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Alion Ribera del Duero 2020
Sale
Alion Ribera del Duero 2020
Your Price: $109.97
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Available: 68
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95 points Wine Advocate
2020 was drier than average until the harvest, when it rained and diluted the grapes, and they had to wait to regain concentration. The result is that the 2020 Alion is a wine with better balance and freshness. They felt the skins were very ripe and they could extract more and use a little more American oak (4%) in the elevage. From 2019, they kept the press wine separate until June, and they keep separate quantities of press wines that are aged in different containers depending on the quality of the wine. They used a percentage of concrete and oak vats for the elevage, which gives the wine more verticality and freshness. It's a subtle and elegant Alion, not as dense as some other vintages, but with nice balance and very elegant tannins Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
2020 was drier than average until the harvest, when it rained and diluted the grapes, and they had to wait to regain concentration. The result is that the 2020 Alion is a wine with better balance and freshness. They felt the skins were very ripe and they could extract more and use a little more American oak (4%) in the elevage. From 2019, they kept the press wine separate until June, and they keep separate quantities of press wines that are aged in different containers depending on the quality of the wine. They used a percentage of concrete and oak vats for the elevage, which gives the wine more verticality and freshness. It's a subtle and elegant Alion, not as dense as some other vintages, but with nice balance and very elegant tannins Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
SKU
PJ01678
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Ribera del Duero
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VOLUME
.750L
Alto Moncayo Veraton 2021
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Alto Moncayo Veraton 2021
Your Price: $29.97
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Available: 28
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92 points Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of blackberry and white chocolate with a touch of cedar lead the way for flavors of pomegranate, raspberry, milk chocolate and a touch of spice. Polished tannins evaporate into a long and vivid finish.
91 points Wine Spectator
Vanilla, licorice, dried mint, incense and tar notes offer a fragrant overtone to flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, dried fig and iron. This medium- to full-bodied red is refreshed by lively acidity and structured by lightly chalky tannins. Drink now through 2031.
Aromas of blackberry and white chocolate with a touch of cedar lead the way for flavors of pomegranate, raspberry, milk chocolate and a touch of spice. Polished tannins evaporate into a long and vivid finish.
91 points Wine Spectator
Vanilla, licorice, dried mint, incense and tar notes offer a fragrant overtone to flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, dried fig and iron. This medium- to full-bodied red is refreshed by lively acidity and structured by lightly chalky tannins. Drink now through 2031.
SKU
PJ01668
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VOLUME
.750L
Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat Priorat 2023
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Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat Priorat 2023
Your Price: $23.97
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Available: 34
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(40% Garnacha, 30% Samso, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah) Camins del Priorat is a delicious entry-level offering from the famed winemaker Alvaro Palacios. It offers full-bodied, rich, deeply concentrated flavors of crisp cherry and ripe berries, with exotic floral and spice accents and a beautiful, seamless texture. A wine that always over delivers for the price, and a great introduction to high-quality Priorat! - Distributor
SKU
W19302
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Priorat
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2023
VARIETAL
Blend
VOLUME
.750L
Bela Ribera del Duero 2021
Sale
Bela Ribera del Duero 2021
91 WS
Your Price: $14.97
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Available: 43
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#79 on The Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023!
91 points Wine Spectator
An elegant red, with fine tannins enmeshed with flavors of pureed raspberry and black plum reduction, soft fig, thyme and lavender accents, while a minerally underpinning echoes on the finish. Drink now through 2028.
92 points Wine Advocate
The bread-and-butter wine here is the 2021 Bela, produced with Tempranillo from the village of Villalba de Duero (mentioned on the label), from sandy and clay rich soils on limestone mother rock that delivers powerful but not overripe wines with a short-ish élevage to achieve a fine-boned and fresh wine. The grapes were picked between October 1st and 25th, mostly Tempranillo but some 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot too, and it matured in French oak barrels for nine months. it's ripe without excess, with very integrated oak and a velvety palate with silky tannins. It reminds me of the historical wines from the early 1990s, Valribeño and so on, with some rusticity but very honest and characterful. With time in the glass, it develops a precise note of licorice intermixed with berry fruit and some spices and herbs.
