XR de Marqués de Riscal 2017

Beautiful nose, with strawberries and black pepper. Hints of flowers and toast in the background. On the palate, it's so delicate and elegant, but also with a great structure and volume. Both delicate and powerful, this is a wonderful — and quite irresistible — wine.

Aromas of flowers, cedar and blackberries follow through to a full body with ripe, firm tannins and a flavorful finish. This is a modern and focused Rioja with structure and sophistication. Drink or hold.

First made as recently as 2015 - positively an infant by Riscal's standards - this is a youthful, intense, well-balanced assemblage of Tempranillo and 6% Graciano from old vine parcels in Elciego, Leza and Navaridas. Richly wooded in 10% new American oak, it has coffee bean and vanilla pod top notes, a structured damson and blackberry palate and more acidity than a lot of 2017s. 2024-29