Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2019

92 points James Suckling: "The deep and dramatic nose of damson plum, soy sauce and cocoa powder pulls you into this enormous, rich and very concentrated Rioja. The tannins are so fine that this already feels silky, in spite of all the power. Seriously dry, but almost perfectly balanced at the long, chocolatey finish. The French oak is impeccably integrated. Delicious now, but great aging potential! The first vintage of this wine. 100% tempranillo from a 2.5 hectare section of the high-altitude, terraced Tapias site in Rioja Alavesa. Drink or hold. (8/7/23)"

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$23 list] This deep-violet-colored wine has aromas of cassis, milk chocolate and geranium leaf. Strapping tannins provide a backdrop for menthol, clove, blackberry-jam, violet and dark-chocolate flavors that culminate in a chewy finish marked with notes of butterscotch and thyme. Alcohol 14.5%. (Dec 2023)"

Producer notes: "Intense black-cherry color with good depth of color and hardly any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas on the nose with notes of licorice, cinnamon and black pepper, with just a subtle hint of the long cask-ageing, thanks to its great complexity and ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and easy to drink on the palate, good backbone and lovely, polished tannins. The long, persistent finish leaves gentle balsamic reminders of the finest quality. This wine goes well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not highly spiced, bean and pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grills and roasts."