Wines (24 View)

This red has focus and depth, in an austere style that remains balanced and fresh. Black cherry fruit lurks beneath espresso, licorice and black pepper flavors, supported by firm, well-integrated tannins and juicy acidity.

Winemaker Notes:
"Cherry colour with garnet rim, bright and intense. Red fruit expression, powerful, elegant, dry stone, coca bean, creamy oak, hints of spices. Powerful, flavourful, fruity, good acidity, smoky aftertaste, toasty, long finish."

In 1927, a group of 15 vine-growers banded together to create the Cooperativa Ribera del Duero (which translates as "Bank of the Duero River"). They were the first to make a wine called "Ribera del Duero", and as regional pioneers, eventually gave their name to the DO when it was created in 1982. Generations later, this cooperative is producing some of the most highly acclaimed wines in Spain under the name "Protos", meaning "First" in Greek.

In 2008, Protos reached another milestone with the completion of its state-of-the-art winery by renowned British architect Richard Rogers. A modern architectural gem, the winery is built into the mountain just beneath Penafiel Castle, at once complementing and contrasting the ancient landmark.

LOCATION OF VINEYARD
Protos has two wineries in the heart of the Ribera del Duero: Penafiel (near Valladolid) and Anguix (near Burgos). Their third winery, La Seca, is where they make Verdejo in the neighboring Rueda DO near Valladolid. Protos owns 100 hectares of vineyards around its wineries and has partnerships with several local growers who supply additional grapes.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
Protos has the unique distinction of offering wines from two DOs, producing fresh, aromatic Verdejos from Rueda in addition to varietal Tempranillos from Ribera del Duero. Harvesting is entirely manual, and production is gathered in 20-kilogram boxes (just over 44 pounds) to aid in ensuring only completely healthy, whole grapes reach the fermentation tanks. Protos has also implemented an extensive R&D program to test the effects of different types of barrels on its wines.

In both DOs, Protos leverages its generations of winemaking experience, cutting-edge technology, and philosophy of "Quality above all" to produce exceptional wines.

Jose Serrano Carlos Guzman graduated from the L??Ecole Nationale Superieure Agronomique in Montpellier, France, with a degree in viticulture. Following graduation, he served as winemaker and technical director at several estates, including Bodega Cooperative de Morales de Toro (DO Toro), Bodegas Marques de Riscal (DO Rueda), and finally Bodegas Roqueta (DO Pla de Bages). He became Winemaker Director at Bodegas Protos in 1999.

90 pts Wine Spectator
A smooth texture masks good concentration in this juicy red, with a firm structure. Ripe cherry and plum flavors mingle with coffee and toasty notes, showing touches of herb and loamy earth.

92 points James Suckling
Quite an understated and traditional bottling of Rioja, showing red and black berries, hints of dried mushroom, peppercorns, dark earth and tobacco on the nose. Chewy and juicy on the medium-bodied palate, showing a fresh array of berries and plums. Drinkable now, but better from 2025.

93 points Wine Advocate
The 2020 Reserva Única comes from the COVID-19 (and mildew) year and tries to combine the primary character with the complexity of the older wines. It's mostly from one vineyard that has some Graciano (maybe 3%) that always gives the wine an aromatic and fresh kick. It comes through as very balanced. It started a little closed and shy and took time to open up in the glass. Again, the 2020 in Rioja has less body and clout than 2021, the wines are finer-boned and the tannins have some grip. This matured in a combination of French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels for two years, but the oak is very integrated and folded into the fruit. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2023.

The 2019 vintage was the Second Place finisher in our 2023 Wine of the Year blind-tasting!

Second place goes to Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Unica Reserva Rioja 2019! This is a stellar Reserva Rioja from the latest outstanding vintage of the region 2019. Tasting this blind it was apparent that it was Rioja as it demonstrated those classic Rioja notes of dill, savory Tempranillo fruit, and a touch of sweet wood influence. What captivated us about the wine was how seductive the fruit was, ripe without being sweet. We would categorize this as a youthful modern Rioja with enough classic notes to do Rioja proud. This wine is going to make a lot of new friends as it is absolutely irresistible now, but yes it will age a decade easily.

