Winemaker Notes
Rio Mazos is a unique expression of 100% Graciano - a variety that is typically used to improve the blends of high end wines from Rioja. Ilurce is one of the pioneering wineries to vinify 100% Graciano that is price accessible, and the wine Rio Mazos is their ultimate expression of Graciano from old proprietary vineyards planted by the Escudero family in 1930.
 
Critical Acclaim
 
JD95 Jeb Dunnuck
An old vine selection based on 100% Graciano, the 2016 Rio Mazos was completely destemmed and brought up in 50% new oak. This inky colored effort has a rich, smoky bouquet of blackberries, spicy oak, cedary spice, and violets. With beautiful fruit, plenty of classy integrated oak, full body, a terrific texture, and ripe tannins, it's a beautiful, layered, singular Rioja that’s loaded with character. Drink it any time over the coming decade (and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it keep longer).
 
92 Vinous
Deep ruby. Pungent red and blue fruit, incense and floral aromas are energized by building mineral and spice notes. Shows very good energy and solid thrust on the palate, offering bitter cherry, raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a sweetening suggestion of candied flowers. The spicy note recurs on a very long, lively finish framed by fine-grained, even tannin's.