Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza 2016 (750ML)

91 Points, Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2016 Crianza is pure Tempranillo from a year they consider spectacular because of the health and ripeness that the grapes achieved very slowly. The destemmed grapes fermented in stainless steel, and the wine matured in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. It is still quite toasty and has a classical profile despite the new-ish oak, a little creamy, with that soft, voluptuous mouthfeel but with the fresh profile of the 2016 vintage, with red rather than black fruit. It's a year of good yields, and the fruit and the wines have very good balance and freshness, less concentrated and more drinkable. It's a year of balance and freshness, with good yields and healthy grapes. It has to be one of the finest vintages for this wine. 150,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019." 06/19

92 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Lots of fresh and linear fruit in this crianza with crushed berries and licorice. Medium to full body. Lightly chewy yet polished tannins. Flavorful finish. Drink now." 07/19

91 Points, Panel Tasting, Decanter: "Impressive dark fruit intermingled with tarry leathery oak and balsamic hints; compact, muscular and full of youthful promise." 11/19