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90pts- Wine Enthusiast:
Dry fino sherry imported from Spain. From the eighth largest sherry producer in the world, the Barbadillo family has been producing sherry since 1821. Pale straw color. Fresh, yeasty aroma. Light-bodied, clean and crisp with a zippy acidity. Dry, nutty, yeasty flavors. Serve well chilled as an aperitif or during the meal.

93pts Wine Advocate:
"The much sweeter, honeyed, syrupy 2008 Pedro Ximenez de Anada exhibits a dark amber color along with notes of roasted nuts, molassas, Chinese black tea and honeysuckle. Rich, unctuous and full, it is best served slightly chilled after dinner."

Alvear was founded in 1729 and remains under the control of the same family. They own 307 acres of vineyards in the Montilla-Moriles appellation. Anyone who visits the area recognizes the incredible white soils "albariza or albero", which are dominated by chalk/limestone and the key to the great acids these products possess.

Organic / Biodynamic

Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels to bring out the tinta del país, this Valdehermoso is full of character, with intense aromas of well-ripened wild fruits and underlayers of spice and a certain smokiness. It is well-rounded on the mouth, with much of its body coming from smoothly presented tannins. It is very fruity with a hint of wood, and has a pleasant, lingering finish.

Organic / Natural Wine - This wine may be reductive when first opened, aeration is recommended.

93 points Wine Advocate
The village red from La Orotava 2020 7 Fuentes was produced with Listán Negro and 5% Castellana Negra from up to 25 different vineyards, mostly from the center and east of the valley where the grapes are mostly red, with vines ranging between 10 and 200 years old at altitudes of 300 to 700 meters on different soils, all volcanic but with more or less clay, silt and sand. It fermented with 10% full clusters in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured for eight months, 70% in concrete and 30% of the volume in used 500-liter oak barrels, then it was blended and kept in stainless steel until bottling. It has moderate alcohol, 12.65%, and mellow acidity. 2020 was a warm year with a very early harvest and good yields after a small crop in 2019. This is herbal and a little reductive, with a polished palate and fine tannins. 58,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2022

Vibrant aromas of ripe peaches, pears and toasted bread with a hint of spice fill the nose. The palate is dry with a rich, creamy texture. Layers of flavor include orange rind and spice that persists through an elegant finish. - Winemaker's notes - PJ

Traditionally styled Monastrell, yes that is a thing, from old vines on chalky soils. Vinified in eighty-year-old conofors (think dairy tanks but made of American oak). The wine is filtered by gravity and, following tradition, made in a slightly oxidative style which gives the wine its very unique character. Their Cono 4 is then aged for 10-12 months. This wine represents a great expression of the warm Alicante climate yet is also very earthy and complex. It is approachable, with a certain rusticity and a profile that will remind you of the wines produced in the region some 30 years ago (and even a hint of old-style Rioja!), with developed aromas of earth, berries, tree bark, and forest floor. Dusty and tasty, medium to light-bodied, this is very pleasant indeed. Surprisingly complex for this extremely low price point.

For context on Primitivo Quiles’ winemaking style, Primitivo Quiles is to Alicante what Lopez de Heredia is to Rioja.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This cliche applies well to today’s winery Primitivo Quiles. Señor Don Primitivo Quiles is one of the great figures of Spanish wine. His family ties with wine date back to 1780 when they started growing grapes and winemaking in the lands west of the present province of Alicante. They have been a family-owned winery for over 100 years and maintain one of the oldest soleras on the market, dating back to 1892. Their wines are highly valued treasures in wine cellars all over Europe and a source of pride for the winemaking industry in Alicante.

Vibrant aromas of ripe peaches, pears and toasted bread with a hint of spice fill the nose. The palate is more round with a rich, creamy texture. Layers of flavor include orange rind and spice that persists through an elegant finish. This is quite good at a very reasonable price.

93 points Wine Enthusiast
An elegant bouquet of dried cherries and rose petal leads to flavors of black cherry, Mission fig, licorice, dried thyme and a touch of caramel set into a layer of polished tannins. There is a soft whiff of flinty smoke that endures into the smooth finish.

Organic / Natural

‘Burbuja’ comes from a pure Palomino plot of 40-50 years old vines named
‘Plantalina’ in Balbaína Alta, which is the most “Sanluqueño” vineyard of Jerez due to its
proximity to the sea but still boasts the concentration of Jerez. This vibrant vineyard has been
farmed organically for more than 15 years and is of great quality.

Very little winemaking here as this classic ‘Método Ancestral’ wine is bottled
prior to finishing the alcoholic fermentation and before finishing the total consumption of sugars.
The wine next rests horizontally so the lees are in contact with the wine for an additional 8
months. Then, the bottles are positioned ‘boca abajo’ face down so the lees settle into the neck of
the bottle from where they rest for three weeks before disgorging quickly, refilling the bottle
with the same wine from any loss, and finally crown-capping. Released immediately. This delicate and lacy single vineyard ‘Pet- Nat’ Palomino has soft pillowy bubbles that are floral and fresh - the subtle aromas entice with notes of hay, apple pear, lanolin, aloe and sea
spray reminiscent of a long day at the ocean. On the palate, the salty plush foam has just the
perfect amount of structure and fizz to awaken the palate and express its organic, sunny terroir
and natural state of the Palomino grape. A delightful naturally sparkling wine.

