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Tuesday, September 8, 2015

90 Point Rioja Crianza - Ostatu




2012 Ostatu Crianza Rioja...$18.99
Opening the classical line in reds, the 2012 Crianza is mostly Tempranillo with 10% made up of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha fermented in stainless steel and with the mandatory 12 months in used oak barrels. It starts with cheesy, reductive notes, no doubt from some lactic aromas which are intermixed with exuberant, ripe fruit, plums and cherries and well-integrated oak; it brought me memories of the carbonic maceration reds from that part of Rioja. The palate reveals a wine that drinks well, with polished, slightly dusty tannins, which could do with a little more freshness. I'm tempted to say that this is the red that feels more true to its roots and category. 
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

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