Viña Real Gran Reserva 2014

The iconic Rioja Alavesa red 2014 Viña Real Gran Reserva was produced with grapes from their own vineyards in the villages of Laguardia and Labastida, mostly Tempranillo with 5% Graciano fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in new and second use barriques for 24 months. As with the Imperial Gran Reserva, I found great balance and elegance here, transcending the character of the year. It's a little shy and takes time to show aromas of fine spices, decayed leaves, wild berries and flowers. It's full and round, faithful to its style, juicy and rich even in more austere years. It's tasty and dry and has the balance to develop nicely in bottle. Another one for the table. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2017.

A tight and taut red. Firm, very resolved and polished. Medium body. Juicy and beautiful. Long and very pretty. Coats your mouth with ripe tannins. Drink now.

Laguardia, Elciego, Leza, Navaridas and Baños de Ebro all supply grapes for this wonderful Gran Reserva, which ranks as one of the best I've tasted from Viña Real. Fresh, balanced, finely oaked and lightly balsamic, it's a wine with focus, salinity and fine tannins that finishes with remarkable palate length. 2022-30