Artadi la Poza de Ballesteros 2014/2020

ARTADI La Poza de Ballesteros 2014 is a prestigious Spanish red made entirely from Tempranillo in Laguardia, Álava (Rioja Alavesa). It's known for its robust structure, generous volume and very ripe fruit profile, typical of a vineyard with deep soils and a privileged sun exposure.

The Wine Advocate
RP 93+

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The 2020 La Poza de Ballesteros is a powerful, ripe wine with 14.66% alcohol, ripe fruit, volume and round, dense tannins. It comes from a 1.18-hectare plot of vines planted in 1960 on deep brown soils, and the afternoon sun exposure, together with the deeper soils, gives the grapes more ripeness — this wine is always a riper expression of Tempranillo.

It's unctuous, with restrained ripeness, fresher fruit and fine, slightly dusty tannins. It has balsamic notes, is clean and fresh, with some aromas of aniseed and fennel, and a silky, delicate palate, with less ripe sensations than in previous vintages.

3,800 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2022, after barrel ageing until June 2021.

The tasting note by James Suckling for ARTADI La Poza de Ballesteros 2014 is extremely positive, giving it 97 points.

The critic highlights the following:

Sensory Profile: He calls it "very sexy and fragrant", with a strong presence of black wild berries.

Structure: Full-bodied, with tannins he describes as "silky" and "powdery".

Mouthfeel: A plush, open wine with a finish he calls "glorious".

Recommendation: He notes the wine is ready to drink but can be kept (drink or hold).

One of the three great wines from Artadi's organically farmed plots. La Poza de Ballesteros delivers powerful wines full of personality, vintage after vintage. Sensations of volume and strong nuances of very ripe, seasoned fruit. Broad, round, dense tannins typical of vineyards with character.