RP 91+ pts.
The red 2020 El Jardín de la Emperatriz Tinto was cropped from a year they consider spectacular on their property, when they got small grapes with depth of aromas and flavors. It has a subtle and serious nose, with berries, herbs and spices in nice harmony. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a dry finish. Modern and clean with integrated oak.
Hermanos Hernáiz Jardin de la Emperatriz Tinto 2020
RP 94 pts.
The balsamic white 2019 Finca la Emperatriz Blanco is pure Viura from vines that are in the process to obtain organic certification (should get it for 2023) and located at 570 meters in altitude on sand and gravel soils. It fermented equal parts in concrete and oak and then matured in new and used barriques for eight months, followed by another nine months in concrete. It has notes of fennel and aniseed, spice and herbs and is clean, nuanced and complex. It's fresh and balanced, powerful and tasty.
Hermanos Hernáiz Finca la Emperatriz Blanco 2019
RP 94 pts.
It's a classical modern Rioja that is ripe and generously oaked, powerful but balanced, with elegance and concentration, reflecting a very complete year in the zone. Give it some more time to integrate the oak and polish the tannins a bit. 31,870 bottles and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in June 2021.
Hermanos Hernáiz Finca la Emperatriz Tinto 2019
RP 90 pts.
The young and fruit-driven 2022 El Pedal was produced with Tempranillo from different villages, including younger vines from LaEmperatriz. It fermented in stainless steel, and 50% of the winematured in 500-liter barrels and the rest in concrete for six months. Ithas a contained 13.7% alcohol and mellow acidity, reflecting a Mediterranean year. It's grapey and juicy, ripe and round, with a medium-bodied palate, some tannins, approachable and easy to drink. 75,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2023.
Hermanos Hernáiz El Pedal 2022
95 pts.
Beautiful, oh-so-English aromas of raw honey, pear, lemon rind, ground ginger, nougat and fresh cream form the nose of this stellar sparkling from a coastal vineyard in East Sussex. Mouthwatering citrusy acidity first hits the tongue, followed by a chalky texture, a tickle of toast and a long lemony finish amid a fine bead of bubbles. — Christina Pickard
Henners Blanc de Blancs
90 pts.
Aromas of blackberry and raspberries form a fresh and aromatic bouquet. The same berry notes fill the juicy palate. This wine has a firm structure shaped by soft tannins and good acidity. Hints of licorice and jarilla mingle in the aftertaste. — Jesica Vargas
Durigutti Reserva Cabernet Franc 2020
92 pts.
This is showing aromas of licorice, bramble berries, chopped herbs and citrus peel. There’s a rocky and earthy minerality, too, with some mushroom and charred bark undertones. It’s savory and firm, with a medium body and well-structured tannins. Sustainable. Drink or hold.
Wildeberg Terroirs Cinsault Wellington 2022