Bodegas Casa La Rad Solarce Red 17

Winery	Bodegas Casa La Rad
Region	Rioja
Appellation	Rioja
Type	Red Wine
Varietal	Tempranillo blend
Vineyard Size	37 acres
Soil	Chalky clay
Vineyard Orientation	530-600 meters
Farming Practice	Organic – Non Certified
Maturation	Aged for 8 months in 225L new French oak barrels
Vintage	2017

Solarce are the entry level wines from the Casa la Rad estate in Rioja Baja. The large, family-owned estate is located in the northern foothills of the Valle de Ocón, and encompasses 2,000 acres; mostly native oak forest, with 272 acres of vineyards, and 37 acres of olive groves. The remainder of the estate is dedicated to growing almonds and cereal crops. They seek a balance between their activity and the local environment so as to sustain or improve its vitality and biodiversity.

91pts James Suckling– 2017 vintage

Good focus and energy to this red, which shows blueberry and dark-cherry compote, along with some citrus. Medium-bodied and finely structured. Firm tannins. Drink now.

91pts Wine Enthusiast – 2017 vintage

A perfumed nose includes hints of exotic incense, oud wood, lavender and licorice along with ripe berry scents and a note of vanilla. A flush palate is racy and lively enough, while flavors of plum and berry are nicely peppery in front of a dry finish that’s on the money. Drink through 2022.

91pts Washington Wine Blog– 2017 vintage

A blend of mainly Tempranillo (60%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, Maturana and Garnacha, the ‘Solarce’ shows a terrific mouthfeel an tension, as salty terroir runs through the core of dark currants, coffee grounds and tar. Seriously good, with awesome verve in its youth, the 2017 ‘Solarce’ will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2029.