Vinedos de Paganos El Puntido Gran Reserva 2013 (750ML)

97 Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2013 El Puntido Gran Reserva started very shy and closed; it took time to open up to slowly unfurl the more tertiary notes, despite its youth. It reveals great complexity and nuance. It's a triumph over the adverse conditions of a challenging year like 2013, a year with a lot of rain and a cold summer with lots of cloudy days when people thought the grapes were not going to ripen. It has a classical nose with notes of cherries in liqueur, cigar ash, decayed leaves and truffles with the spiciness from the 28 months in new French oak barrels and a lactic touch. The palate is polished, sleek and elegant. In 2018, they changed the fermentation vessels from stainless steel to concrete, but we'll have to wait a few years to see that... 5,000 bottles produced. It has been in bottle since March 2016. It should be long lived and make old bones." 02/25

95 Points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous: "The 2013 Gran Reserva El Puntido comes from a 1976 vineyard in Páganos, Laguardia. Elegantly evolved, it offers dried cherry, integrated aging notes, soft spices and a trace of menthol floating over delicate tertiary aromas. On the palate, fine-grained and active tannins create a framework for the fruit and juiciness to spread over, with firm grip and sustained freshness. This speaks clearly of its home, combining purity, structure and identity. Long-lasting and supple, it sets a compelling benchmark for Rioja’s aging potential. (Drink between 2025-2050)" 05/25