Mazuelo de La Quinta Cruz 2021

Is Mazuelo, otherwise known as Carignan, capable of finesse? In the right hands it is. This remarkable example comes from a 1.4-hectare parcel that was planted in 1986 and is remarkably bright and ethereal. Pomegranate, wild strawberry and pink grapefruit flavours are embellished by silky tannins, subtle reduction and vivid acidity. The essence of the new, terroir-focused Rioja. 2025-32

The expressive, aromatic and varietal 2021 La Quinta Cruz Mazuelo is from one of the few Mazuelo (Cariñena) vineyards in the Rioja Alta zone (it's more common in Rioja Baja or Oriental!). 2021 saw a more thorough ripening of the ranges from a longer cycle, and this is the first time the wine goes over 13% alcohol (it's only 13.5%). It's perhaps earthier and less floral than previous years but keeps a low pH and very good freshness. It's more serious and complete. The élevage was in used 500-liter barrels and concrete and lasted 12 months. 3,085 bottles produced. It keeps the quality with a slightly different profile. It was bottled in April 2023.