James Suckling (95/100)
This has aromas of cherries, juniper and dried flowers, alongside notes of preserved cherries. Medium- to full-bodied, with chalky tannins that lend precision and structure. Fluid and aerial in character, yet long and expressive on the palate. Sourced predominantly from Sajazarra, planted on limestone and sandstone soils, with around two-thirds of the fruit coming from there and the remainder from Cárdenas. Partly destemmed and aged in used barrels and cement.
R. Parker (93+/100)
The 2022 La Calleja feels like a very serious Tempranillo, matured in a 3,000-liter oak foudre for 30 months with 14.1% alcohol, a pH of 3.6 and 5.2 grams of acidity, parameters of ripeness and balancing acidity for a warm and dry year. It shows the varietal profile, lacking the nuance and complexity of the old field blends, but comes through as structured and serious, quite agile and vibrant for the character of the year. 3,200 bottles produced.