Cuentavinas CDVIN Garnacha Rioja 2021 (750ml) *
Product price
$79.99
Description
Garnacha rarely takes the lead in Rioja, where Tempranillo usually sets the terms, which makes this bottling from Cuentavinas worth pausing over. The fruit comes from old vines in the Alto Najerilla corner of Rioja Alta, some planted in the early twentieth century, and the 2021 was raised for fourteen months in 500-liter French puncheons. At 14.5% alcohol it is ripe but never heavy, a red built for freshness rather than weight.
The nose opens on red and black cherry with a floral edge, violets and dried flowers, and a savory lift of cedar, pepper, and struck match that speaks to careful, restrained handling in the cellar. It is the lightest and most floral wine in its range, and on the palate it stays lean and vibrant, with a fine thread of acidity running through the middle and polished, fine-grained tannins carrying a faintly chalky texture to a compact, elegant finish. Lovely now, with the balance to develop over the coming decade.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Rioja Red Blend |
| Producer | Cuentavinas CDVIN |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
All Garnacha that was raised in 500-liter French puncheons, the 2021 Garnacha CDVIN has a ripe, up-front bouquet of red and black cherries, spring flowers, cedary oak, violets, and pepper. This carries to a pure, medium to full-bodied, balanced, and elegant red that has fine, polished tannins and a great finish. I love it today, yet it should evolve nicely over the coming decade or so. (Jeb Dunnuck, July 2024)
The 2021 Garnacha CDVIN is lighter and more floral than the rest of the range, with neatly integrated oak and a vibrant palate with a fine thread of acidity going through its core. It's ripe at 14.5% alcohol, but you don't feel it, and the wine comes through as balanced and fresh. It matured in 500-liter barrels for 14 months. 7,987 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2023. (Wine Advocate, February 2024)
Sourced from old vines planted in the early 20th century, the 2021 Garnacha CDVIN originates from the Alto Najerilla area in Rioja Alta. Aged for 14 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents a reductive nose with notes of struck match, dried flowers and sour cherries, complemented by a core of marzipan and herbs. On the palate, it is dry, lean and vibrant, with fine-grained tannins and a chalky texture leading to a compact and pleasant finish. This wild Garnacha was carefully sculpted in the cellar to temper the naturally wild character of Alto Najerilla. This is certainly a wine to keep an eye on. (Vinous)