2015 Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva Rioja

Winemaker Notes: Dark color with a hint of brick-red on the edge. Superb complexity on the nose with balsamic notes and refined oak. Full in the mouth with a depth of mature plums, sweet spice, and roasted coffee beans. Still fresh and discreetly lively, promising excellent potential for aging. Delicious and full with superb length. This Gran Reserva refreshes with the character our DO’s traditional style.

Founded in 1970, with its first release in 1975, Marqués de Cáceres the Rioja bodega was established by Henri Forner, whose family has been active in the wine business for generations. The winery is named for a Spanish peer who was also an investor in the winery and a friend of Henri Forner.

The Forner family fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War and settled in France. In the early 1960s, Henri Forner and his brother Elysée bought and restored two abandoned châteaux, Château Camensac and Château Larose-Trintaudon. These châteaux are now recognized as two of the finest properties in Bordeaux. When Henri decided to establish a bodega in his homeland, he selected what he considered the finest viticultural area in Spain: Cenicero in Rioja Alta.

Emile Peynaud, former professor and chief wine researcher at the University of Bordeaux, was initial consultant to the winery. Today, Michel Rolland is wine consultant at Marqués de Cáceres and Henri and his daughter, Christine, are at the helm. The vinification methods at Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres are similar to those used in Bordeaux. Thus, French winemaking techniques and expertise have been applied to native Spanish grapes to produce one of the finest modern Riojas.

Blend: 85% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha Tinta, 7% Graciano

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "A fragrant and complex nose of cherries, plums, roasted spices, dried black mushrooms, refined soy sauce and cigar box. Such a lovely note of umami savoriness! It’s medium-bodied with a fine grip of fine tannins. Delicate, velvety texture, but tight, with a very savory, long and layered finish. Classic Rioja Gran Reserva."