Lanzaga (Telmo Rodríguez) Rioja Tabuérniga 2021

98+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Tabuerniga follows its path of complexity and elegance with a faint iron-like side this year, with notes of blood and rusty nail, a little earthier. Winemaker Pablo Eguzkiza thought that could be because this year the wine has more Graciano. It's also a little lighter, a little more ethereal. The grapes were picked between the sixth and eighth of October, and they were very healthy. They used a small portion of full clusters, maybe 5%, fermented in 3,000-liter open-top oak vats and matured in 1,500-liter oak foudres for 14 to 16 months. It has the harmony, balance and freshness with the elegant and seamless tannins from 2021. 2021 delivered good yields, and that might have provided finer-boned wines, a little in the style of 2016. This is superb. 3,812 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2023. Drink 2025-2038 (Feb 2025)"

96 points Tim Atkin, MW: "Tabuérniga is a single vineyard wine from a 2.7-hectare plot in a closed valley in Labastida located between 540 and 620 metres. Aged in foudres, but still showing some oaky notes, it's a cuvée of mostly Tempranillo with Graciano and Garnacha. Bolder than its stablemate Las Beatas, it combines top notes of thyme, rosemary and black olive with a palate of blackberry, oregano, detailed, savoury tannins and impressive concentration. 2025-2035. (2024)"

The 2021 Tabuérniga comes from a 2.7-hectare site in Lanciego, Rioja Alavesa, aged up to 16 months in 1,500-liter foudres. Rich purple in hue, it presents dried rose, fresh strawberry and fine herb aromas. Smooth and juicy, with refined tannins and chalky tension, it boasts both delicacy and impact. Elegant, layered and restrained, it is the contrasting qualities that make =the 2021 a standout in Rioja. Drink 2028-2050. (05/25)."