Carlos Serres Reserva Rioja 2010
The Data
Country Spain
Appellation Rioja
Varietal Red Blend
Retail Price $15
ABV 13.5%
Score 4.5 Stars/94 points
In the Glass
Appearance
Bright garnet red.
Aromatics
The nose reveals a classic Rioja red in the best possible way offering scents of ripe and aged black fruits with accents of earth, brown baking spices, and oak.
Flavor
The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a rich and complex fruit core with flanking notes of earth, oak, and spice with hints of leather and cigar box.
Intensity & Texture
Medium-bodied with perfect balance and great length finishing with rounded tannins.
Cool Factor
The entire Carlos Serres portfolio is absolutely cool offering complex flavors and value.
Value Grade
When you can get a beautiful Rioja Reserva for the incredibly low price of $15 you have to jump in with both feet.
Analysis
This lovely Rioja Reserva is made with 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. The grapes are 100% estate grown, harvested from select parcels of their Finca El Estanque vineyard. The vines average 30 years in age. It is aged for 24 months in a combination of French and American oak. The resulting wine is both youthful and mature leaning more toward the classic Rioja style with a healthy dose of the new international style added for intrigue. 94 points out of 100.
How to Enjoy
The wine's complex and sometimes subtle flavors call for grilled meats or aged hard cheeses to best show their hidden flavors.