Maroon color with nuances of cherry. Very elegant and intense on nose with spicy notes, aromas of cocoa, vanilla and fine wood in which you'll find a nice touch of ripe fruit in the aftertaste. A very wide wine in the mouth with great structure and potential. It has noble and structured tannins. it is a complex, great wine, long in the mouth. It will evolve very positively in the bottle, having a long life ahead.
2016 Vintage Ratings
95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle
95 Points - James Suckling
Attractive nose of dark cherries, dill, thyme, coconut and chocolate. Some salted caramel, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. So balanced and fresh with a long, refined finish. 95% tempranillo and 5% graciano. Better from 2024.
2015 Vintage Ratings
96 Points - James Suckling
Fantastic aromas of cappuccino and orange with dark berries. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are layered and wonderfully polished. The wine has wonderful depth and complexity, as well as super structure. Great Viña Real. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years. Will age beautifully.
92 Points - Wine Spectator
Tobacco-laced flavors of cherry and currant are cast with anise, dried orange peel and herb notes that are supported by integrated tannins. Details of clove and mineral combine on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2032.
