Rioja Gran Reserva 2005 Marques de Riscal

Named European Winery of The Year in Wine Enthusiast's 2013 Wine Star Awards, Marques de Riscal is one of Rioja's legendary estates. In 1858 Herederos de Marqués de Riscal became the first winery in the Rioja to produce wines following the Bordeaux method of slow fermentation and careful blending. A classic Rioja wine, the Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva is 90% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo.

To make this Gran Reserva, Riscal uses grapes from vines over 80 years of age, from their own estate vineyards and from local growers. Once the wine destined to become a Gran Reserva has been selected it is aged for 31 months in French-oak casks. This is followed by a further minimum of three years bottle ageing before release.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 93 points saying "Earthy, leathery aromas of baked red fruits fit the classic style. This is full on the palate but not heavy, with cola, molasses, coffee and heady raspberry and plum flavors. A warm finish with fine tannins and ripe flavors of chocolate, lightly baked black fruits and vanilla. Drink 2015–2025."