2020 Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añon Rioja Reserva 750 ml

It’s no surprise that this kind of value comes from Bodegas Olarra. Founded in 1973, they’ve been a mainstay in the subzone of La Rioja for nearly half a century, turning out top-flight reds from their striking winery, which sits across the winding Ebro River from the picturesque town of Logroño. 

You can’t talk about Bodegas Olarra without talking about the stunning architecture. Designed by Juan Antonio Ridruejo, the iconic three-winged building (picture the Mercedes-Benz badge) is one of the most breathtaking sights in Spanish wine. Its most prominent feature is the roof of the barrel room, which is made up of 111 hexagonal domes, whose role is much more than aesthetic—they’re designed to prevent sharp temperature changes in the cellar. 

This is absolutely crucial for Rioja, where careful aging is the crux of the process. The 2020 Cerro Añon Reserva, which consists of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Mazuelo and Graciano, spent 20 patient months in Bodegas Olarra’s cellar, biding its time in 225-liter barriques of 65% American and 35% French oak. Ranging from brand new to seven years old, the varied oak regimen imparted the perfect toasted notes, before another 18 months in bottle mellowed the wine beautifully. 

Now nearly five years after harvest, all the gorgeous spice, earth, and toasted notes of great Rioja are deepening. It’s drinking perfectly now, but will stand up in the cellar for another decade-plus. That’s why we recommend you put plenty away, to watch it evolve over the years. This is what Rioja Reserva is all about.