Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate’s top reviewer of Spanish and South American wines, had this to say about the 2016 Izadi Reserva: “In the 2016 Reserva, I found very good freshness and balance and notes of red fruit that always point at more contained ripeness, and it also has a completely different oak profile, a lot subtler and more integrated than in previous vintages. This is a clean and aromatic modern Reserva with some fine tannins to be resolved by some more time in the bottle and/or with hearty food. It's a blend of 89% Tempranillo and 11% Graciano matured in barrel for 15 months.” He said it would still be drinking well in 2025 and awarded it a significant 92 points, a great score for just about any wine under $70 or $80. James Suckling gave the wine an even higher rating (of course): 94 points. His review: ”Sweet berries and walnuts with dried flowers and blueberries on the nose. Full-bodied with very tight, refined tannins that are focused and impressive. I like the texture and definition to the wine, as well as the complex aftertaste. Serious wine that’s nice to drink now, but with three to four years of age, this will be very special. Try after 2022.” I opened one of mine, let it breathe for 20 hours, and – WOW – it was goooood. For $15 a bottle, it’s a steal!
