A few years back I had a highly memorable visit to Rioja in Spain. One of the great stops during my trip was Marques de Caceres, one of the most consistent producers of high quality Rioja wines at an affordable price. For years these wines have been readily available throughout the United States and I have long admired the values that these wines produce even in the challenging vintages.
Located in the Rioja Alta region, In 1970 Enrique Forner founded the winery which was an alliance between the the Cenicero region in the La Rioja Alta. This family had been focused on the wine trade for five generations, sourcing from some of the great growers and vineyards in the region in a Bordeaux like concept. Cristina Forner is the fourth generation owner of this wine family. They produce a great Grand Reserva, but their Reserva is also consistently good and commands a lower price tag. These wines have increasingly been available at Costco at a price that makes them one of the better wine buys in the retail market. Look to the 2015 Marques de Caceres ‘Reserva’ Rioja (WWB, 92) as the wine has great depth and complexity of aromatics and flavors. A downright awesome value for under fifteen dollars, the 2016 Marques de Caceres ‘Crianza’ Rioja (WWB, 90) continues to impress with its subtle orange rind tones alongside a good core of red fruit flavors. Learn more about these special Rioja wines at https://www.marquesdecaceres.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Marques de Caceres.
2019 Marques de Caceres Rose- The 2019 Marques de Caceres Rose delivers straightforward delicate red fruit and citrus rind flavors. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy on a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2018 Marques de Caceres Garnacha- Sourced from the Cariena region, the 2018 Marques de Caceres Garnacha shows high-toned red fruits with shades of red licorice and blood orange zest that mingle in the glass. The palate has wonderful freshness ad tension that runs through the core of red fruits. A bright beam of salinity accentuates this really good wine. Enjoy this in its youth while the freshness remains. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2016 Marques de Caceres ‘Crianza’ Rioja- Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels prior to bottling, the 2016 ‘Crianza’ shows orange rind with shades of red currant jelly and exotic spices on this expressive nose. The palate has wonderful freshness with a soft texture. Medium-bodied red fruits greet you, combining with the Mandarin orange rind and damp undertones. Fantastic now, enjoy this beautiful value Rioja over the next seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 90
2015 Marques de Caceres ‘Reserva’ Rioja-The 2015 ‘Reserva’ by Marques de Caceres follows up the fantastic 2014 bottling. Sourced from this exciting warm vintage in Rioja, the wine opens with layers of red and dark fruits that are woven together with suggestions of orange rind, coffee ground and milk chocolate tones that all take shape in the glass. The silky texture entices. Black tea and Asian spices brilliantly combine with leather, damp earth and a good core of black fruits on this expressive palate. The long black fruit and mineral-driven finish lingers long on the tongue. While a delight to savor right now, the 2015 Marques de Caceres ‘Reserva’ Rioja will evolve well in the cellar for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 92
2016 Marques de Caceres ‘Excellens’ Rioja- The ‘Excellens’ is a Crianza wine that saw new oak for twelve months before bottling. The soft mouthfeel entices as blackberry cobbler, red currants, leather and shades of pipe tobacco greet you alongside a good sense of minerality. Full-bodied for a Rioja Crianza, enjoy this great new bottling over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 91