Jesús Madrazo Selección 2020

At once perfumed and fruity, this is an elegant Rioja with both power and finesse. It offers complex layers of blueberry and red berry fruit with intense spice and black pepper. Tannins are ripe and well managed, providing just the right amount of scaffolding for the wine. It is a modern interpretation of the region that is both finessed and satisfying. 76% Tempranillo, 13% Maturana and 11% Graciano from vineyards more than 40 years old, south of Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa. Fermented in large used oak barrels (French, American and Hungarian), followed by 15 months’ ageing in the same 500L and 225L oak barrels with periodic racking. Drinking window: 2025-2030. (Beth Willard,decanter.com,March 6 2025)