The 2020 Seleccion Especial is the producer’s most popular wine made from a majority of their plots and blends 68% Tempranillo, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, and some Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Graciano. The first year that last variety was included, the Graciano adds acidity to balance the other varieties that lose acidity quickly in heat events, like Tempranillo. It spent 13 months in 80% French oak, 20% American oak, one-third new, one-third second use, one-third third use. The acidity is indeed balanced and helpful in lifting the red berry fruit inherent in the medium-bodied wine, which shows subtle herbal, earthiness from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Complex, fine tannins give way to a finishing touch of leather and cigar box. Age 15-20 years.
94 points, Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck (Jul 2025)
2020 was a cooler year with more rain, following the path of years like 2016 and 2018. The 2020 Selección Especial, produced with 70% Tempranillo, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, 4% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, is harmonious and moderately ripe at 14% alcohol, with nice balancing freshness. It matured for 12 months in French and American oak (35%) barrels, one-third of them new. They harvested it before it rained, and the wine has more herbal aromas and feels a little more Bordelais, balsamic, even minty. The oak is neatly integrated and folded into the fruit. 474,626 bottles produced. There are multiple lots of this wine.
93 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Jan 2023)
The 2020 Selección Especial from Abadía Retuerta is a blend of 69% Tempranillo, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, 4% Merlot, 2% Graciano and 1% Petit Verdot. It was aged for 12 months in French and American oak of varying ages. Dark garnet in color, it offers aromas of cherry, black cherry and mature red fruit over fine oak, cedar and a hint of vanilla. Subtle forest floor appears on the finish. The palate is intense and creamy, with plush texture, juicy flow and gentle grip. A bold New World-style wine in the Spanish context.
93 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Jun 2025)
Grilled herbs, hedgerow undergrowth and dark cherries on the nose follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with lots of dusty tannins. Juicy and flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
93 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Jun 2023)
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