Bodegas Sierra Cantabria - Rioja Gran Reserva 2011
Price: $45.75
| Producer | Bodegas Sierra Cantabria |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Subregion | San Vicente de la Sonsierra |
| Varietal | Tempranillo |
| Vintage | 2011 |
| Sku | 04826 |
Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Description
Bodegas Sierra Cantabria was founded by Guillermo Eguren, a self-made bodeguero, who was, in the family tradition, a viticulturist. His family, native to San Vicente de La Sonsierra, one of the most sought-after terroirs in Rioja, had grown grapes in Rioja Alta and Alavesa since the 1870’s. For decades the family sold their grapes to local producers, but Guillermo recognized the potential that his family's vineyards had to create great wine and founded Bodegas Sierra Cantabria in 1957. Today, the fourth generation of the Eguren family directs all aspects of the winemaking process, with Marcos Eguren as the winemaker and director of operations and his brother Miguel Angel Eguren as the general manager. The family still prides themselves as viticulturists first, and as a result, all the grapes are estate grown. As viticulturists in Rioja Alavesa, they grow a vast majority of Tempranillo, with only a small percentage of Garnacha and Graciano, as they recognize that Garnacha and Graciano do not ripen reliably in northern Rioja.
Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points
The 2011 Gran Reserva is 98% Tempranillo and 2% Graciano, aged 26 months in American and French oak barrels. It has a classic nose of ripe black fruits, chocolaty oak, roasted herbs, and cedar wood. Rich, powerful, and concentrated on the palate, it has ripe yet building tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a great finish. This classic, old school, complex Rioja will drink brilliantly over the coming 10-15 years.
Wine Spectator: 93 Points
An enticing red, with delicate aromas of anise, graphite and violet pulling you into the glass, where a creamy range of black cherry and plum reduction, mocha, red licorice and loamy earth is well-meshed with sinewy tannins. Long and fresh, with a lingering, spiced finish.
