"From one plot of clonally biodiverse old vines growing in rocky soils planted to mostly Tempranillo with a healthy amount of Graciano, Monastrell, and other grapes, the 2021 Salas was harvested in two phases two weeks apart. Highly rich in balsamic and spicy black pepper, the grape juice is black at harvest and remains super dark inky in color. Violet aromas permeate the medium-bodied core of earthy, crushed rock minerality from an intensely powerful vintage that benefitted from long aging in all new French oak barrels of different sizes for 18 months. After final blending, the wine was also given nine months in concrete amphorae and French oak. Drinking window 2031-2041. - Virginie BOONE"
- Jeb DUNNUCK (August 2025), 95 pts
"Salas is the top wine in terms of price from Aiurri, sourced from a single 2.4-hectare parcel in the Rioja Alavesa village of Leza. Curated in one third new French oak, it has plenty of structure and concentration, aromas of mint and wild herbs, damson, coffee bean and black cherry flavours and a chalky acid-driven finish. 2025-35."
"A peppery Rioja that shows the graciano and monastrell touch to the field blend. Menthol, basil leaves, laurel, blackberries and a lot of spices. Tense and powdery tannins on the fine-boned, full-bodied palate. Drink or hold. - Zekun Shuai (Senior Editor)"
