Rioja La Quinta Cruz

Miguel Merino
Spain
Rioja
2022

100% Mazuelo (Carignan) from the La Quinta Cruz vineyard, planted in 1986 on a southeastern slope near the Ebro River. The vineyard's diverse soils range from sandy/clay to stony. Grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel, then aged for one year in a combination of large oak barrels and concrete. 3,499 bottles produced.

96 points
"More structured than some recent vintages of Migeuel Merino's outstanding red - more Mazuelo-like perhaps – this outstanding red hails from a 1.4-hectare parcel that was planted in 1986. Plum, bramble and damson flavours are supported by muscular tannins, negligible oak and impressive underlying focus and concentration. 2026-34"
Tim Atkin,
Tim Atkin
Special Rioja Report 2025
94 points
"Cariñena/Mazuelo is a Mediterranean grape that likes heat—it needs it! And there was plenty of heat in 2022. The 2022 La Quinta Cruz Mazuelo shows the rustic/elegant character of the grape, combining notions of tree bark with floral aromas, an earthy touch and a medium-bodied palate with fine tannins and great freshness. And the parameters look good: 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 5.3 grams of acidity. It matured for 12 months in used 500-liter barrels and concrete. 3,499 bottles were filled in April 2024."
Luis Gutiérrez,
Wine Advocate

SKU/Code: 
DB4841-22
Product Line: 
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
Carignan