A limited-edition Rosé, fresh, fruity, subtle, and joyful, a delicate caress. It is multi varietal made with local and international grapes: Tempranillo (80%), Syrah (15%), and Verdejo (5%). The two red varieties blend perfectly while the white variety provides the flirtatious acidity that makes this wine a breath of fresh air. Frontaura Rosé is an aromatic rosé, which combines notes of red fruit with Spring flowers, resulting in strawberry lips and easy-to-enjoy versatility, vibrant fragrances, with amorous texture, and at the same time a spark of acidity. Cheerful, ready to turn the aperitif into an event.

"The NV Pinot Noir Brut Rose, a non-vintage sparkling wine from Pinot Noir grapes, which is quite dark-colored, displays a bright cherry red color with a showy nose of cherries, truffles and strawberry jam with a fresh, pungent palate, balanced acidity and flavors. Different, with a strong personality. It feels like a red sparkling wine, and quite good, by the way! I-d have it with some charcuterie." 91pts WA

This Rose Brut is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that come from the newly acquired Feixa 1 vineyard on the historic Juve y Camps estate. The free run juice undergoes a cold-soak maceration followed by fermentation in stainless steel. The resulting wine blends the traditional methods of Juve y Camps with international flair and flavor.

Juve & Camps is a family-owned winery located in San Sadurni d’Anoia, a small town in the northeastern Penedes region near Barcelona. Founded in 1921 by Joan Juve Baques and his wife Teresa Camps Farre, the winery’s three-generation history has resulted in an international reputation for producing top-quality Cava. The story of Juve & Camps actually began over 200 years ago when Joan Juve Mir, a bold and enterprising vine grower with ideas ahead of his time, laid the foundation for what would become the family firm. His son, Antoni Juve Escaiola, carried on the legacy. There were many challenges, including the terrible phylloxera plague. Advocating replanting (as did other leading figures of the Penedes), he led a drive to restore the vineyards and to rebuild the region’s wine production. Respected and loved by his contemporaries, his example encouraged his son, Joan Juve Baques, to build the family’s first winery. Joan Juve Baques married Teresa Camps Farre, an exceptional woman and an enthusiastic supporter who, in 1921, inspired her husband to launch the first sparkling wine under the Juve brand. It was made in the underground cellars beneath the family home in San Sadurni d’Anoia. Today, Juve & Camps has established itself as the most highly regarded Cava producer in Spain. Juve & Camps wines are regularly served at state banquets given by Spain’s Royal Family and are offered to visitors and guests by the National Government, the Senate and Congress.

Organic

100% Cencibel, the local clone of Tempranillo. The alluring aromatics immediately envelop the senses, fresh red berries and subtle floral components waft from the glass. The dark core gives the impression of power and heft but the solid backbone of acidity provides lift, a weightlessness on the palate. Texturally lush with juicy blackberry and currant characteristics and a long finish that is dry. The balance from start to finish in this wine demonstrates the touch of a talented winemaker. This wine will surely earn a plethora of new fans.

Organically grown grapes in the village of Villarrobledo and El Provencio. 75+ year old vines (Castilla-La Mancha). Hand harvested. The grapes are destemmed, and then fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tank. Maceration lasts until the end of alcoholic fermentation, with regular wetting of the cap. The wine is then pressed into centenarian local clay tinajas (amphora). The wine ages in tinajas for 3 months followed by 2 months in used French barrels and then 6 months in bottle before release.

Organic / Biodynamic

80% Xarel-lo, 20% Malvasia de Sitges
A high altitude blend of 80% Xarel-lo and 20% Malvasia de Sitges. Crisp, fresh and delightful.

91 points James Suckling
Savory, dried meat and spiced plums and cherries with a hint of rust and walnut to the nose. Elegant and juicy on the palate with some tart red plums and light berry fruit. Long and almost a bit ethereal with firm tannins.

Wine Spectator:
"Plump and on the sweet side, with golden raisin, date, pear eau-de-vie and peach melba notes, backed by a light twinge of bitter almond that keeps this honest. Drink now. 87,000 cases made."

A distinctive blend of Palomino and Pedro Ximenez grapes. Aged in oak casks for 6 years in the traditional Solera method.