91 points Wine Spectator
An elegant red, with fine tannins enmeshed with flavors of pureed raspberry and black plum reduction, soft fig, thyme and lavender accents, while a minerally underpinning echoes on the finish. Drink now through 2028.
92 points Wine Advocate
The bread-and-butter wine here is the 2021 Bela, produced with Tempranillo from the village of Villalba de Duero (mentioned on the label), from sandy and clay rich soils on limestone mother rock that delivers powerful but not overripe wines with a short-ish élevage to achieve a fine-boned and fresh wine. The grapes were picked between October 1st and 25th, mostly Tempranillo but some 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot too, and it matured in French oak barrels for nine months. it's ripe without excess, with very integrated oak and a velvety palate with silky tannins. It reminds me of the historical wines from the early 1990s, Valribeño and so on, with some rusticity but very honest and characterful. With time in the glass, it develops a precise note of licorice intermixed with berry fruit and some spices and herbs.
SKU
PJ00681
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Ribera del Duero
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Benjamin Romeo Contador Rioja 2007
Benjamin Romeo Contador Rioja 2007
98 WA
Your Price: $299.97
Available: 8
/
"The flagship 2007 Contador receives the same elevage as the Cueva cuvee, the difference is based entirely on selection. Deep purple in color, it surrenders an already multifaceted perfume of sandalwood, truffle, Asian spices, incense, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it exhibits a satin texture, intense flavors, loads of spice, impeccable balance, and an elegant personality in combination with its power. It demands 6-8 years of cellaring at the minimum and its drinking window will extend from 2016 to 2042." 98pts WA
SKU
W-00003348
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2007
VARIETAL
Red Blend
VOLUME
.750L
EXCLUDED FROM SALE
yes
Bodega Contador Benjamin Romeo Alma Rioja 2020
Sale
Bodega Contador Benjamin Romeo Alma Rioja 2020
97 WA
Your Price: $99.97
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Available: 8
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97 points Wine Advocate
It wasproduced with grapes from three vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra at different altitudes and is a blend of Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha with limited yields because of mildew. It matured in new French barriques for 20 months. He wanted a more classical image and perhaps a more classical profile of wine. It's perfumed and floral, with notes of aromatic herbs, a little balsamic and quite showy, with very fine tannins and freshness, as he used more grapes from the higher-altitude zones. It's powerful and elegant, and in a way it reminds me of the style of the initial vintages of La Cueva de Contador; it's clean and elegant. It's 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.55. It's very young but still drinkable, as the quality of the tannins is very good. I think this is the one wine I'd buy from their portfolio if I could only buy one. It transported me to the wines from the early 2000s. 10,000 bottles produced
It wasproduced with grapes from three vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra at different altitudes and is a blend of Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha with limited yields because of mildew. It matured in new French barriques for 20 months. He wanted a more classical image and perhaps a more classical profile of wine. It's perfumed and floral, with notes of aromatic herbs, a little balsamic and quite showy, with very fine tannins and freshness, as he used more grapes from the higher-altitude zones. It's powerful and elegant, and in a way it reminds me of the style of the initial vintages of La Cueva de Contador; it's clean and elegant. It's 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.55. It's very young but still drinkable, as the quality of the tannins is very good. I think this is the one wine I'd buy from their portfolio if I could only buy one. It transported me to the wines from the early 2000s. 10,000 bottles produced
SKU
PJ00411
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VOLUME
.750L
Bodega de Forlong Burbuja 2021
Sale
Bodega de Forlong Burbuja 2021
Your Price: $14.97
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Available: 37
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Organic / Natural
?????Burbuja????? comes from a pure Palomino plot of 40-50 years old vines named
?????Plantalina????? in Balba??na Alta, which is the most ?????Sanluque??o????? 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 ?????M??todo 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.
