Sierra Cantabria Rioja Reserva Única 2016

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: “The 2016 Reserva Unica comes from a single vineyard located in the alluvial soils beside the Ebro river. Made from 97% Tempranillo and 3% Graciano that was all destemmed and aged 24 months in 30% new French and America oak, this deep, concentrated 2016 packs some serious muscle in its blackcurrants, black cherry, licorice, toasted spice, and dried earth-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, with a dense, concentrated mid-palate and ripe tannins, give bottles a few years in a cold cellar and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. Drink: 2022-2037. (10/21/20)”

93 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): “[$32 list] Saturated ruby. Vibrant, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of fresh red and dark fruits and spicecake are complemented by a suave floral topnote. Juicy and pliant in the mouth, offering appealingly sweet raspberry, cherry cola, spicecake and rose pastille flavors that deepen through the back half. In a lively style, showing fine clarity and rounded tannins framing a very long, focused finish. Drink: 2022-2031. (Apr 2021)”