La Emperatriz Garnacha Cepas Viejas 2014

95 points James Suckling: "An intensely herbal and floral nose displaying raspberries, cherries and hints of cloves. Mint, too. Medium body, ripe and juicy tannins and a very long, citrusy and savory finish. Made from vines over 65 years old. A wine that boasts superb finesse and style. Drink or hold. (12/1/16)"

93 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$52 list] The wine that won my heart this time was without a doubt the 2014 Finca la Emperatriz Garnacha Cepas Viejas. This wine is sourced from the Rioja Alta subzone, not quite the classical Garnacha place, from the only old-vine Garnacha plot they have in the estate. It displays a captivating nose of sweet Garnacha fruit akin to cherries in liqueur, but keeping the freshness in a coolish vintage like 2014. The uncrushed grapes fermented in open-top stainless steel vats and 500-liter oak barrels with indigenous yeasts after five days of pre-fermentative maceration, and it matured in 500-liter oak barrels for ten months. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, delicious fresh flavors and very good length, ending with a tasty, almost salty note. 8,966 bottles and a bunch of magnums were produced and filled in November 2014. Drink: 2016-2022. (Aug 2016)"

Producer notes: "100% Garnacha. Color of strawberry jam of medium desnity with a hint of violet at the edges. It is a remarkably perfumed wine, with a subtle complexity: raspberry, violets, white pepper, inconfusably varietal yet difficult to place. On the palate it is fresh and of only medium weight yet nevertheless with great length and flavour. A wine which is longer than it is broad with a persistant aftertaste. Barrel aged in new and second-year French oak for 11 months. Alcohol 14.2%."