CONDADO DE HAZA Gran Reserva 'Alenza' - Ribera del Duero 2018 Bottle

Description

The 2018 Gran Reserva Alenza is an exceptional wine from Ribera del Duero, crafted from 100% Tempranillo and aged for 27 months in American oak. It has received high praise, earning 93 points from James Suckling, who highlighted its attractive nose filled with aromas of blackberries, cherries, dried herbs, vanilla, hazelnuts, and spices. This full-bodied wine features round tannins and vibrant acidity, offering a velvety, polished mouthfeel with a long, flavorful finish. Vinous rated it 92 points, noting its garnet colour and inviting aromas of fresh cherry, plum, raspberry, and a subtle balsamic note. The palate is smooth and well-balanced, showcasing polished tannins and freshness, making it a serious wine that beautifully balances maturity with nuanced complexity, ideal for drinking from 2025 to 2035.

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Condado de Haza is a distinguished winery located in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, known for producing high-quality red wines, primarily from the Tempranillo grape. Established in 1990 by renowned winemaker Juan Alberto García, the estate is part of the larger Grupo Pesquera, which has a strong reputation in Spanish winemaking.

The winery is situated on a hillside, benefiting from a unique microclimate that allows for optimal grape growing conditions. The vineyards are planted at high altitudes, where the temperature variations between day and night contribute to the development of complex flavours and aromas in the grapes.

Condado de Haza’s wines are characterised by their rich, fruity profiles, robust structure, and well-integrated tannins. The winemaking process involves traditional methods, including hand-harvesting, stainless steel fermentation, and ageing in American and French oak barrels, which further enhance the depth and complexity of the wines.

With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Condado de Haza has gained recognition and acclaim, making it a notable choice for wine lovers seeking exceptional expression of the Ribera del Duero terroir.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
Blackberries, cherries, dried herbs, vanilla, hazelnuts and spice box on the nose. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and fresh acidity. Velvety and polished with a caressing texture and a long, flavorful finish. Drink from 2022.

VINOUS 92 points
Drinking Window 2025 - 2035
From: Duero: From Ribera to Toro via Rueda (And a Few Other Detours) (Jun 2025)
The 2018 Gran Reserva Alenza is 100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero and was aged for 27 months in American oak. Garnet in color, it opens with aromas of fresh cherry, plum, raspberry and a gentle balsamic note. The palate is smooth, with polished tannins and well-measured freshness. A serious red that balances maturity with nuance. - By Joaquín Hidalgo on June 2025