?????Burbuja????? comes from a pure Palomino plot of 40-50 years old vines named
?????Plantalina????? in Balba??na Alta, which is the most ?????Sanluque??o????? 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 ?????M??todo 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.
SKU
PJ00825
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Albamar Capitan Xurelo Rias Baixas Tinto 2021
Sale
Bodegas Albamar Capitan Xurelo Rias Baixas Tinto 2021
Your Price: $23.97
Save $6.02
Available: 40
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Natural / Sustainable
Capit??n Xurelo is a red blend from many different vineyards. It's produced like of the all reds here, with full clusters that were foot-trodden and fermented with indigenous yeasts. It finished fermenting in barrel and remained there until the next harvest, when it was transferred to stainless steel where it matured for a further eight months. Here, they look for a more austere, perhaps rustic profile. This has tons of notes of acid berries and is light to medium-bodied, with a minty and balsamic touch.
Capit??n Xurelo is a red blend from many different vineyards. It's produced like of the all reds here, with full clusters that were foot-trodden and fermented with indigenous yeasts. It finished fermenting in barrel and remained there until the next harvest, when it was transferred to stainless steel where it matured for a further eight months. Here, they look for a more austere, perhaps rustic profile. This has tons of notes of acid berries and is light to medium-bodied, with a minty and balsamic touch.
SKU
PJ00491
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rias Baixas
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro Crianza Ribera del Duero 2020
Sale
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro Crianza Ribera del Duero 2020
Your Price: $26.97
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Available: 52
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A fragrant nose of mulberries, plums, lavender, sandalwood and baking spices. It’s full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Pleasant, balanced wood notes. Velvety, flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.
SKU
W19001
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Ribera del Duero
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro La Planta Ribera Del Duero 2023
Sale
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro La Planta Ribera Del Duero 2023
Your Price: $13.97
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Available: 45
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A fruity red with aromas of cherries, raspberries, dried flowers, cinnamon and vanilla. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. Creamy, soft and round. Supple finish.
SKU
W21112
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Ribera del Duero
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2023
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Ateca Honoro Vera Garnacha 2023
Sale
Bodegas Ateca Honoro Vera Garnacha 2023
Your Price: $7.97
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Available: 66
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Winemaker Notes:
The grapes come from vineyards, 30-40 years old, with yields of 2T/Ha and located high on the hillsides, 700-900 metres above sea level. The vineyards are planted in mainly decomposed slate and gravely clay soils. The fermentation was carried out in small stainless steel tanks for 15 days at temperetures below 27ºC, and then spent a short period of two months in French oak barrels.
It exhibits greater aromatic complexity, richness with mineral and blueberry notes leading to a savory and spicy wine nicely balanced and very easy to drink.
Food Pairing:
Pair with rice, pasta (noodles, spaghetti, macaroni), white and blue fish, goat cheese, cold meat, vegetables, lentil soup, peas,
mushroom, beef, chicken, roast meat, red and white grill meat.
Tasting Notes:
Color of intense dark cherry with a violet edge. Intense nose, dominated by ripe red fruits, raspberry, currant, together with balsamic and mineral notes. Powerful in the mouth, full-bodied, pleasantly tannic and fruity with a light spice on the finish.
The grapes come from vineyards, 30-40 years old, with yields of 2T/Ha and located high on the hillsides, 700-900 metres above sea level. The vineyards are planted in mainly decomposed slate and gravely clay soils. The fermentation was carried out in small stainless steel tanks for 15 days at temperetures below 27ºC, and then spent a short period of two months in French oak barrels.
It exhibits greater aromatic complexity, richness with mineral and blueberry notes leading to a savory and spicy wine nicely balanced and very easy to drink.
Food Pairing:
Pair with rice, pasta (noodles, spaghetti, macaroni), white and blue fish, goat cheese, cold meat, vegetables, lentil soup, peas,
mushroom, beef, chicken, roast meat, red and white grill meat.
Tasting Notes:
Color of intense dark cherry with a violet edge. Intense nose, dominated by ripe red fruits, raspberry, currant, together with balsamic and mineral notes. Powerful in the mouth, full-bodied, pleasantly tannic and fruity with a light spice on the finish.
