Finca Valpiedra Reserva 2015

Lauren Rosillo is a big fan of the 2015 vintage and who can blame him when it makes wines that are as good as this release from one of Rioja's very few single estates. Tempranillo based with support from 8% Graciano and Maturana Tinta, it has classic restraint and patrician elegance herbal cassis, red berry and kitchen spice notes, finely judged tannins and refreshing minerality. 2024-32

There is some more development in the 2015 Finca Valpiedra Reserva, which also feels a little riper (even if it's only 13.5% alcohol), showing the dry, warm and ripe character of the year but keeping a low pH of 3.47 and 6.2 grams of acidity. This is medium-bodied, although some will call them thin—and certainly, they are not full-bodied and round wines, they are sharper. This is a blend of 92% Tempranillo and 4% each Graciano and Maturana Tinta that matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. These wines are feeling a little more traditional than in the past. 75,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2018.

This shows notes of incense and smoke on the nose, together with spiced plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, licorice and a hint of tar. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Ripe, yet juicy and succulent, with a rich finish. Drink or hold.