised beef, grilled pork, mushroom dishes, cured ham, or mature cheeses. Serve slightly cool and give it 30 minutes of air.

Varietal: 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano.