Sierra Cantabria 'Magico' 2020

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Winery: Viñedos y Bodegas Sierra Cantabria

Country / Region: Spain / Rioja

Date Winery was established: 1991

Grape Variety: 65% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache, 2.5% Graciano, 1% Petit Bouschet and 1.1% others

Year the vintage was first released: 2010

Alcohol Content / Volume: 14.5% / 750ml

Ratings: 96 pts. Robert Parker

Good to Know: Viñedos y Bodegas Sierra Cantabria, owned and operated by the legendary Eguren family, stands as a premier benchmark for world-class Spanish winemaking. For over 150 years and spanning five generations, the family has meticulously cultivated the prized terroirs of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja Alta, earning a reputation as master pioneers of terroir-driven, single-vineyard expressions. By harmonizing generations of artisanal tradition with a meticulous focus on estate-grown fruit, the Egurens treat every plot as an individual masterpiece, producing highly-coveted wines that capture the pure elegance, freshness, and soul of Rioja’s finest old vines.

The 2020 vintage of Sierra Cantabria 'Magico'—as showcased in edited-image.png—stands as a magnificent triumph of viticultural resilience and artisanal precision. This particular growing season in Rioja Alta was defined by intense climate challenges, starting with heavy spring rains and severe mildew that dramatically reduced yields within the estate’s centenarian El Vardallo vineyard. However, a warm, dry summer followed by gentle, perfectly-timed September rains allowed the remaining grapes to achieve an extraordinary concentration of flavor and pristine ripeness. Harvested completely by hand and destemmed berry by berry before aging for 20 months in new French oak, this scarce, low-yielding vintage captures an incredible mineral energy and depth that cements its status as one of Rioja’s most exclusive and emotionally charged field blends.

On the nose, this masterfully co-fermented blend reveals an ultra-complex, ethereal bouquet of dark fruit, crushed flowers, black pepper, anise, and subtle citrus peel wrapped in a savory balsamic edge. The palate delivers a seamless combination of power and fluidity, featuring firm, beautifully polished tannins alongside a surprising, vibrant acidity that extends into an endlessly long, peppery finish. To elevate its profound texture and savory complexity, this exceptional red pairs flawlessly with gourmet roasted lamb dishes, a well-marbled bone-in ribeye, or an artisanal course of aged Manchego cheese.