Organic. The Eguren family are the pioneers in the production of parcel specific single cru wines from Rioja in the Burgundy model. Sierra Cantabria Reserva Única is the family’s introduction to their single vineyard range, which is sourced from a spectacular vineyard on the banks of the Ebro River in Labastida. The entire vineyard is vinified as a Reserva, and throughout the aging process, Marcos Eguren carries out a severe barrel selection with only the finest being used for Unica. The wine is produced every vintage, but in varying quantities (1,500-4,000 cases) depending on the quality of the year. Unica represents a premier cru style Rioja single vineyard with fantastic structure, a seamless texture, and a pure red fruit character. Tempranillo (97 %) and Graciano (3 %) from vines older than 30 years.

Second place goes to Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Unica Reserva Rioja 2019! This is a stellar Reserva Rioja from the latest outstanding vintage of the region 2019. Tasting this blind it was apparent that it was Rioja as it demonstrated those classic Rioja notes of dill, savory Tempranillo fruit, and a touch of sweet wood influence. What captivated us about the wine was how seductive the fruit was, ripe without being sweet. We would categorize this as a youthful modern Rioja with enough classic notes to do Rioja proud. This wine is going to make a lot of new friends as it is absolutely irresistible now, but yes it will age a decade easily.

The Eguren family of Teso la Monja are one of D.O. Toro's most important pioneers, having cofounded Bodega Numanthia-Termes with Jorge Ordóñez in 1997. Numanthia was the first exhaustive fine wine project to resuscitate Toro since before phylloxera. Toro is one of Spain's most historic winemaking regions. Tempranillo originated in the Duero Valley, and many ampelographers believe that it originated in Toro, where it is known as Tinta de Toro. These ancient clones of Tempranillo were responsible for Toro being celebrated as Spain's finest winemaking region during the Middle Ages. Toro was also Spain's only region to completely resist phylloxera due to its sandy soils. Teso la Monja is the Eguren family's new interpretation of Toro after Numanthia, where they sought to produce a more refined and restrained expression of Toro by focusing on northern facing vineyard sites planted on clay soils covered in canto rodado.

Rigorous sorting at the winery. The clusters are fully destemmed, and the whole berries ferment (inoculated with yeast cultured from their vineyards and cellar) in 15,000L stainless steel tanks with temperature control. Malolactic fermentation in tank and in neutral French barrique.

6-8 months in neutral French barrique

Organic

96 points Vinous
The 2021 Vatan Tinta de Toro opens with aromas of violets, lavender, fresh plum and raspberry, framed by subtle oak and a touch of cedar. Intense and creamy, the palate is broad and flavorful, with velvety, finely textured tannins. The finish is long, delivering depth and nuance. This is a balanced and elegant Tempranillo with a measured profile. Tannins show gentle grip, bringing tension that complements the wines volume and richness. A superb vintage that lends this wine exceptional depth.

93 points James Suckling
Fine spices, blackberries, cocoa powder and graphite. This is juicy and flavorful on the palate, with a full body and a heap of dusty tannins. Tight, structured and pretty long.

92 points Vinous
The 2022 Tritn originates from Toro and has been barrel-aged for up to eight months. Garnet in color. The ripe fruit aromas include blackberry and sour cherry above a backdrop of wild herbs. Rich and indulgent, the firm yet polished tannins and balanced acidity contribute to a long-lasting and overwhelmingly satisfying palate. This is truly a Toro red.

93 points James Suckling
Aromas of plums, mulberries, dried flowers, stones and violets. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Textured and creamy. Balanced and subtle. Flavorful finish with excellent length.

The Merayo family have been growing grapes for generations in Bierzo and one look at Pedro’s immaculate vineyards suggests he knows what he’s doing. The bulk of Pedro’s 25 hectares of ancient vines were inherited from his father but Bodegas Merayo and the new winery (housed in a converted apple store) were established as recently as 2010.

Organic / Biodynamic

93 points James Suckling
Fine oak spices and cocoa powder to the ripe cherries, cassis, black cherries and warm stones. Full-bodied and polished on the palate with tightly wound tannins that seep through the compact fruit. Good balance between tight structure and fruit density. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better from 2024.

92 points Wine Spectator
Long and creamy, this elegant red is structured by supple tannins and juicy acidity, a fine frame for the appealing range of baked black cherry, fig cake, mocha and sage. Fresh, spiced finish. Drink now through 2028.

