2015 Bodegas Urbina Crianza Rioja 750 ml

The 2015 vintage was one of Rioja’s greatest ever. A year after harvest, Urbina made the bold (or crazy) decision to move some of their prized Rioja Crianza—aged in French and American oak until that point—into stainless steel tanks to mature until it harmonized perfectly. It stayed in those tanks for a full SEVEN years.

In that time, the Rioja aged more slowly and evenly than it would have in bottle. But because Gran Reserva requirements only count time in wood, this is still labeled like a “mere” Crianza—and today, it’s in the flow like Steph Curry in the 2024 Gold Medal game.

Bodegas Urbina, a Rioja Alta house founded in 1870, predates the creation of the Rioja DO by more than half a century. Their holdings lie in and around the village of Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón, noted for a cooler climate and an extended harvest season that help produce reds with beautiful vibrancy and freshness. 

Today, Bodegas Urbina is run by brothers and fourth-generation winemakers Angel, Pedro, and Santiago, who make classically styled Riojas that emphasize complexity and nuance. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks, then the wines (generally) age in a mix of new and used American and French oak.

The 2015 Rioja vintage stands as a testament to perfect timing and Mother Nature's generosity. Under brilliant Spanish skies, Tempranillo grapes achieved exceptional ripeness while maintaining their characteristic acidity, yielding wines of remarkable depth and finesse. The year was recognized immediately as one of the greatest of the decade by both Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator—and our estimation has only increased over time.