2012OstatuCrianza2012 Ostatu, Rioja D.O. Crianza, Rioja Alavesa, Spain.
The new Ostatu Crianza is a stunner! This is a fine and beautiful Rioja with an amazing amount of detail, depth and class for the price, it is shockingly good and a great example of individual house style, terroir and varietal coming together in one wine. Ostatu makes a super lineup of wines from Rose/Rosado and white to Crianza and Reserva(s) all from the upper reaches of Rioja Alavesa where it is slightly cooler and has more interesting soils. I think this Crianza is favorite, I like and admire the finesse, structure and freshness to be found here and it just does everything well, it is a hugely pleasing Tempranillo with grace, vigor and length. The 2012 starts with a haunting and heady perfume of violets and acacia flowers, a hint of smoky wood, deep dark fruits and a mix of cinnamon and anise leading to a round palate of blackberry, plum and creamy black cherry fruits, tangy dried currants, vanilla, a touch of mineral, stones and lingering compote. The fruit is ripe, but with bright pop, silky tannins and very subtle cedar wood and the whole is a complete package, this is a vibrant, rich and balanced red of nice density and medium/full weight, it should drink wonderfully over the next 3 to 5 years, but honestly you should enjoy this Rioja Crianza now and often, you just can’t find this kind of pure and delicious wine at this price, this blows away Bordeaux and Napa options in this price class.
($24 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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