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With many wines ranked over 90 points, Bodegas La Emperatriz is one of Rioja's finest estates. This is their seductively long, complex 7-year-old Gran Reserva from a remarkably high single vineyard, just beginning to show at its best. Savour slowly.
With many wines ranked over 90 points, Bodegas La Emperatriz is one of Rioja's finest estates. This is their seductively long, complex 7-year-old Gran Reserva from a remarkably high single vineyard, just beginning to show at its best. Savour slowly.
Tasting notes
Silky red fruits, vanilla and oaky spice, coconut, well integrated
Aroma
Creamy red berry fruit, tobacco spice, vanilla and coconut
Allergy information
Contains sulphites
More information
Bodegas La Emperatriz first won prizes for its wines in 1878 when it belonged to Empress Eugénie of France. Today brothers Eduardo and Victor Hernáiz own the impressive estate, comprising 101 hectares lying at high altitudes in the Rioja Alta. They make superb wines – many have been awarded over 90 points by Wine Advocate. With extensive vineyards, they have the luxury of using only estate-grown grapes and make a range of top-ranking wines, but rarely a Gran Reserva purely from this single, north-facing vineyard lying at 630 metres. The result is very slow-ripening grapes and a wine with superb structure, depth and impressive complexity. Only now is it opening out, revealing all its layers of flavour. Open early and enjoy with lamb.