SKU
W11930
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2022
VARIETAL
Garnacha
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild Vega Sicilia Macan Clasico Rioja 2020
Sale
Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild Vega Sicilia Macan Clasico Rioja 2020
Your Price: $59.97
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Available: 36
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94 points The Wine Advocate??
Black olives and a hint of black bean puree to the fresh black cherries, damsons and a hint of mint. Refined, medium-bodied palate with fine, fresh tannins that are present but not grainy. Really elegant and long. Drinkable now, but will develop well in the next six to seven years.
SKU
PJ01843
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja 1982 1.5L
Sale
Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja 1982 1.5L
Your Price: $129.97
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Available: 103
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Intense red cherry colour. Complex and elegant on the nose with aromas of plum and sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Slight notes of almonds with the oak very well integrated. Good structure on the mouth with notes of mature fruit and chocolate. A lively wine with good tannic concentration. Long and persistent. Food Matching: Ideal with red meats, game and cheese
SKU
W-00005198
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
1982
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
1.5L
EXCLUDED FROM SALE
yes
Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Campo de Borja Garnacha 2021
Sale
Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Campo de Borja Garnacha 2021
91 JS
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Available: 129
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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.
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.
SKU
PJ01559
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Breca Breca Old Vine Garnacha 2021
Sale
Bodegas Breca Breca Old Vine Garnacha 2021
94 JD
Your Price: $14.97
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Available: 119
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94 points Jeb Dunnuck
Raised all in 500- and 600-liter barrels (all used), the 2021 Breca has a Châteauneuf du Pape-like bouquet of black raspberries, licorice, peppery herbs, and spice. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, rich, voluptuous, concentrated Garnacha with fine tannins and a great finish.
Raised all in 500- and 600-liter barrels (all used), the 2021 Breca has a Châteauneuf du Pape-like bouquet of black raspberries, licorice, peppery herbs, and spice. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, rich, voluptuous, concentrated Garnacha with fine tannins and a great finish.
SKU
W19285
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VARIETAL
Garnacha
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Condado de Haza Crianza Ribera del Duero 2020
Sale
Bodegas Condado de Haza Crianza Ribera del Duero 2020
Your Price: $19.97
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Available: 65
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Intense Tempranillo character is apparent in a concentrated, deeply colored red wine. Saturated red fruit grips the palate, leaving a long and sweet finish that promises excellent development in the bottle. Aged 15 months in barrique.
The four bodegas that comprise Alejandro Fernandez’s wine legacy, and constitute Grupo Pesquera, share a passion for winemaking that has perfected over time. The strong bond to this great winemaker’s homeland is also reflected in the group emblem: the symbolic Archway and Tower of Pesquera de Duero, the characteristic label on his mythical Tinto Pesquera wines. Numerous awards endorse our wines; awards reaped throughout our 40 years of experience in winemaking. It is, without doubt, a dream come true for Alejandro Fernandez whose maxim was always to own a bodega and make fine wines. Today it could be said that reality has surpassed the dream and that Alejandro, his bodegas, and his wines have earned worldwide recognition and appreciation.
The four bodegas that comprise Alejandro Fernandez’s wine legacy, and constitute Grupo Pesquera, share a passion for winemaking that has perfected over time. The strong bond to this great winemaker’s homeland is also reflected in the group emblem: the symbolic Archway and Tower of Pesquera de Duero, the characteristic label on his mythical Tinto Pesquera wines. Numerous awards endorse our wines; awards reaped throughout our 40 years of experience in winemaking. It is, without doubt, a dream come true for Alejandro Fernandez whose maxim was always to own a bodega and make fine wines. Today it could be said that reality has surpassed the dream and that Alejandro, his bodegas, and his wines have earned worldwide recognition and appreciation.
