2016 El Sacramento
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Tasting notes
92% Tempranillo and 8% Graciano from Rioja Alavesa. Hand-harvested, with grape-by-grape selection. Aged for 17 months in French oak. Tasted blind. The nose reveals nutmeg, clove, cassis and cranberry, with a marked oak influence that initially takes precedence over the fruit. On the palate, a fine thread of vivid red fruit emerges on the mid palate, engaging with the toasted barrel notes and the early tertiary hints of humus. This is a Rioja of contemporary expression, where primary fruit remains present while embracing the support of well-judged oak, and where tertiary nuances are only beginning to appear. It seems to have made a pact for eternal youth, and I truly appreciate being able to purchase these cellar-aged releases on the market. (FC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2016 El Sacramento is a well-oaked and ripe blend of Tempranillo with 8% Graciano from the El Sacramento vineyard in Laguardia, planted mostly in 1986 on limestone-rich soils. The destemmed grapes fermented in concrete, and the wine matured in 50% new and 50% second-use French barriques for 17 months. It's a powerful, concentrated, modern Rioja that will benefit from some more time in bottle. 17,984 bottles were filled in August 2018.
On the face of it this looks expensive. Rich and oaky and vanilla-sweet on the nose. And modern-oak-pinched on the end. Not a favourite wine… (JR)
An attractive array of red-berry and plum aromas lead to a succulent and juicy palate. Good depth and vibrant, textural kick at the finish. Drink or hold.