This is a modern wine from a very historic producer. Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta have been making wine since the late 1800s and three generations of the Lacuesta family have made the wine during this period. They are based in Haro in the Rioja Alta, the originator, Felix Martinez Lacuesta also represented producers in the set up of the Regulatory Body of the Rioja DO. They were a pioneering force in exporting Rioja wines, in the early 1900s, paving the way for others.
Their vines are planted at about 400-500m altitude, and they have four main varieties Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. They have about 25 hectares spread between six vineyards. The vines are nourished in the winter from snow melt, the summers are generally warm. The winery is very impressive. It combines tradition with technology, they use stainless steel, and somehow have room for 8000 large oak barrels! A lot of the winery work is still done by hand, relying on the winemakers experience.
Awarded a Decanter Gold Medal with a remarkable 96 points.
The 2012 vintage in Rioja was rated ‘Very Good’ by the Rioja control board, and Martinez Lacuesta was thrilled by the exceptional grape quality, despite early-year droughts. The Hinia Rioja Reserva is crafted from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo, sourced from the winery’s vineyards at 400-500 meters elevation in Haro. Fermented in American oak, the final blend was assembled in January 2013 and then aged for 36 months in American oak.
This wine reveals a stunning deep cherry-red hue in the glass. The nose is intense and aromatic, showcasing ripe dark fruits alongside elegant hints of balsamic, tobacco, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate. On the palate, a delightful freshness hints at impressive longevity, with soft tannins and a refined mouthfeel. While already a pleasure to drink, this exceptional Reserva Rioja will continue to evolve beautifully with age.