Miguel Merino Gran Reserva 2014

Like the Reserva, the 2014 Gran Reserva also shows brilliantly, complex, nuanced, polished and elegant, showing the essence of traditional Rioja in a clean and expressive way. They selected grapes from old vines (planted between 1918 and 1960) that fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in new French oak barrels. The wine has absorbed most of the new oak by now and feels quite classical, perhaps a little creamier than the old-timers, with fine tannins and developed flavors. 4,821 bottles and 378 magnums were filled in March 2017.

More modern in style than the bodega's Reserva, which relies more on American oak and balsamic notes, this is all aged in French wood and shows the poise and freshness of an Atlantic vintage. Savoury and spicy, with good balance and concentration and a core of mature fruit. 2021-26