The Eguren family began cultivating the vineyards in the heart of Rioja Alta in 1870, back when phylloxera was decimating the vast majority of European vines, especially those in Bordeaux. Rioja, however, staved off infection until American rootstocks were predominately planted across France in the 1890s. This small window proved to be a Golden Age for the region because (1) the Bordelais flocked here to produce wine and (2) red Rioja was widely traded, becoming one of the most sought-after and respected “brands” in the world. During this time, the Eguren family was still operating in a grower-only capacity—it wasn’t until 1957 when the family built its own winery in the historic town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. 

Today, fourth-generation brothers Marcos and Miguel Eguren are now custodians of Sierra Cantabria’s vineyards and cellar, still honoring the family’s long-lived passion for viticulture and craftsmanship. The estate-owned vines are rooted in high-altitude calcareous clay soils in the coveted subzone of La Rioja Alta and all harvesting is done by hand, with all clusters being judiciously sorted back at the winery.  

This is a rich, succulent example of the Gran Reserva style, composed almost entirely of Tempranillo and aged 24 months in American and French oak barrels before bottling. It also aged more than two years in bottle before its initial release, but even tasting it now, it shows lots of youthful concentration and energy—with more savory “secondary” notes just beginning to creep into the picture. It is a deep, nearly opaque garnet-red in the glass, with aromas/flavors of red and black berries, cassis, black raspberry, vanilla, cacao nibs, tobacco, and leather. Full-bodied and sleek, with lots of life still ahead of it—decant 60 minutes before serving in large Bordeaux stems if enjoying now.