Vina Leizaola ‘El Sacramento’ Rioja DOCa, Spain 2018

Details

Tim Atkin’s review of the 2018 Vias Leizaola El Sacramento rated it at 97 points, praising its elegance, complexity, and exceptional balance. This vintage stood out for its depth and refined structure, which are hallmarks of the vineyard’s careful attention to terroir and low-yield production methods. The wine, primarily made from Tempranillo, showcased rich fruit flavors complemented by well-integrated tannins and a long finish.

The fresher and lighter 2018 El Sacramento is slightly lower in alcohol (it’s a vintage that shows 14%, rather than the 14.5% on the label). It’s a similar blend of Tempranillo with 8% Graciano still a bit marked by the toast from the barrels where it matured for 17 months, 40% of the barrels being new (down from 50%) and the other half second-use. It’s a modern and well-oaked Rioja with ingredients to develop nicely in bottle. 10,589 bottles were filled in April 2020.

93 Pts Luis Gutierrez, Vinous

A fresh and nimble expression of Rioja, showing some olives, fresh redcurrants, red berries, black tea, lemon zest and integrated roasted spices. The medium-to-full-bodied palate has churned out lots of elegance and drinkability, thanks to nice fluidity with soft, silky tannins and juicy berries. Lovely now.93 Pts James Suckling