2015 Torre de Ona Martelo Reserva (750ml)

Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain

B-21 Top Recommendation
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A vineyard-driven Rioja crafted by the team of La Rioja Alta, the elegant 94 pt. 2015 Torre de Ona Martelo Reserva layers fragrant juicy fruit with lush, chalky tannins on a long, silky finish, expressing its distinctive Rioja Alavesa terroir in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria and delivering outstanding value.

Seeking to produce a more modern Rioja in contrast with its traditionally styled reds, La Rioja Alta purchased Torre de Ona in 1995 to craft a terroir-driven Rioja from estate grown fruit, its stately manor house in Paganos-La Guardia surrounded by vines reminiscent of a Bordeaux chateau. Spread across 50 hectares surrounding the manor, the Tempranillo vines in the south facing Torre de Ona vineyard are planted in shallow clay and limestone-rich soils at over 575 meters above sea level and protected from the humid north winds by the imposing mountains, the milder temperatures allowing for complete ripening of the grapes. Divided into 50 individual parcels by soil type, the hand harvested grapes undergo strict selection to determine if the quality is suitable to produce the Reserva and each parcel is then vinified separately in stainless steel tanks. Blending in a small amount of other varietals, La Rioja Alta winemaker Julio Saez aged the enticing 2015 Torre de Ona Martelo Reserva in a mix of new American oak and used French oak barrels and racked the wine in a traditional method by candlelight to remove sediment, yielding pure, elegant red fruit with soft silky tannins on a long spicy finish.

Produced in a manner described by James Suckling as “a mix of Riojan craftsmanship and Burgundy style,” the beautifully balanced 94 pt. 2015 Torre de Ona Reserva expertly combines exceptional Tempranillo reflecting its vineyard origins with extended oak aging, a delicious Rioja narrowing the gap between the classic and modern styles that’s ready for Rioja fans to enjoy often at a terrific price.

94WA

93V

92WS

92JS

I found a very complete 2015 Finca Martelo that followed the style and the quality path of the previous vintages. The release of this wine was an important milestone for Torre de Oña, where they look for the typicity of Rioja Alavesa through a blend of old-vine Tempranillo with 6% other varieties (Mazuelo, Garnacha and even white Viura). 2015 was a healthy harvest, and the wine shows a nice combination of power and elegance. It's clean and modern but with a traditional twist, some developed aromas and very fine chalky tannins from the limestone-rich soils. 80,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2019.

94 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Issue # 251 - Oct 2020)

Glistening violet. Potent, mineral- and smoke-accented dark berry, cherry cola and floral scents show excellent clarity and spicy lift. Lively and seamless in texture, offering sweet black raspberry, cherry preserve and boysenberry flavors and hints of spicecake and candied rose. Closes on an appealingly sweet note, with sneaky, slow-mounting tannins and strong, smoky persistence.

93 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous (Apr 2021)

Supple, polished and harmonious, this red shows cherry, tea, vanilla, leafy and spicy notes, with modest and balanced tannins and acidity. A bit reserved, but has focus and length. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Viura. Drink now through 2027. 550 cases imported.

92 points, Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator (Dec 2020)

A rich, fruity red with lots of ripe fruit that verges on being jammy. A little old-school, but fruity and delicious. Full body. Firm tannins give it form. Drink after 2021.

92 points, James Suckling (Nov 2020)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$29.98

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