Olivier Riviere Rioja Tinto Gabaxo 2018

The 2018 Gabatxo was singing when I tasted it. Despite 2018 being a more austere year, this was floral and elegant, insinuating and nuanced, very expressive. This is different from the previous years when the wine was a 50/50 blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo. Now, there’s less Tempranillo and more Garnacha, and Graciano comes into the picture. So, it’s a blend of 40% Garnacha, 30% Graciano and 30% Tempranillo from different locations: Cárdenas and Rioja Baja for the Garnacha and Laguardia for the Tempranillo and Graciano. Alcohol is 13.5%, and there’s very good freshness. It has fine tannins, and there’s a very spicy side to it (black peppercorns from the Graciano?). It’s nicely textured, long, precise, balanced and mineral. It’s a serious wine that drinks well and has everything to develop nicely in bottle. Superb!  All wines now have a slightly longer élevage and are bottled a little later. 93 Points – Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate