Ramón Bilbao 2018 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 93/100

Ramón Bilbao Reserva from Rioja D.O.C.A. is a dry, medium-bodied Tempranillo-led blend with Graciano and Mazuelo, a classically proportioned Rioja with a brooding, expressive nose of sun-dried cranberry, black olive tapenade, worn leather, star anise and a dusting of crushed chalk that gives way to a palate of real depth and savory grip, with structured, velvety tannins and a long, warming finish threaded with dried sage and toasted vanilla. Founded in Haro in 1924, Ramón Bilbao has been one of the most decorated names in Spanish wine, earning the title of Best Spanish Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, a remarkable distinction for a winery whose roots sit firmly in the traditions of Rioja Alta. Head winemaker and managing director Rodolfo Bastida, who joined in 1999, was the driving force behind a stylistic shift that brought greater fruit expressiveness and freshness to the wines, all while preserving the integrity of the classic Reserva format with its extended aging in American oak. Serve it slightly below room temperature alongside a slow-roasted porchetta with fennel and garlic, where the wine's earthy backbone and spice notes harmonize beautifully with the herb-crusted pork; it is equally compelling with a rich, slow-simmered beef and mushroom ragu over pappardelle, the wine's structured tannins cutting through the sauce with confident grace. Cellar through 2035.

Food pairings: Porchetta, roast turkey, pheasant, meaty ragus.

Heavenly Hamburger Wine

This Ramón Bilbao 2018 was reviewed on April 28, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

  Add New Vintage

If you liked the Ramón Bilbao 2018, you might also like these wines:

• Top Rated Red Wines

• Add bottle and/or label shots for this wine
• Wineries and agents: Add notes for this wine
• Find this wine in other stores

Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

Recipes for Ramón Bilbao 2018

• Click here for recipes