Reviews / Espina Roja Alto

Review ·

Espina Roja Alto

Ariana Buendía's Michoacán alto at 48% – a maestra bottling from a growing Michoacán scene

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

Espina Roja Alto bottle
  • Producer: Espina Roja
  • Maestro: Ariana Buendia
  • Region: Rio de Parras, Michoacán
  • Agave: Alto
  • ABV: 48%
  • Price: $90–150 ($$$)

Verdict

Track Ariana Buendía's work, her Espina Roja reads as the output of a specific hand, not a generic Michoacán production, and the maestra ranks there are growing quietly while most of the attention goes to Oaxaca. The bottle holds discipline through the finish and makes a legitimate case for the region. Consensus 3.8 matches; Buendía is a name worth keeping a column for.

Michoacán's maestra ranks are growing quietly, and Buendía is worth paying attention to

Tasting notes

Nose: Pine, then dry hay, warm earth

Palate: Michoacán alto's northern profile is clean and spare, and the proof gives Buendía's production room to show; lean at 48%

Finish: Cooling, dry, with a slow pine fade – very long

The bottom line

A solid Michoacán pick