Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Unica Reserva Rioja 2021

94 points Wine Advocate
The 2021 Reserva Única comes mostly from one vineyard in Labastida opposite Haro that has some 3% Graciano. It fermented destemmed and matured in a combination of French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels for two years. 2021 was a magical year, with perfect conditions, good rain and a long cycle that allowed for perfect ripening of the grapes. This wine always has a more modern profile, more elegant—they look for a finer-boned wine with more fruit and velvety tannins, which are provided by the sandy soils from the vineyard. It has a medium-bodied palate, with less structure, and despite the long aging, the wine keeps very fresh, especially in a year like 2021. It has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.75 and 5.7 grams of acidity. Super subtle, clean and elegant, this is perhaps the finest vintage to date for this wine. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2023.

93 points Vinous

From Labastida, the 2021 Reserva Única blends 97% Tempranillo with 3% Graciano. Dark-toned on the nose, it offers blackberry and plum alongside a subtle balsamic hint and a touch of chalk. On the palate, primary fruit takes the lead, backed by juicy energy and a lightly chalky structure. Overall, this is a modern-style reserva driven largely by fruit.

PRODUCT DETAILS

• SKUPJ00566
• TypeRed Wine
• Sub-TypeTempranillo
• CountrySpain
• RegionRioja
• Size750mL
• ABV14.1%
• Vintage2021

RATINGS & AWARDS

• WA 94

PRODUCTION

• OrganicYes