Rioja Introductions
This selection from Rioja spans a number of vintages, including the excellent 2021. The whites are based on the Viura grape; the reds are based on Tempranillo, often with Graciano, and in the Valdemar Inspiración, Graciano and Maturana Tinta.
BODEGAS BHILAR Rioja White 2022 (92, $21) Silky, fragrant; raw almond, mandarin orange peel, dried white cherry, honeysuckle, mint
BODEGA SIERRA DE TOLOÑO Rioja Raposo 2021 (91, $28) Wild raspberry, pomegranate purée, pink peppercorn, crushed thyme, rosemary, mineral; plush, expressive
BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS Artuke Rioja Pies Rotos 2022 (91, $23) Enticing, tense; black raspberry, warm fig, violet, mountain herbs, stony mineral
BODEGA SIERRA DE TOLOÑO Rioja White 2023 (90, $21) Yellow peach, passion fruit, smoked almond, honeysuckle, ground ginger, wild rosemary; vivid, aromatic
BODEGAS BERONIA Rioja Reserva 2020 (90, $25) Cassis, baked cherry…
