Viña Real Oro Reserva 2009

The 2009 Reserva, 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano from Rioja Alavesa, is fermented in stainless steel and aged for 22 months in new oak barriques with frequent rackings (every four months). 2009 is a powerful vintage with an early harvest, especially in Alavesa, but the wine has very good balance and is developing some complexity in the nose with a touch of spices, raw meat and red fruit. The palate displays some fine-grained tannins, ripe fruit and good acidity in a well-built wine. This should age very well. Drink 2016-2022. Score - 92. (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013)