Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal is a wine broadly recognised by fans of Tempranillo the world over. It is a “go to wine” see it on a wine list and you know that you are safe, this is going to be a nice bottle of wine, impress your friends or a date. Its been that way for quite some time too, the winery itself dates back to 1858 and to provide some perspective on its consistency the last three years releases (2017 / 2018 / 2019) all rated 92/93 points by acclaimed wine writer James Suckling.
While we have written about the winery before in our guide to Rioja, I recently enjoyed a couple of bottles of the 2017 over new year in Japan so I wanted to add a review here.
It is a bottle instantly recognisable for its wrapping in gold wire mesh and it is widely distributed so you are likely to be able to find it all over the world (as I did at Tengu Sushi in Nozawa Onsen in Japan).
A Rioja blend of predominantly Tempranillo and Graciano (<10%), it is aged for 22 months in American oak and then a year in bottle before release. Those Tempranillo grapes were planted in the 1960s and ’70s and are grown in the limestone and clay soil that makes Rioja Alavesa famous.
SIGHT
A rich dark wine swirling in the glass it feels immediately true to its character.
24/25
NOSE
The nose is captivated by a complex aroma of spices, fruits and a richness of tobacco
24/25
PALATE
Cherries, liquorice, cinnamon, black pepper, and tobacco. Its rich and layered.
23/25
FINISH
The fruit follows to the palate though the length is perhaps a little short. Well balanced.
23/25
Grape | Tempranillo, Graciano
Oak | 22 months American Oak
Seal | Cork
pH | 3.52
Alcohol | 14.3 % ABV
volume | –
Drink By | 2030
Tasting Date | Dec 2023
Price | ´´$34 AUD