For over 130 years, Bodegas Williams & Humbert have been producing the finest sherries and brandies; as well as a diverse portfolio of spirits, utilizing one of the most traditional methods of ageing, the solera method. Founded in 1877 by Sir Alexander Williams and Arthur Humbert, Bodega Williams & Humbert has been considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious wine producers in the world. They were involved in the creation of the Jerez-Xeres-Brandy Quality Demarcation, as well as the criteria for evaluating sherries. Now owned by the Medina family, two generations work side by side in the creation of the wines and spirits. Located in the heart of Jerez de la Frontera, Bodega Williams & Humbert has more than 1,200 acres of vineyards, and the largest wine cellar in Europe. The family owned and operated Bodega has produced a great variety of high quality sherries, while maintaining the traditional methods of solera aging. Solera is a method of producing wines, where small amounts of younger wines are systematically blended with the more mature wines over a period of time. Bodega Williams & Humbert has a variety of sherry lines, most notably the Dry Sack medium created in 1906, a staple sherry among many restaurants around the world. In the US, Bodegas Williams & Humbert has three lines of sherries - Dry Sack, Don Zoilo, and the rare aged. Each tier offers expressions that range from dry to sweet profiles. Bodegas Williams & Humbert has one of the largest and most diverse offerings of 20 and 30 year old Rare and Very Rare age expressions. The Bodegas Williams & Humbert portfolio also includes spirits such as Gran Duque D’Alba Brandies, Crema D’Alba, and Dos Maderas Rums.

91 points James Suckling
A juicy and expressive garnacha with ripe plums and spiced cherries. Sappy and ripe with lots of tart cherries and strawberries. A hint of coffee and vanilla in the medium-long finish.

90 points Wine Spectator
A bold but balanced red, leading with aromatic tar and black licorice notes that are well-meshed with raspberry ganache, mocha, dried thyme, fresh orange peel acidity and supple tannins.

Aromas of minerally pencil lead and smoky plum, berry and a little vanilla. This is slightly tight at first but opens beautifully. Plum and berry flavors offer more than enough support for the oak, while the finish is dominated by wood-spice. This wine is in the happy place between traditional Rioja and new age Rioja.

93 pts Wine Advocate
The non-vintage Dry Amontillado Los Arcos Solera Reserva reveals a medium amber hue along with a nutty, honeyed, dry personality with great acid.
Lustau made its reputation in the foreign markets with its extraordinary single cask Almacenistas which had been accumulated by the family over many years as their soleras are among the oldest in Sherry. The family also owns over 500 acres of vineyards. These are all remarkable efforts for their stunning value. While they are still under-the-radar for most American wine lovers, I encourage readers to give them a try as they are great introductory reference points for how profound sherry can be. I first wrote about the extraordinary sherries of Emilio Lustau many years ago, in the early days of The Wine Advocate. The portfolio of under 25 a bottle selections represents remarkable value for their complex, well-made personalities. Lustau includes a bottling date code as purchasers would want to buy Finos and Manzanillas as young as possible. It is difficult to describe the glories of sherry, but Ill try. These Solera Reservas are all great reference points at a low price point from Lustau. None of the Almacenista soleras, which are single cask and very limited bottlings, are reviewed since they are priced over 25 a bottle, but they can be as profound as any alcoholic beverage in the world

Organic

90 points Vinous
The 2020 Crianza is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano sourced from Sotes, Cenicero, Huércanos and Oyón in Rioja. Aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, this garnet-hued wine presents aromas of wild herbs and black fruit, complemented by oak layers. On the palate, it is dry, rich and fairly taut with a lingering juicy profile, offering notes of black fruit and a clingy texture.

Organic / Biodynamic / Natural

80% Xarel.lo, 20% Macabeu. La Fita - Els Arpiots is a white wine that embodies the essence of its origins –Penedes- . A blend of Macabeu and Xarel.lo, traditional grape varieties of Penedès, creates a fresh and light wine. It bursts with aromatic intensity, evoking the Mediterranean with scents of white fruit and flowers. Its palate is gentle and straightforward. Manual harvest in 15kg boxes, destemming and very gentle pressing. Static settling in stainless steel tanks followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts from the vineyard at high temperature (18°C-20°C). Once fermentation is finished and malolactic done, the wine ages for 5 month on the lees.

11% abv

A complex Sherry, exhibiting burnt wood, oxidation and caramel in a medium-bodied, moderately structured package. - WS87

Featured in The New York Times article by Eric Asimov: 20 wines under 20 for Hunkering Down
"This full-bodied red from an excellent producer on the Canary Islands is made entirely of listan negro, one of the major local grapes, grown in high-altitude, terraced vineyards. It's juicy and lightly tannic, with aromas of flowers and red fruits and maybe a touch of licorice."

92 points View from the Cellar
The Tinto Traditional bottling from Frontn de Oro is made entirely from Listn Negro, with the wine raised in neutral American oak casks for three months. The wine comes in at 13.5 percent octane in the 2022 vintage and delivers a lovely bouquet of bitter cherry, pepper, volcanic soil tones, tree bark and a lovely array of sweet botanicals in the upper register. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, elegant and nicely transparent, with a good core of fruit, tangy acids, modest tannins and a long, complex and beautifully balanced finish. Fine juice that could do with a handful of years in the cellar to soften up those backend tannins a bit more.

Organic / Natural