Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Rioja Hinia Reserva 2012

85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano und 5% Mazuelo von eigenen Weinbergen in Haro, auf 430-500 m Seehöhe, vor mehr als 40 Jahren gepflanzt auf kalkhaltigen Lehm-/Tonböden die reich an fossilen Muscheln, genannt Hinia, sind. Daher trägt der Wein auch diesen Namen. Lesestart war Ende September, Parzelle für Parzelle; Handlese in kleine Kisten; gekühlter Transport ins Weingut, Abbeeren und leichtes Quetschen; Gärung mit natürlichen Hefen in Holzgärständern aus amerikanischem Holz, Verschnitt und Abfüllung im Januar 2013, ausgebaut für 36 Monate in Barriques aus amerikanischem Holz, hergestellt in der eigenen Küferei. Der Wein wurde sechs Mal manuell, in traditioneller Art, ohne Pumpvorgänge umgezogen (alle 6 Monate) und im Dezember 2016 in Flaschen gefüllt. Seither reifen die Flaschen unter idealen Bedingungen im unterirdischen Keller des Weinguts bis zur Auslieferung. 13,5 % vol.

- 96 Punkte DECANTER, World Wine Awards: „Classic and delicious showing tertiary notes of cigar box, incense, old leather, cigar box and tomato leaf. The palate is silky with well-handled oak, a vibrant rail of fresh acidity and mellow, integrated tannins. Complex wine and very representative of classic Rioja.“

- 92 Punkte TIM ATKIN MW, Rioja Special Report 2023: „Hinia is a new Reserva brand from the under-rated Martínez Lacuesta operation that's still impressively fresh and lively for a 2012 red. Partnering Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, it's a nice cross over between a modern and traditional style, with balsamic American oak sweetness, bright acidity and good focus and minerality. 2023-29“

- 92 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: „Aromas of ripe plums and black cherries with hints of walnuts, sweet spices, dark chocolate and wet earth. Creamy and polished, with medium to full body, chalky tannins and crunchy acidity. Deep core of ripe dark fruit and a lingering, chocolatey finish with a touch of leafiness to it. Drink or hold.“

- VINUM Wine Magazin, Verkostung - Best of Rioja 2024 (10/2024): “ Zeigt deutlich seine Reife, aber ohne alt zu wirken, sehr harmonisch in Nase wie Mund. Weiches, fast buttriges Tannin, nur noch angedeutete Frucht, zeugt große Eleganz. Für alle Freunde gereifter Weine.“

- Notizen des Weinguts: „TASTING NOTES: This is a charming wine. It has an intense cherry red colour with a marked garnet edge. In the nose its intensity and aromatic refinement are notable, with notes of ripe black fruit which are the prelude to an elegant range of balsamic notes with tobacco leaves, caramel, vanilla and chocolate. On the palate this new Hinia is fresh, with a well-balanced acidity. Its smooth tannins and agreeable structure offer a joyful sensation in the mouth. The time affords the wine an elegant, complex pleasure and bouquet. A homage to the refined classic wines from Haro.
FOOD PAIRING: Recommended with rice and vegetables, domestic and game fowl, creamy and lightly-aged cheeses. Grilled meet.
2012 VINTAGE: The magnificent state of the grapes was notable, bearing in mind the irregular nature of the crop caused by the drought in the region that year. Fortunately, the rains that came in late September had a hugely positive effect on the growth of the vine, ensuring a very well-balanced ripening of the grapes. The grapes entered the winery in magnificent condition, with an excellent balance between alcohol content and polyphenols. Official vintage classification: Very Good.“