Marques de Riscal - 2012 - Frank Gehry Selection - 750 ml.

The luxury cuvée 2012 Frank Gehry Selection was produced in this vintage, because they found the character they were looking for in a very concentrated vintage; it produced a dense and structured wine. It's pure Tempranillo from 13 vineyards in the village of Elciego. The destemmed and selected grapes fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts after a 24-hour cold soak with malolactic in French oak barriques, and an élevage of two years in these new oak barrels. Paco Hurtado de Amézaga likes the character of 2012 because it was very concentrated. There are notes of black fruit and licorice with a touch of leather and ink, a character that I've seen in other wines from 2012 here, especially the Finca Torrea. The palate is velvety, with soft tannins and moderate acidity, making it approachable and easy to drink. It's polished and smooth. It's also powerful and concentrated, but at the same time it's not aggressive. On the contrary, it feels elegant. It does have enough stuffing and balance to evolve in bottle. I just hope the leathery note does not grow. This wine had only been produced once before in the 2001 harvest. Only 3,400 bottles produced.

James Suckling: 97

Amazing nose with roses, iodine and new leather bag. So perfumed. Full body, super tannin form and fresh acidity give this wine fantastic texture and length. Clear and polished. Available in the market in 2017. This was made from 13 different vineyards east of Lanciego. 100% tempranillo. In homage to the great American architect Frank Gehry.

Wine Spectator: 94

This powerful red delivers inky, sanguine and licorice notes that frame a rich core of blackberry, kirsch, espresso and tar. The muscular tannins are well-integrated, and balsamic acidity keeps this fresh. Concentrated yet balanced. Best from 2018 through 2028. 3,100 cases made. — TM