2016 Felipe Ugalde ‘Ugalde’ Reserva Rioja

DEC97 An ethereal and classic style with tertiary semi-dried plum, strawberry, cedar, mocha and coffee oak aromas and flavours, silky tannins and well-integrated zesty acidity. A magnificent wine that needs spicy lamb chops.” 11/21
Estate Notes: Clean and bright cherry red. On the nose, intense fruit is accompanied by toasted aromas and toffee and vanilla. On the palate, full and velvety and well balanced. Blend: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo.

Decanter World Wine Award 2021 Platinum Winner

Bodegas Ugalde is a pioneer winery and a reference point for quality Rioja wines around the world.
Founder Felipe Ugalde arrived in Haro, also known as “the golden mile” of Rioja wine, in 1882 and established this family winery. Little did he know that this Bodega would grow out to be one of the most important wineries in the entire country. Since its inception, Bodegas Ugalde’s main goal remains: “To produce superior quality wines that convey the values ​​of the Rioja terroir.”
Felipe was not only a pioneer in producing high-quality wines in Rioja, but he was also the person who founded the first export alliance in the region and the first producer to promote sales to international markets.

Bodegas Ugalde is composed of more than 170 acres of vineyards. The vines for this wine from the Sierra de Cantabria ae located in a blessed terroir with clay, calcareous and alluvial soils. The vines have an average age of 50+ years old. The winery is managed under a “Château” concept and is very influenced by Bordeaux winemaking techniques.

2016 Bodegas Ugalde Rioja Reserva was recognized as one of the “Top 10 best Riojas of 2020”by The Drink Business, the world’s leading drinks trade magazine.

2016 was a great year in Rioja. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate blessed this vintage with a 95-point review, and Vinous Media stated that the year produced “wines of distinct freshness, with plenty of upfront appeal but the concentration to reward patience.”
Tasting Notes: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. Deep plum red with a high layer and intense reflections. Ripe black fruit, balsamic notes, light toasted notes. Round tannic structure in the mouth, complexity, and maturity. Balanced, tasty, and enveloping. Slight spicy nuances. Long, well-structured, expressive, and persistent palate.