2016 Finca Allende Gaminde Single Vineyard, Rioja

Grip, texture and density, with old vine concentration from vines planted in 1942. A remarkable Rioja that’s made to age. Rich and Voluptuous, with layered tannins, masses of damson and blackberry fruit and ferrous undertone.

95 points Tim Aitken MW 

Early reduction on the nose transitions to cool berry fruit and fine oak as this wine opens. The palate is fully built and saturated, with palpable tannins. Lightly toasted black-fruit flavors meld with mint, while ubiquitous oak cuddles a long, full finish. Hailing from an excellent year, this has a lot to offer; drink through 2030.

95 points Michael Schachner wineenthusiast.com

The nose of the 2016 Gaminde is creamy, balsamic and spicy, with plenty of new oak undertones and ripe fruit without excess. This is a clean, modern, generously oaked Tempranillo, with plenty of tannins and oak-related flavors, and it needs a couple of years in bottle to digest the wood. It's nicely structured and shows power with balance in its style. 12,000 bottles. It was bottled in July 2018.

94 points Luis Gutierrez robertparker.com

Finca Allende Gaminde Single Vineyard from Rioja is a bold, luxurious expression of Tempranillo with serious depth and personality. Sourced from a single plot of old vines planted in the 1940s in the Rioja Alta subregion, this wine is all about intensity, elegance, and site-specific character. It’s crafted by Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, one of Rioja’s most respected and innovative winemakers, known for championing terroir-driven wines with structure and longevity.

The vineyard itself sits on poor, clay-limestone soils at high altitude, producing naturally low yields and incredibly concentrated fruit. After hand harvesting, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, followed by extended aging in new French oak for up to 16 months. The result is a powerful yet polished wine that walks the line between tradition and modernity.

It opens with dark cherry, black plum, and cassis layered over graphite, sweet tobacco, and warm spice. As it evolves in the glass, more savoury notes emerge—leather, dried herbs, and a touch of smoke. The palate is full bodied and structured, with muscular tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, earthy finish that speaks of place and age-worthiness.

This is a wine to enjoy with rich dishes like slow-roasted lamb, braised beef cheek, truffle risotto or aged Manchego. It also rewards cellaring beautifully, softening over time and developing even more nuance and complexity.