SKU
W10651
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Ribera del Duero
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Ego Goru Gold Red Blend 2018
Sale
Bodegas Ego Goru Gold Red Blend 2018
93 WS
Your Price: $11.97
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Available: 158
/
93 pts Wine Spectator
This red is sleek and solid, in the modern style. Bright cherry, berry and currant flavors mingle with licorice, black tea and mineral notes, giving way to a floral and minerally finish. The firm tannins are well-integrated and juicy acidity keeps this lively. MourvA¨dre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2029
This red is sleek and solid, in the modern style. Bright cherry, berry and currant flavors mingle with licorice, black tea and mineral notes, giving way to a floral and minerally finish. The firm tannins are well-integrated and juicy acidity keeps this lively. MourvA¨dre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2029
SKU
W19390
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Jumilla
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2018
VARIETAL
Red Blend
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Ego Goru Verde Monastrell 2021
Bodegas Ego Goru Verde Monastrell 2021
90 WS
Your Price: $8.99
Available: 153
/
SKU
W21562
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Jumilla
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VARIETAL
Monastrell
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas El Nido Clio 2022
Sale
Bodegas El Nido Clio 2022
Your Price: $49.97
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Available: 75
/
SKU
PJ01600
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Jumilla
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2022
VARIETAL
Monastrell
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Lan Reserva Rioja 2018
Sale
Bodegas Lan Reserva Rioja 2018
Your Price: $17.97
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Available: 16
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Brilliant ripe black cherry red colour with good depth. Fruity aromas with elegant notes of fine wood. Velvety in the mouth with a long finish.
SKU
W01133
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2018
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Ponce Clos Lojen Bobal Manchuela 2023
Sale
Bodegas Ponce Clos Lojen Bobal Manchuela 2023
Organic
Regular price
Regular Price: $13.99
Sale price
Your Price: $11.97
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Available: 106
/
Organic / Biodynamic
This vintage has yet to be reviewed, however, the Wine Advocate has scored it in the nineties every year since 2015!
2015 (90pts), 2016 (91pts), 2017 (92pts), 2018 (91 pts), 2019 (92pts), 2020 (92pts), and 2021 (93pts)
Review is on the 2021 vintage: 93 points Wine Advocate
Juan António Ponce told me 2021 is one of those vintages when you realize in wine you never know everything... He thinks the 2021 Clos Lojen is the most complete vintage ever for this wine, with unusual freshness (despite "normal" parameters like a pH of 3.7 and five grams of acidity) and 12% alcohol. It's intense and has varietal Bobal typicity with good weight. It fermented in 4,500-liter oak vats with 100% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in 4,500-, 10,000- and 15,000-liter French oak vats for six months. This is sharp and austere, with lower alcohol and is more mineral than fruit-driven. Incredible value. 12 %abv
This vintage has yet to be reviewed, however, the Wine Advocate has scored it in the nineties every year since 2015!
2015 (90pts), 2016 (91pts), 2017 (92pts), 2018 (91 pts), 2019 (92pts), 2020 (92pts), and 2021 (93pts)
Review is on the 2021 vintage: 93 points Wine Advocate
Juan António Ponce told me 2021 is one of those vintages when you realize in wine you never know everything... He thinks the 2021 Clos Lojen is the most complete vintage ever for this wine, with unusual freshness (despite "normal" parameters like a pH of 3.7 and five grams of acidity) and 12% alcohol. It's intense and has varietal Bobal typicity with good weight. It fermented in 4,500-liter oak vats with 100% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in 4,500-, 10,000- and 15,000-liter French oak vats for six months. This is sharp and austere, with lower alcohol and is more mineral than fruit-driven. Incredible value. 12 %abv
SKU
W21023
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2023
VARIETAL
Bobal
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Protos Tinto Fino Ribera del Duero 2023
Bodegas Protos Tinto Fino Ribera del Duero 2023
Your Price: $14.97
Available: 152
/
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.
"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.
SKU
W00964
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Ribera del Duero
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2023
VARIETAL
Tinto Fino
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Gran Reserva Rioja 2004
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Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Gran Reserva Rioja 2004
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SKU
W21747
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2004
VOLUME
.750L
EXCLUDED FROM SALE
yes
Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Unica Reserva Rioja 2019
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Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Unica Reserva Rioja 2019
Organic
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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 ??nica 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.
