91 Luis Gutierrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Quite balsamic, modern and oaked with notes of smoky bacon, the 2012 El Regalo Reserva was recently bottled. It's still quite young (I reviewed 2007 last time!) and offers roasted aromas intermixed with notes of banana skin, black plums and cherries developing some floral notes that slowly emerge over the spicy tones. The palate is medium to full-bodied with plenty of dusty, slightly grainy tannins, good acidity and length. The oak needs to get better integrated and calm down. Wait on this wine. For fans of the more modern Rioja style. 25,000 bottles produced." - Luis Gutiérrez (29th Apr 2015)