2020 Bodegas Burgo Viejo Rioja Reserva 750 ml

We were at a legendary—and now shuttered—spot in San Francisco, carving into a mouthwatering lamb rack. Out of nowhere, the somm (whom we’d befriended at the start of the meal) approached with a glass of something enticingly ruby-hued.

"You’ve gotta try this with that dish," he said. The dried cherry fragrance, cedar notes, smooth tannins, and pure berry acidity marked it a beautiful Rioja Reserva—and with one sip, we were hooked. That gastronomical evening on Polk Street sent us on a mission to nab the 2020 Bodegas Burgo Viejo Rioja Reserva for our members. 

Bodegas Burgo Viejo was founded in 1987 when six winemaking families combined their skills and land. Since then, the winery has gained a reputation for crafting exquisite Tempranillos and Garnachas. 

From among the estate's 494 acres, which span diverse microclimates and terroirs, this 2020 Reserva centers on three vineyards outside the town of Alfaro near Yerga mountain. Rugged, alluvial soils force the vines to work for every ounce of concentration, making for beautifully proportioned, seamlessly oak-influenced wines that can age beautifully.

With its 95 points from the Decanter World Wine Awards, this outscored hundreds of other Riojas. It’s a massive hit from an estate whose wines, according to Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate are “impressive and merit serious interest,” providing “a hedonistic style of Rioja that sells for a song.”   

We wrapped up the evening with a 42-year-old tawny port, but with the Rioja on our mind. We hope it’ll leave the same impression on you.