The blend of the 2012 Rioja Reserva is significantly different from previous vintages, with more Graciano and Garnacha. The blend was approximately 77% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 8% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. After a very dry growing season, the harvest was saved by some rains at the end of September, which allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. The wine also had a slightly longer upbringing, 23 months in American oak barrels and at least nine of those months were in new oak barrels. However, it seems like the oak is better integrated than in the 2011, and the fruit is fresher. The palate has one extra point in depth, with very fine tannins and especially good freshness that gives it a sense of great harmony. There were 875,000 bottles produced in 2012 and bottled in seven lots.

Ripe fragrance, clear wood patina, some dried fig, dark berries and black cherries, flanked with balsamic and spicy notes. Fine-grained tannin, round and supple, but also with enough juiciness to meet the stylistic demands of a classic Reserva. Balanced, culinary wine. - Ulrich Sautter