López Cristóbal Finca La Colorada Crianza 2021

When a wine bears the surnames of the producer, the family’s good name would seem to be on the line with every bottle. In the case of the López Cristóbal winery, however, there is nothing to fear: the house’s four progeny, a Roble, Crianza, Reserva and the Selección, not only champion the family’s honour with integrity and great character but also provide the perfect accompaniment to the exceptional Bagús, their single estate wine or ‘vino de pago’. Their trump cards: fine quality grapes, working as a family, and the passion and love they feel for what finally goes to fill each bottle. Santiago López is very passionate about the countryside and viticulture, and together with his wife Lola Cristóbal and son Galo, he makes these five wines in a style characterised by elegance and genuineness. There is an air of distinction about them all: they are family-produced wines, totally genuine, pleasurable wines that make us feel perfectly at ease. Let’s take their Crianza as an example. Despite its youth (2010), it exhibits a refined nose. In the foreground there initially appear the aromas acquired from ageing, but allow it time to open up, decant it, and you will notice how all its various charms are revealed. Its elegant fragrance comes through, ranging from intense fruit aromas, of fresh red and black fruit (the wine’s youthful character is clearly evident) to spicy aromas, fresh notes, balsamic, smoky touches; a complex and rounded whole. With some aeration and time in the glass, it also discloses an interesting and quite original earthy background. On the palate, its velvety texture reveals flavours in keeping with aromas perceived on the nose, and poses the question as to just how much that 5% Merlot contributes to such finesse. It is intense, with a clean, fruit-forward and juicy entry, medium-bodied, and shows a polished tannin structure, offering good cellaring prospects. The refined ageing notes continue well into the aftertaste (coffee, leather). Definitely an interesting and well-made wine, particularly suitable for enjoying comfortably at home.