From Haro to the United States: we reached 96 points on Wine Review Online
Critic Michael Franz, from Wine Review Online, has awarded La Centenaria 2022 96 points and has rated eight other Martínez Lacuesta wines above 90 points, consolidating our presence in the US market.
23 Nov 2025 | Martínez Lacuesta
When you work for many years in the same direction, the results are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes they come in the form of wines that people like, repeat customers or consolidated markets. Other times they come as what we want to share today: a series of very solid reviews in one of the leading publications in the United States.
Critic Michael Franz has rated nine of our wines between 91 and 96 points on Wine Review Online. Beyond the numbers, what matters most to us is the type of praise that accompanies those ratings: finesse, balance, restraint, authenticity and the ability to showcase a modern Rioja without losing its classic roots.
Wine Review Online and Michael Franz
Wine Review Online is a North American digital platform specialising in wine, followed by professionals, influencers and advanced enthusiasts in the main markets of the US and other countries. Its tastings and articles have a real impact on building the reputation of many wineries internationally.
Michael Franz, executive editor of the publication, is a long-standing critic known for his analytical approach and tasting style that particularly values precision, balance and ageing potential in wines.
The fact that he has dedicated such a wide selection to our wines—and that the scores are consistently high—is a sign of confidence in the work of the winery and in the way we understand Rioja.
La Centenaria 2022 – 96 points
La Centenaria 2022 tops the list with 96 points, ranking as the highest-rated wine in the collection. In his review, Franz describes a wine that is “extremely refined in aroma, flavour and structure,” capable of competing with great Barbaresco, Barolo or Premier or Grand Cru Burgundies.
He emphasises that the aim here has not been to ‘turn up the volume’ through maturity, extraction or wood, but rather to choose the path of elegance and restraint. He highlights the purity of the wine, the harmony between fruit and secondary notes, and a very long finish, designed for those who value beauty over strength. For him, it is a serious alternative to certain Burgundies that cost several times more.
La Sucursal 2022 – 94 points
In La Sucursal 2022, also a red wine from Rioja Alta, Michael Franz focuses on the origin: a north-facing vineyard, which is particularly valuable in a vintage marked by heat and drought. This detail, combined with 12 months of ageing in French oak, results in a Tempranillo that he describes as exceptional.
He talks about a wine in which the wood brings very subtle hints of spice, cedar and toast, always complementing clean, precise ripe fruit. He emphasises the balance between complexity and fruit purity and celebrates the fact that the wine does not fall into either ‘primary’ simplicity or a rough or unrefined character.
Family Collection Gran Reserva Red Wine 2012 – 94 points
With the 2012 Gran Reserva Red Family Collection, Franz focuses on the house style and Rioja’s ability to combine tradition and modernity. He reminds us that we produce a wide range of wines and points to this Gran Reserva as a clear example of the balance between both worlds.
He values it for not falling into the excess of wood found in some “high expression” wines, nor into the oxidative lightness of certain older styles. Almost 13 years after the harvest, it is at a magnificent stage of development: it maintains a vein of sweet primary fruit and, at the same time, adds well-integrated ageing notes that bring complexity and flavour.
Hinia 2014 – 93 points
In Hinia 2014, the critic highlights the presence of primary fruit after more than a decade in the bottle, along with the complete integration of the more pronounced woody notes. The wine retains spicy accents and a profile that he defines as more ‘traditional’ than ‘international’, something that, in his opinion, allows it to offer the best of both worlds.
He considers it to be a complex wine, capable of satisfying both long-time Rioja lovers and those who are coming from denser, more mature wines. He describes it as a very versatile red wine for the table, suitable for everything from simple dishes such as roast chicken to more serious red meats.
Campeador Reserva Clásico 2019 – 93 points
With Campeador Reserva Clásico 2019, Franz once again turns the spotlight on Haro as a town and its historical tradition. He speaks of “an excellent Rioja Reserva from a historic producer”, with a restrained wood influence and fruit that he describes as enchanting.
He is struck by the salty nuances—which he compares to carpaccio—the baking spices and wild herbs that appear in the glass. The fruity notes are expressive, but never excessive, leading him to recommend it both for immediate enjoyment and for leaving it to evolve for a few more years, with a potential of at least five and even ten years.
Hinia Blanco Reserva 2021 – 93 points
In Hinia Blanco Reserva 2021, the commentary focuses on barrel ageing and how it is supported by very solid raw materials. Franz acknowledges that the oxidative effects of the wood are clear in the bouquet and that this may intimidate some tasters at first.
However, he highlights the wine’s dense core and ripe fruit, which balance out its woody characteristics. He mentions a sensation of sweetness on the palate—without the wine actually being sweet—which helps to harmonise the whole. In his opinion, it is already a very enjoyable white wine for those who appreciate intense ageing, with excellent potential to gain complexity and integration over time.
Hinia 2012 – 92 points
The 2012 Hinia red wine receives 92 points and a description that emphasises its freshness despite its age. Franz defines it as a Rioja Reserva that is approaching its peak, with very expressive aromas and defined flavours, on a medium-bodied structure leaning towards light.
He notes the lively acidity that remains after almost 13 years and the good integration of the wood, which gives way to a very attractive vein of fruity sweetness. He also mentions the development of salty notes and deep nuances that balance the acidic tension. The final impression is that of a wine that ‘sings in harmony’, with many nuances but without losing its coherence.
Campeador Garnacha 2022 – 92 points
In Campeador Garnacha 2022, Michael Franz emphasises the variety and its role in Rioja. He points out that many consumers do not immediately associate the appellation with Garnacha, even though there is a significant area planted with this variety and its potential is growing in the context of climate change.
According to him, the wine displays lively red cherry fruit, which makes Garnacha so appealing and versatile, with a touch of lightness and bright acidity that is even reminiscent of Pinot Noir. It lacks the weight of some Aragonese Garnachas, but compensates for this with freshness, liveliness and a persistent flavour. He considers it particularly suitable for consumers who are looking for lighter wines without compromising on character.
Martínez Lacuesta Cuvée 2020 – 91 points
Finally, Martínez Lacuesta Cuvée 2020 closes the list with 91 points and a very clear assessment: an ‘excellent’ Rioja Crianza in terms of value for money. Franz describes it as a modern-style wine, with very little noticeable wood, open and flavourful fruit, and a structure that is just below medium-bodied without being light.
Being made entirely from Tempranillo, it already shows some tertiary nuances and, according to him, is at its peak for enjoyment now, with no risk of deterioration in the short term. His final reflection is compelling: if more Rioja wines were as complex and balanced in this price range, competition on the shelves would be much tougher for other origins.
What these assessments tell us
Nine wines, several different ranges and styles, and the same underlying idea: to work with Rioja wines with finesse, balance and respect for time. We do not see these scores as a point of arrival, but rather as an endorsement of the path we have been following for years.
We will continue doing the same: listening to our vineyards, caring for the winery and producing wines that, regardless of the figures, speak well of Haro and our house.