
Winning the trophy for the best Rioja Alta wine encourages us to continue supporting the identity of our territory.
05/06/2025
Century-old vineyards, the origin of an exceptional wine
29/07/2025This limited-edition wine, produced only in exceptional vintages, once again ranks among the most acclaimed.
With 94 and 93 points respectively, Tarón Cepas Centenarias 2021 and Patiens 2017 have also received excellent ratings.
The new vintage of Bodegas Tarón’s most exceptional wine, Pantocrátor 2015, has been awarded 96 points by the expert critics at Decanter, one of the most influential wine publications in the world. An outstanding score that confirms what was already anticipated: this new vintage is destined to become a benchmark among the great age-worthy wines of Rioja Alta.
“This recognition is a true consecration for our project,” says Gonzalo Salazar de Gurendes, manager of Bodegas Tarón. “It fills us with pride and reinforces our commitment to wines with soul—wines deeply connected to a unique land and crafted with great care. Without a doubt, it’s a boost that encourages us to keep working with the same dedication and passion, knowing that what we create here, in Territorio Tarón, resonates beyond our borders as well.”
Made only in outstanding vintages, the 2015 vintage of Pantocrátor is the result of patient and meticulous work starting in the vineyard. Every decision—from hand-harvesting to the time spent in tank, barrel, and bottle—has been guided by the goal of creating an emotionally stirring wine, elegant and built to last. To achieve this, the winery has relied on a very strict selection of grapes from the oldest vineyards, located on high slopes with poor soils, where the vines struggle and give their very best. In the winery, the aging process has been carefully refined so that the oak supports without overpowering, seeking a balance between structure, freshness, and depth.
“Pantocrátor represents the pinnacle of our philosophy: respect for origin, a unique identity, and the ability to move those who seek wines with history and soul,” adds Salazar de Gurendes.
Awards and Distinctions – Pantocrátor 2015:
Over time, Pantocrátor has established itself as the great emblem of Bodegas Tarón: a Rioja with a classic profile but a very lively and modern expression. It has steadily gained precision, subtlety, and international recognition, becoming one of the most highly valued wines of Rioja Alta.
- Gold Medal and 95 points. Decanter World Wine Awards 2025.
- 94 points and Silver Medal. International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
- 92 points. International Wine Challenge.
- 92 points. ‘Special Rioja Report 2025’ of Tim Atkin.
Tarón Cepas Centenarias 2021 and Patiens 2017, outstanding.
In addition to Pantocrátor’s outstanding score, two other wines from Bodegas Tarón have also shone brightly in this tasting. These are Tarón Cepas Centenarias 2021, which scored 94 points, and Patiens 2017, rated with 93 points.
Regarding Tarón Cepas Centenarias 2021, Decanter’s tasting notes describe it as “Another outstanding expression of the magnificent 2021 vintage in Rioja, showcasing its characteristic definition, purity, and elegant structure.” For Patiens 2017, they highlight its uniqueness and complexity: “A carefully crafted expression of the Viura grape variety, sourced from old vines and aged for 48 months in American oak.”
“Patiens and Tarón Cepas Centenarias are very special wines for us, with limited production and a deep connection to our best vineyards. Patiens is the white equivalent of Pantocrátor, proof that the old Viura vines of Rioja Alta are perfect for producing, after a prolonged aging process, an eternal wine of great elegance, refined expression, and silky texture. On the other hand, Tarón Cepas Centenarias comes from a single vineyard over 100 years old and is a tribute to the wisdom of generations of winemakers,” explains the manager of Bodegas Tarón.
“Both wines complete the story of Pantocrátor and showcase different facets of the tremendous potential that Territorio Tarón has to create authentic, complex, and exciting wines,” he adds.
Bodegas Tarón
Four villages in Rioja Alta, with a long tradition in grape growing and united in winemaking, make up Bodegas Tarón, the northernmost winery in the DOCa Rioja (at the foot of the Montes Obarenes).
With nearly 700 hectares of vineyards averaging over 30 years old, they produce a range of consistent, high-quality wines. These wines reflect a region rich in historical heritage, with a landscape shaped by Romanesque churches and medieval castles.





