Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Rioja Hinia Reserva 2014

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 in Fässer im Januar 2016, ausgebaut für 30 Monate in Barriques aus amerikanischem Holz, hergestellt in der eigenen Küferei. Der Wein wurde fünf Mal manuell, in traditioneller Art, ohne Pumpvorgänge umgezogen (alle 6 Monate) und im Ende 2018 in Flaschen gefüllt. Seither reifen die Flaschen unter idealen Bedingungen im unterirdischen Keller des Weinguts bis zur Auslieferung. 13,5 % vol.

- 94 Punkte Guia Penin (05/2024): “Farbe: kirschrot mit granatrotem Saum. Aroma: ausgewogen, komplex, reifes Obst, würzig, feine Reduktionsnoten. Mund: geschmackvoll, reife Tannine, ausgewogen, nachhaltig.“

- 93 Punkte FALSTAFF, Benjamin Herzog & Dominik Vombach (04/2025): „Aromen von Pflaumen, eingelegten Sauerkirschen, Waldbeeren und Gewürzen wie Zimt und Piment. Am Gaumen saftig und ausgeglichen, mit gut integriertem Tannin, einer reifen Säure und einem langen, mineralischen Finale.“

- 93 Punkte Wine Review Online, Michael Franz (12/2025): „I believe I’m a pretty decisive taster and reviewer, but confess to having devoted considerable reflection when determining how to score this wine. It shows deeper color and richer body as well as juicier, riper fruit than either the Reserva or Gran Reserva from this bodega in the 2012 vintage, but not as much aromatic complexity or positive development as either of those wines. Nevertheless, with so much primary fruit still showing after 11 years, and having already soaked up all overtly “woody” notes while still showing nice spice accents, this wine has more “headroom” for improvement than either of the 2012s. To be clear, it is already a complex wine and one that remains more “traditional” in style than “international,” so there’s a “best of both world” aspect to this that will prove satisfying for longstanding lovers of Rioja while also being more generous and easier to appreciate by those who are newer to Rioja and are migrating from thicker, riper wines. But to be clear and simple about this, it is delicious and highly versatile for all sorts of dishes from roast chicken up to main courses based on red meats.“

„In Hinia 2014, the critic highlights the presence of primary fruit after more than a decade in the bottle, along with the complete integration of the more pronounced woody notes. The wine retains spicy accents and a profile that he defines as more ‘traditional’ than ‘international’, something that, in his opinion, allows it to offer the best of both worlds.

He considers it to be a complex wine, capable of satisfying both long-time Rioja lovers and those who are coming from denser, more mature wines. He describes it as a very versatile red wine for the table, suitable for everything from simple dishes such as roast chicken to more serious red meats.“

 
- 93 Punkte TIM ATKIN, Special Report Rioja 2024: “Unashamedly traditional in style, this cuvée of Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo is savoury, floral and sweet, showing nuanced American oak-derived spices, tobacco leaf and sweet summer pudding flavours, savoury tannins and a fresh, lingering finish. 2024-2030.“

- Notizen des Weinguts: „TASTING NOTES: Bright, clean, light red cherry colour. It has aromas of red fruit and sweet spices. Tertiary hints of dry flowers and toasted coffee. Fresh, clean, balanced in palate. Hinia has an elegant touch, graceful character, rich texture and flavour complexity with silky tannins and long finish. The definition of the traditional Rioja Fine Wines. It has potential for ageing, although, because of its elegance, is ready to drink now.
2014 VINTAGE: One of those special years due to the excellent weather conditions, which ensured a complete cycle with excellent sanitary conditions, as well as low yields per vine. The result was very high-quality bunches, of medium size and small, well-spaced berries. September provided a gradual and even ripening process, marked by sunny mornings and cool nights.“

- 92 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: „A savory, lightly earthy Rioja with subtle vanilla, sweet spices and orange citrus. Well aged, with a medium body, firm tannins and a lengthy finish. Notes of wood on the palate, but not in excess. Drink now or hold for another few years.“

- 92 Punkte DECANTER: „Black and blue fruit, with a lovely savoury lining and top notes of rose, violet and potpourri. Pruny intensity, paired with the herbal verve of fresh oregano and thyme. Lingering white pepper and cardamom. 2025-2035.“