Up front I am going to admit that I am a sucker for Tempranillo. It is one of my absolute favorite varietals. That preference brings with it a double edged sword – if the wine is good, I am likely going to LOVE it. If the wine is bad (or even just mediocre)  – I am going to be HUGELY disappointed.

Luckily, Elvi has yet to disappoint with one of their Herenza Riojas – whether the bottom level Rioja reviewed here, the mid-level Rioja Crianza or the top level Rioja Reserva. All have been very good to excellent across vintages – and the 2016 Herenza Rioja is no exception. The wine is 100% Tempranillo and clocks in at 13.5% alcohol.

On the nose plum , cherry, vanilla, some spice and a nice earthiness. In the mouth it medium bodied with fresh sour cherry, plums, raspberries and rounded out by wonderful  forest floor and a hint of leather. The medium  tannin here is silky smooth – firm  but not at all over powering, with light to medium acidity.

This wine is a total crowd pleaser. At our table this past shabbat EVERYONE loved it -from ages 14-44 . While young, the wine is very approachable and enjoyable now as is,  but based on prior vintages will like develop further. And here is the kicker  – it’s a QPR king at only NIS 50 (under $15)!

Bottom Line:

• Price: NIS 50
• For Aging: It is very good now, but will likely be even better in 2-3 years
• Would I Buy Again: Absolutely
• QPR Rating: Excellent
• Taste/Depth/Quality:  Very Good
• Overall Rating  (1-5): 4