Parker über:
Rioja Alavesa Tabuerniga
-- Parker: 2017 was marked by the frost of April 27 and 28, but the 2017 Tabuerniga was miraculously untouched, as the narrow valley where the vineyard is located escaped the cold northern winds that caused havoc in many other places. But it was a warm and dry year, and the harvest was the earliest ever, delivering ripe wines. The grapes are from organically farmed vines at 540 to 630 meters altitude on terraces, with a field blend of mostly Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano. It fermented in 3,000-liter open-top oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in 1,500-liter oak foudres for 14 to 16 months. This is incredibly elegant, floral, expressive and aromatic. It has superb balance, refined tannins and gobsmacking balance. This clearly transcends the vintage, and it's nearly as good as the 2016, perhaps a little more structured. 2,004 bottles were filled in May 2019. 97+/100