Bodegas Tarón, ‘Pantocrátor’ Rioja Reserva, 2015, Rioja (DOCa)

'One-Liner'
A magnificent, patiently matured Rioja with concentrated dark fruit, tobacco and warming spice – powerful and structured, yet remarkably fresh and silky.

Tasting Note
Deep cherry red in colour, with concentrated aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and red fruit compote layered with eucalyptus, tobacco leaf, roasted coffee and sweet American oak spice. Full and velvety on the palate, the wine’s richness is balanced by vibrant acidity and firm but beautifully refined tannins, leading into a long, complex finish of ripe fruit, vanilla, minerals and savoury spice.

Country: Spain
Region: Rioja DOCG
Sub-Region: Rioja Alta
Grape(s): 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 14%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
96 Points – Decanter
95 Points & Gold Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
94 Points – Wine Enthusiast
94 Points & Silver Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025
92 Points – International Wine Challenge
92 Points – Tim Atkin, Rioja Special Report 2025

The Story
Pantocrátor is Bodegas Tarón’s flagship wine, produced only when the vintage offers the quality and structure needed for prolonged ageing. The winery brings together growers from the four historic Rioja Alta villages of Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, Sajazarra, Villaseca and Tirgo, close to the sheltering Obarenes Mountains. For the 2015 release, Tempranillo was selected from goblet-trained vineyards averaging around 50 years old and rooted in clay-limestone soils. After fermentation and an initial year in stainless steel, the wine matured for 24 months in new American oak before further refinement in tank and at least six years in bottle – an exceptionally patient approach that has created a Rioja of considerable depth, harmony and longevity.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Spanish-style lamb cutlets with rosemary, garlic and roast peppers
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Rioja-inspired pisto with courgette, peppers, tomato and chickpeas