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.

The deep ruby color indicates a luxe complexity, while aromas of black cherry, cassis and rich earth are abundant in this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On entry, currants and black plums generously lead to a plush mouthfeel. There are ample tannins carrying the fruit to the long lingering finish. Aging for 12 months in 1-year-old American oak barrels created notes of baking spices, nutmeg and hints of caramel. - Winery

Winemaker Notes:
Gorgeous in the glass, this Merlot is a perfect, everyday wine. Aged for 12 months in American oak barrels, this wine is delicious for just about any occasion and food pairing.
Pairs well with a margherita pizza, aged white cheddar cheese, and a cheeseburger.

Winemaker's Notes:
Petite Sirah is known for its concentration and intensity, the 2015 vintage is no exception. Inky purple in the glass, this deeply colored wine resonates with juicy blueberries and hints of freshly turned earth. Succulent and savory notes of dark berries and roasted spices create a supple and mouth-filling texture. Aging in American oak for 12 months captures and concentrates the flavors, leading to a finish with chalky and chewy tannins laced with vanilla, toasted brown sugar and dark cocoa.
Pairs well with smoked lamb shoulder with rosemary, braised short ribs with blackberry barbecue sauce, and smoked Gouda cheese.

"Bogle winemakers have sourced fruit from the best growing regions in California for the varietal. The terroirs of the cool Russian River Valley, coastal Monterey hills and the unique Clarksburg Delta all grow fruit of character and distinction. Combined, the resulting wine is elegant, classic Pinot Noir.Floral notes of violets and fragrant strawberries resonate throughout this wine, while touches of green tea add complexity and nuance. The sophisticated mouthfeel is vibrant with layers of cherry fruit, yet balanced by comforting leather and pipe tobacco. A combination of French and American oak makes quite an impression, leaving lingering earth tones and graceful tannins behind." Winemaker notes

Winemaker Notes:
Green apple and pear aromas classically characterize this wine as Clarksburg, while honeycomb and vanilla heighten the first impression. The rich, round entry rolls into a viscous and silky mouthfeel, surrounded by Asian pears and Honey crisp apples. The finish lingers long and soft, like the wafting aromas of grandma’s warm apple pie.

Winemaker Notes:
The deep, dark color of this wine creates an expectation of weight and purpose, however the Essential Red’s first impressions are subtle and nuanced. Faint notes of sweet garden mint and eucalyptus tantalize the senses, while hinting at the complexity yet to come. Upon the first sip, the rich, juicy mouthfeel takes over, expressive with flavors of blueberry and blackberry. After aging in American oak for 12 months, the wine finishes with round, plush and succulent flavors of baked cobbler the perfect dessert to end any day. Food pairing The Essential Barbecue Burger. Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese. Dark Chocolate Macarons.

"Head-trained, dry farmed vines are prized for their production of small, concentrated clusters of grapes that produce incredibly rich and intense wines. For years, Bogle has sought out these gnarly old vines to create our Old Vine Zinfandel. Greeted with the viscous, ripe fruit of jammy blackberries hanging on sun warmed vines, this Zinfandel is enticing and aromatic. Weightier than previous vintages, there?????s a sturdy structure that is saturated with dark fruits, laced with hints of lavender and savory herbs. Cracked peppercorns and spicy juniper round out the finish, tempered by 12 months
of aging in two-year old American oak.
" Winemaker notes

(50% Xarel??lo, 30% Macabeo, 20% Parellada)."My favorite of the two sparkling Cavas is the non-vintage Brut Reserva Cava. Made from a classic blend (for this area) of Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada planted in limestone and clay soils, the wine spends 24 months on its lees before disgorgement. It is an excellent value for consumers looking for alternatives to French Champagne. Lemon/lime, crushed rock and white currant notes are present in this crisp, elegant, refreshing, zesty, dry sparkler. Hints of wheat thins and brioche add complexity.

Bonanza Chardonnay is highly enjoyable and a true expression of the Bonanza name. This Chardonnay is not typical, meaning it is not made in a buttery, oaky style. Instead, it is bright and fresh, with a vibrancy that brings out the natural goodness of the varietal.