We have been fortunate to taste and showcase the absolute pinnacle of traditional Rioja—including legendary, multi-vintage verticals of La Rioja Alta’s Gran Reserva “904”and “890”. Yet, it marked a monumental shift when that historic firm acquired Torre de Oña in 1995, expanding their brilliance into Rioja Alavesa. Upending the traditional hierarchy, this extraordinary 80-year-old old-vine field blend debut completely steals the spotlight. The 2021 Torre de Oña Rioja “El Camino” knocks those historic Gran Reserva vanguards off their mantle for sheer elegance, depth, purity, and core power. Poised to age for 15 to 20 years, it is so staggeringly complete and gorgeous right now that waiting is entirely optional. The critics are unanimous in their awe: 97 Points from Jeb Dunnuck, alongside a chorus of 96-Point scores from Decanter, Vinous, and Wine Advocate.

While La Rioja Alta S.A. is famously anchored in the savory, American-oak traditions of Haro, revered head winemaker Julio Sáenz has directed Torre de Oña since 2005 to champion single-site precision. Sourced from three tiny heritage parcels in the high-elevation village of Elvillar, these vines thrive on cool Sierra Cantabria breezes and chalky limestone-silt loam soils. Unlike the tertiary leather and sweet spice profiles of the Haro-based 890 and 904, "El Camino" utilizes larger, 500-liter French oak barrels. It trades oxidative plushness for tense, vertical energy, vibrant mineral-driven acidity, and intense, crystalline fruit—bridging century-old traditions with modern, single-village power.

This effort is an absolute tour de force! The nose explodes with pristine black cherry, crushed graphite, violets, and integrated wood smoke. The palate displays incredible core strength, framing a dense layer of dark fruit with ultra-fine, chalky tannins and brilliant high-altitude freshness. Impeccably balanced, it boasts a persistent, mineral-drenched finish that echoes for nearly a minute. A breathtaking debut that deserves a prime spot in any serious cellar next to the greatest names of the region.

¡Viva España! 

Critical Acclaim:

97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck:

“ … produced from old bush vines in Rioja Alavesa grown at high altitude that are, on average, 80 years old and low-yielding but high in quality. This is what the winery considers its first artisanal wine, with this being the first vintage, from the outstanding 2021, with only 4,000 bottles produced. A very complex sultry wine, it offers light spice, rich red fruit, dried herb, and silky tannins within a full-bodied, concentrated style …”

96 Points, Vinous Media: 

“ … a blend of three old-vine parcels near Elvillar. Aromatically complex, it contains blackberry, plum, raspberry and balsamic herb aromas, with oak in a supporting role. Delicate yet energetic, the palate is layered with a chalky texture and enveloping flow before a long, balanced finish of fruit and oak. Concentrated but never heavy, this is a refined Rioja that hints at the region’s evolving identity. The 2021 is built to age.”

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96 Points, Decanter Magazine:

“Aromas of forest floor, red cherry and rhubarb reflect its cool, Rioja Alavesa origin. Already offering perfectly integrated oak, the wine has subtle graphite notes and a certain chalky texture. It is beautifully poised and elegant; a wonderful new release from Torre de Oña”