Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Rioja Campeador Reserva 2019

50 % Garnacha, davon erstmals 30 % aus Rioja Alta und 20 % aus Rioja Oriental von 35 Jahre alten Reben; 50 % Tempranillo von 30 Jahre alten Reben aus den Weinbergen rund um Haro, ein 10 Hektar Gut mit perfekten Rahmenbedingunen für diese Rebsorte; Handlese ab Mitte Oktober in kleine, 20 kg Kisten, gekühlter Transport ins Weingut, strenge Auslese der besten Trauben am Sortiertisch; langsame Spontangärung und Abschluss der Malolaktik mit Ende des Jahres; im Februar 2020 in Fässer gefüllt, jede Rebsorte separat: Tempranillo für 36 Monate in Barriques aus amerikanischer Eiche, kein neues Holz, sechs Mal manuell, in traditioneller Art, ohne Pumpvorgänge umgezogen (alle 6 Monate), Garnacha für 30 Monate, fünf Mal umgezogen; die finale Cuvée wurde im März 2023 in Flaschen gefüllt. Seither reifen die Flaschen unter idealen Bedingungen im unterirdischen Keller des Weinguts bis zur Auslieferung. 14,0 % vol. Produktion: ca. 1000 Kisten.

- 93 Punkte Wine Review Online, Michael Franz (12/2025): „This is an excellent Rioja Reserva from a historic producer in the highly regarded village of Haro—home to several of Rioja’s very best producers (and lots of storks, by the way). This vintage of this wine is already looking terrific, with reserved oak influence and lovely fruit enhanced by multiple savory accents recalling carpaccio, subtle baking spices, and wild herbs. The fruit notes are open and yet not juicy nor obvious, making this a wine that can easily be enjoyed now or aged for additional complexity for at least five years—probably ten.“

 With Campeador Reserva Clásico 2019, Franz once again turns the spotlight on Haro as a town and its historical tradition. He speaks of “an excellent Rioja Reserva from a historic producer”, with a restrained wood influence and fruit that he describes as enchanting.

He is struck by the salty nuances—which he compares to carpaccio—the baking spices and wild herbs that appear in the glass. The fruity notes are expressive, but never excessive, leading him to recommend it both for immediate enjoyment and for leaving it to evolve for a few more years, with a potential of at least five and even ten years.

- 93 Punkte TIM ATKIN MW, Rioja Special Report 2025: „Making the most of a very good vintage, this is a classic combination of equal parts Tempranillo and Garnacha from the Rioja Alta and Rioja Oriental sub-regions. Deftly oaked in American barrels, it's chalky, layered and refined, with savoury tannins, redcurrant and wild strawberry fruit and a balsamic twist. 2026-34.“
- 92 Punkte James Suckling, Zekun Shuai: „A savory and reserved Rioja with dried spices, orange peel, earth and plums. Juicy and firm on the palate, with a medium to full body and a linear, tightly framed finish. Drink or hold.“
- Notizen des Weinguts: „A deep garnet red that is bright and alive with a cherry red edge. The wine is intense in the nose, with spiced ripe fruit notes. There are aromas of black pepper, sweet liquorice, nutmeg, coffee, vanilla and cinnamon. Full of flavour, it is very expressive on the palate. This is a succulent wine with a pleasant acidity and a complex elegant yet potent finish. Campeador is a timeless wine with excellent potential for further ageing.“