A lovely gran reserva that has lots of fruit, peppery spices, vanilla and touches of balsamic and tobacco. Excellent acidity, with a medium body and firm, dusty tannins. Very long and bright, with some sweet spices that aren't overpowering. (ZS)

93+ points. The more classical of the producer's bottlings in this tasting is the 2016 Gran Reserva, one of the few years when they got quantity and quality: the grapes ripened thoroughly and the wines reveal great balance. This is very clean and still young, only starting to develop more complex tertiary aromas of forest floor and truffles, still pretty fruit driven, with very fine and elegant tannins. The Tempranillo was complemented with 2% Graciano, and they try to select the grapes from north-facing vineyards, which have more freshness and aging potential. (LG)

The 2016 Gran Reserva Sierra Cantabria is Tempranillo with 2% Graciano. This aged for 26 months in American oak, 25% of it new. The 2016 is bold and expressive with black fruit, menthol, spice and aging notes. This is delicate, juicy and polished, with layers that reflect the richness of the year with great finesse. (JH)