93pt Rioja Reserva: 2015 Marques De Teran Reserva Rioja

When I started my wine journey, most of the wines that I started indulging in were from Rioja, I was obsessed (and still am) with the quality and wide range of wines that this region has to offer. You can find amazing wines in Rioja without breaking the bank. Wine Spectator described Rioja as a region that "offers a wide range of complex wines and great values."

Today's wine matches the quality of a premium Rioja Reserva but at a thrifty and nominal price. The 2015 Marques De Teran Reserva from Rioja is available for 40% off, exclusively at BHW. 

What makes this 2015 Rioja such a steal?

First, is the birthplace: This wine comes from Ollauri in the Rioja Alta, and it is crafted by–a winery with more than 130+ years of winemaking experience–Marques de Teran. The winery is a sustainable winemaking innovator in Spain and European. This was the first winery in Europe to use geothermal energy as an energy source (allowing for more conscious and sustainable viticulture.) As if that achievement wasn’t enough, this estate was named one of the 7 wonders of wine architecture by Guía Peñin, Spain's most famous and comprehensive wine guide.

Second, the vintage: 2015 was an outstanding year for Rioja Alta. Vinous Media and Wine Advocate each crowned it with a 94-point review, one of the highest marks of the last century from two major publications! Vinous stated that the year resulted in “rich, emphatically fruity wines, many of which will provide pleasure on the young side, while the best versions have the depth to age.” While Wine Advocate said, "2015 was one of those perfect vintages that had no major issues and delivered a healthy, ripe crop."

Last and most importantly: The wine and its thrifty price tag. This Rioja is exquisite! It will fill your nose with aromas of ripe cherries complimented with subtle notes of tobacco, and sweet spices. The intense and structured palate is glorious, with elegant and ripe tannins, crescendoed by a long finish. You'll soon realize why Tim Atkin gave it 93-points and wonder how you bought it at such a steal.

Want to know the best part? It's seven years old and ready to drink TODAY. Marques de Teran is devoted to capturing the entire essence of the fruit, so this wine was bottled unfiltered. Like all amazing artisanal-crafted wines, you can expect some sediment and an adventure of flavor for under $25 a bottle! 

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