Finca San Martín Crianza 2021

The Wine Advocate: The Finca San Martín 2021 is a Tempranillo varietal from the youngest vines. It was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 16 months in oak barrels—60% American and 40% second-use French—and racked three times during that time. It’s a typical modern red from Rioja Alavesa, with the depth and fullness of the vintage. It’s fleshy and fruit-focused, ripe without excess, with 14.5% alcohol, great freshness and balanced acidity, polished tannins, and a smooth palate. The wine has less wood influence and shows more of the vineyard and the region. Excellent value for money—and it’s the best vintage yet! Production of 250,000 bottles. It was bottled in May 2024.

James Suckling: Elegant notes of vanilla, spice, red and black plums, red cherries and a touch of smoke. Very fine and creamy tannins. A very long and pleasant Rioja crianza, already very attractive. Drink now or cellar.

Tim Atkin: Produced in what Julio Sáenz calls the “semi-Atlantic” 2021 harvest, this is a refreshing and well-structured blend of Tempranillo with 2% Mazuelo from four parcels on the Torre de Oña estate. Mineral, focused and balanced, it features flavors of blackberry, red cherry and pomegranate, with subtle American oak and 40% French oak. Best served between 2026 and 2032.