Finca La Emperatriz Viñedo Singular Tinto 2017

Back on form after some adjustments in recent years, the Hernáiz brothers have focused their energies on producing a single red from their extensive vineyard in Baños de Rioja. Mixing Tempranillo with 22% Garnacha and 2% Viura, this is all about focus, freshness, structure and precision, with subtle, scented oak, granular tannins and notes of cassis, bramble and red berries. 2024-32. 

I really liked the seriousness, restraint and balance of the 2017 Finca la Emperatriz Gran Vino Tinto, a blend of 76% Tempranillo, 22% Garnacha and 2% white Viura. It combines ripeness and power with elegance and subtleness. The wine feels too young, especially in the palate, with some tannins still to be resolved by some more time in bottle. It's medium to full-bodied and has a dry, serious and long finish. This should evolve toward a quite classical expression of Rioja. 37,950 bottles and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in July 2019.

Blackberries, dark cherries, chocolate, white lavender, cloves and smoked meat on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Ripe and rich. Delicious, long finish. 70% tempranillo, 28% garnacha and 2% viura. Drink or hold.

Evidence of long ageing in oak, with nice concentration; deep and expressive. High quality, though the vineyard identity could be more apparent. Drinking Window 2022 - 2027.