When we first submitted some of our wines to James Suckling's tasting office, we sensed that the scores of this prestigious critic would climb steadily upwards. We are gradually improving our work year after year, both in the vineyard and in the winery. Therefore, the results can only translate into better quality and greater recognition.
We are now starting to reap the rewards. A few days ago, Suckling published new scores for Spanish wines, and the results are really impressive. 14 of our DOCa Rioja wines scored more than 90 points. The greatest achievement is for Muriel Gran Reserva and for the two benchmark white and red Conde de los Andes wines: 93 points!
In addition to these excellent results, we were also awarded points for Luis Alegre (a recently acquired brand) and, for the first time, we received favourable results for Valdecuriel, our new brand in Ribera del Duero: 90 points for both the Crianza and the Reserva. Finally, Pazo Cilleiro Albariño 2021 (DO Rías Baixas) got 91 points, an important leap from the 90 points of the previous vintage.
Interesting tasting notes
Beyond the points, the accompanying tasting notes are often the most insightful aspect of Suckling's (and other critics') tasting notes. We have translated the comments he writes about our wines. They are well worth reading:
With 93 points
Muriel Viñas Viejas Gran Reserva 2014
Complex and ethereal dark plums, savory spices and tobacco with sweet spices, iron and dried orange peel. This is long and elegant on the palate, rounded by creamy and firm tannins. Drink or hold.
Conde de los Andes Blanco 2018
Tangy nose, full of white almonds, dried lemon, sliced apple, toast and a hint of seaweed savoriness. Distinctive and long with a creamy and flavorful palate. Viura. Drink or hold.
Conde de los Andes Tinto 2018
A bright, neoclassic Rioja with refined balsamic fruit, cocoa powder, savory tobacco leaf and a hint of cigar box. A medium-to full-bodied red with tight and chalky tannins and an excellent, layered finish. Drink or hold.
With 92 points
Muriel Reserva 2017
Meaty plums, red cherries and black earth with some pepper and spices. This is a juicy, medium-bodied Rioja with bright acidity and a spicy twist on the palate, before a peppery finish. Drink now.
Luis Alegre Finca La Reñana Reserva 2018
Aromas of spiced cherries, plums and fine sandalwood with a leathery undertone and pencil-shaving accent. This is a juicy yet elegant and creamy Rioja with medium to full body and silky tannins, framed in a linear mouth-feel. Long and vibrant finish. Really well balanced. Drink or hold.
With 91 points
Muriel Crianza 2019
Coffee, black plums, cherries and white pepper follow through to a medium-bodied palate with some well-structured tannins. Juicy and elegant with a bright, fruity finish. Drink now or hold for a year.
Luis Alegre Finca La Reñana Viura 2019
Roasted almond, lemon curd, melon and some fresh herbs. A little waxy, with a round palate and a creamy mouth-feel. Fresh and elegant in the center-palate with a nice, chewy edge to the finish. Drink now.
Luis Alegre Crianza Edición Limitada 2019
Some sweet oak spices provide a plush feel to the bright red cherries and plums. Tight and creamy on the palate, with a juicy core of red and black fruit, propped up by firm and silky tannins. Nice length. Drink now.
Pazo Cilleiro Albariño 2021
Zesty lemon, green apple and hints of stones and nectarines. A fine, mineral albarino with chalky, incisive acidity that cuts it through, with lots of green apples in the finish. Drink now.
With 90 points
Valdecuriel Crianza 2016
Spiced dark cherries and plums with a fine, balsamic edge and walnut character. A medium-to full-bodied Ribera del Duero, unleashing juicy dark berries and plums with tight and fine-grained tannins. Rather long. Drink or hold.
Valdecuriel Reserva 2014
A tight and full-bodied Ribera del Duero with savory dark spices and walnuts on top of the blackberries and plums. Densely packed with lots of tannins. Needs a tad more depth on the mid-palate for the next step of quality. Drink now.
Luis Alegre Parcela nº5 2018
Black cherries and red plums carry the dried herbs and a creamy, spicy note on the nose. Medium-bodied with tight, chalky tannins and fresh, juicy acidity. Flavorful finish with spiced plums and cherries. Drink or hold.
Marqués de Elciego Tempranillo Blanco Reserva 2017
Medium gold hue with lots of lemon pastry, saffron, spices and some nuts. Buttery and nutty with cashews on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Very moderate acidity helps it to create a supple, creamy mouth-feel. Drink now.
Marqués de Elciego Graciano Gran Reserva 2012
A spicy nose, full of baking spices, green peppercorns, leather and red and dark fruit. Very juicy and almost a little tart, with powerful, quality tannins. An solid red that is holding up pretty well. Drink or hold.
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