2016 Burgo Viejo Graciano-Garnacha Selección Especial

There is a new red blend, the 2016 Graciano-Garnacha Selección Especial, produced with equal parts of both grapes. They consider 2016 the best vintage in Rioja Baja since 2010. It fermented with destemmed, uncrushed grapes and aged in second use American oak barrels for 12 months. It's perfumed and showy, peachy and oral, quite oaky too, young and with some lactic, smoky and spicy notes that should integrate with a little more time in bottle. The palate is elegant, balanced and fresh, really pleasant and attractive, with ne tannins and very good acidity. Truly outstanding. Unfortunately, only 524 bottles were produced. It was bottled in September 2017.

2016 Burgo Viejo Palacio del Burgo Reserva

The very balsamic 2016 Palacio del Burgo Reserva has notes of incense and cigar ash, autumn forest floor and spicy fruit, quite classical Rioja. The palate is medium-bodied and shows mostly resolved tannins and a soft texture, finishing dry and clean with some notes of licorice. Very pleasant. 36,000 bootles produced. It was bottled in August 2018.

2018 Burgo Viejo Crianza

I find balance, seriousness and some restraint in the 2018 Crianza. It has moderate alcohol and contained ripeness, integrated oak and a polished palate with fruit and spice flavors that make it quite recognizable as Rioja. It has some tannins that would welcome food and/or a little bit more time in bottle. It's 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano matured in American oak barrels for one year. 240,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2020.

2016 Licenciado Reserva

Limpid ruby. Spice-laced cherry, black raspberry, vanilla and tobacco aromas show very good clarity and pick up a hint of smokiness as the wine stretches out. Sweet and expansive on the palate, oering intense dark berry, oral pastille, cola and vanilla avors sharpened by a subtle peppery nuance. Shows impressive energy and minerally thrust on the persistent nish, which is given shape by smooth, harmonious tannins.