"[...] Even though the year could have been cooler, 2016 seems more mature than 2017, which is a constant here, and in this case, it's thanks to the Graciano from Rioja Baja. There are more Mediterranean notes of aromatic herbs in this vintage, and the wine is quite rich and full-bodied but with freshness, life, and length. There is also less oak than in previous vintages." (Wine Advocate 2019 - Luis Gutiérrez) A modern and flavorful wine.
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Eye
Purplish, dark color
Nose
Very ripe black fruits accompanied by hints of vanilla, coffee, spices, and pepper.
Mouth
Cherry and blackcurrant on the palate, spicy notes, very long and persistent finish. A very modern and appealing wine.
Serve
At 16°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2030
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with game, roast beef, lamb in sauce, or hard cheeses such as Idiazabal or Manchego.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rating (2019 guide) 93/100 (Outstanding wine)
Rated Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About wine:
The 2016 Exopto Eponymous Red benefited from a cooler year and was a blend of 60% Graciano, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Garnacha—a rather unusual blend in Rioja — which had fermented in 225-liter barrels using a method known as integral vinification. He lowered the percentage of new oak to 30%, and 75% of the wine was aged in 500-liter barrels to reduce the impact of the oak on the wine. I was quite surprised when Tom Puyabert mentioned 2011 as the year he felt had the most similarities to 2016, as he told me that in Ábalos, 2011 was not as hot. Even though the year could have been cooler, this 2016 seems riper than the 2017s, which is a constant here, and in this case, it's because of the Graciano from Rioja Baja. There are more Mediterranean notes of aromatic herbs, and the wine is quite rich and full-bodied but with freshness, life, and length. There is also less oak than in previous vintages.
James Suckling
Rated Recommended
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