2014 Viña Real Gran Reserva Rioja (1.5L)

SKU #1544911 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The iconic Rioja Alavesa red 2014 Viña Real Gran Reserva was produced with grapes from their own vineyards in the villages of Laguardia and Labastida, mostly Tempranillo with 5% Graciano fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in new and second use barriques for 24 months. As with the Imperial Gran Reserva, I found great balance and elegance here, transcending the character of the year. It's a little shy and takes time to show aromas of fine spices, decayed leaves, wild berries and flowers. It's full and round, faithful to its style, juicy and rich even in more austere years. It's tasty and dry and has the balance to develop nicely in bottle. Another one for the table. (LG) (10/2020)

93 points James Suckling

A tight and taut red. Firm, very resolved and polished. Medium body. Juicy and beautiful. Long and very pretty. Coats your mouth with ripe tannins. (7/2019)

93 points Vinous

Highly perfumed cherry preserve, smoked meat, coconut and floral pastille scents, along with a succulent herb nuance that gains strength as the wine opens up. Juicy and seamless on the palate, offering juicy cherry-vanilla, candied rose, cola and mocha flavors that are energized by a late jolt of spiciness. Shows outstanding clarity and sweet, penetrating red fruit character on the gently tannic, impressively long, smoke-tinged finish, which leaves a suave floral note behind. (JR) (2/2019)

92 points Wine Enthusiast

Gritty olive and rubbery black-fruit aromas give this gran reserva an earthy, reduced opening. That's contrasted by sharp acidity, which brightens plum and savory berry flavors. Plum and chocolate notes come with coffee-like blackness on a finish where lively acidity reappears. (MS) (3/2021)

91 points Decanter

Attractive coffee and caramel aromas lead to a fruity, plummy palate of raspberry and spice on the finish. Youthful wine with plenty of character, but will soften and develop. (panel tasting) (2/2021)

91 points Wine Spectator

Sleek and supple, this red offers cherry and red plum flavors, backed by licorice, graphite and smoky notes. Well-integrated tannins lend support, while orange peel acidity keeps this lively. Harmonious, in the traditional style. (TM) (9/2020)

K&L Notes

95 Points Tim Atkin MW “Laguardia, Elciego, Leza, Navaridas and Baños de Ebro all supply grapes for this wonderful Gran Reserva, which ranks as one of the best I've tasted from Viña Real. Fresh, balanced, finely oaked and lightly balsamic, it's a wine with focus, salinity and fine tannins that finishes with remarkable palate length.”