Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2008:
‘Luis Valentín and Carmen Enciso’s Reserva is always a delight to taste, and ages brilliantly in bottle. Made entirely from Tempranillo, spread over 14 parcels, it’s floral, elegant and refined with impressive finesse and subtle red fruit flavours. The oak is deftly integrated, too.’ – Tim Atkin MW, Decanter.com, 96/100

‘Strong cedar and pencil shaving aroma – perhaps from French oak rather than American? Juicy, vibrant, precise acid on the finish. Dry, liquorice notes. Seems quite Bordelais in some ways.’ – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (Oct 2016)

‘This wine is, year in, year out, among the best in its category. I'm talking about the red 2008 Valenciso Reserva, an explosive, aromatic, perfumed Tempranillo that mixes the more common strawberries, raspberries and cherries with more unusual violets and subtle spices with plenty of nuances and changing details, elegant and complex, starting to develop some tertiary characteristics. Perhaps some aromas are derived from the fact that the uncrushed grapes fermented in cement vats, a process that can sometimes provoke intense aromatics. Also, the malolactic was very slow and did not finish until the spring/summer. The palate is lush, full and round, with sophisticated glossy tannins and good acidity. Add to this the effect of the 17 months in French oak that brought some spicy flavors, but that did not dry the wine at all. A beauty. At this price point, it is quite good value.’ - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Apr 2015)

‘Brilliant ruby. Sexy, high-pitched red and dark berry scents are complemented by vanilla, cola and pipe tobacco. Sweet, palate-staining blackberry and cherry flavors are given definition and spine by juicy acidity. Supple tannins add shape to the wine's intense, sappy fruit on the long finish.’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 91/100 (Oct 2015)

2009:
‘Bright ruby-red. Aromas of ripe red berries and cherry on the pungent nose, along with suggestions of musky earth, tobacco and mocha. Sweet and broad on the palate, showing the richness of the year in its lush, broad raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors. Finishes on a sappy note, with building spiciness, lingering cherry character and sneaky tannins that add gentle final grip.’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Feb 2019)

‘Spicy earthy briary aromas include a note of cola along with requisite berry and cassis scents. A slightly choppy mouthfeel and flavors of blueberry, cardamom, herbs and oak define the palate, while this finishes fruity and open. Drink through 2024.’ – Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (Jul 2017)

‘This red is round yet firm, offering plum, tobacco and meaty flavors, with firm tannins and orange-peel acidity. Focused, with tar and mineral notes adding depth and interest. Drink now through 2022.’ – Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Nov 2016)

‘The nose here shows discreet dark berries, walnuts and some dried bark in the background. Full-bodied with fine tannins and a long finish. Pretty polish and austerity. Drink or hold.’ – James Suckling, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Dec 2016)

‘There are some notes of leather, licorice and fountain pen ink, over a core of ripe berry fruit, with some spicy notes from the oak and a faint animal character. The palate is medium-bodied with some dusty, slightly rustic tannins and a dry finish.’ - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Aug 2016)

2010:
‘Vivid red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe, mineral-laced red and blue fruits, incense, oak spices and cola. Sappy, palate-staining boysenberry, cherry-vanilla and spicecake flavors show excellent depth, while a spine of juicy acidity adds lift and back-end cut. Rich yet poised; an impressively long, smooth, gently tannic finish leaves a sexy floral pastille note behind.’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Feb 2019)

‘Notes of earthy, clove and all spice carry the nose. This is full, juicy and popping on the palate. Flavors of raspberry, mixed spices and exotic tea finish with red-berry leftovers and even more spice notes. Drink through 2028.’ – Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Feb 2018)

‘Dried cherry, berry, tea, tobacco, vanilla and spice flavors mingle in this lean, gentle red. Modest tannins and light acidity keep this lively as the elements float across the palate and glide into a spicy finish. Graceful, in the traditional style. Drink now through 2022.’ – Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Nov 2017)