Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva 22 Barricas 2010

Critical Acclaim: 93 pts International Wine Challenge; 91 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 90 pts James Suckling.

About the Winery: Established in 1870, Bodegas Montecillo is one of the oldest wineries in the D.O. Rioja. The name, Montecillo—or little mountain—speaks to the irregular topography of the Rioja vineyards. Surrounded by vines and close to the waters of the majestic Ebro river, the city of Fuenmayor is set amongst flat-topped hills, and in the distance, the distinctive rocky mass of the Cantabrian Mountains. Montecillo's ancient underground 'bodega' houses hand stacked bottles that remain undisturbed until reaching optimal roundness, including vintages that date back to 1926, the year that the Rioja Designation of Origin was created. The wines are crafted to enjoy a long bottle life; they continue bottle aging longer than those from other wineries in the region. Montecillo is also renowned for its female winemakers; led by oenologist Mercedes Garcia. 

Tasting Notes:  Smoke and spice over a core of ripe berries and some resinous notes. On the palate it is medium bodied with power and balance.

 Varietal: 50% Tempranillo, 30% Graciano, 15% Garnacha and 5% Mazuelo.