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 ??nica 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.
SKU
PJ00566
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2019
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Teso La Monja Romanico Toro 2022
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Bodegas Teso La Monja Romanico Toro 2022
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The Eguren family of Teso la Monja are one of D.O. Toro's most important pioneers, having cofounded Bodega Numanthia-Termes with Jorge Ord????ez 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
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
SKU
PJ01826
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Toro
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2022
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Vatan Triton Tinta de Toro 2022
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Bodegas Vatan Triton Tinta de Toro 2022
93 JS
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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.
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.
SKU
W21219
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Toro
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2022
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas Volver Single Vineyard Tempranillo La Mancha 2021
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Bodegas Volver Single Vineyard Tempranillo La Mancha 2021
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This has aromas of black fruit, blueberries, dried oysters, grilled herbs and mushrooms. Its full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Savory and structured with excellent energy. Drink or hold.
SKU
W10925
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Bodegas y Vinedos Merayo Las Tres Filas Bierzo Mencia 2019
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Bodegas y Vinedos Merayo Las Tres Filas Bierzo Mencia 2019
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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.
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.
SKU
PJ01876
COUNTRY
Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2019
VOLUME
.750L
Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Red 2017
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Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Red 2017
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"Ruby red colour with a golden rim. Bright and deep. Complex aromas. There is a great balance between the fruit (cherries, black plums, ripe blackberries) and the clean nuances of the wood (clove, pepper, vanilla and coconut). The nose is further enriched by the aromas that develop during bottle ageing. Smooth and balanced on the palate with a full, elegant feel and a long, lingering finish." Winemaker notes
Aged for 18 months in American and French-oak casks (50%). Rounded off for 18 months in the bottle cellar.
Aged for 18 months in American and French-oak casks (50%). Rounded off for 18 months in the bottle cellar.
SKU
W-00000800
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2017
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo Red 2021
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Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo Red 2021
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Cherry, leafy and vanilla notes mingle in this juicy red. Light tannins and lively acidity impart a gentle balance. Not muscular but harmonious. Drink now through 2023. 50,000 cases imported.
SKU
W-00000387
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Capitan Fanegas Graciano Los Olmos Rioja 2018
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Capitan Fanegas Graciano Los Olmos Rioja 2018
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Organic
Capitan Fanegas is the personal project of Mario Ruiz-Clavijo from the historic Bodegas Marques de Arviza in Rioja. The philosophy behind the Capitan Fanegas wines is to make single vineyard expressions of Rioja that reflect and express the sites they come from. The wines are vinos de author; unique representations that are true to the Rioja style.
For 6 months the wine is aged over fine lees. After it was racked to remove the sediments and lees. Then the wine was aged for an extra 12 months without any racking and no sulphur added until bottling giving a total aging in concrete of 18 months. The philosophy is to age the wine with a a hands off approach to avoid oxidation, because Graciano is an easy oxidative variety. Aging in concrete tank gives the wine and extra refinement. Porosity provides a very interesting evolution to the wine like the micro oxygenation in the barrel, but without added flavor or added aromatic impact. With this process, the evolution and maturity of the fruit of the wine is enhanced and helps to maintain the purity of the Graciano character.
It?????s aromas of red and black fruits, floral and some spicy notes, are typical of the Graciano variety. Also, some hints of leather, tabaco, iron, licorice and other tertiary notes given naturally by the variety. The palate is fleshy, powerful, tasty, and spicy with a long and very elegant finish. The tannins on this wine are big but elegant. Due the hands off process we use during aging, we highly recommend decanting the wine prior tasting.
Capitan Fanegas is the personal project of Mario Ruiz-Clavijo from the historic Bodegas Marques de Arviza in Rioja. The philosophy behind the Capitan Fanegas wines is to make single vineyard expressions of Rioja that reflect and express the sites they come from. The wines are vinos de author; unique representations that are true to the Rioja style.
For 6 months the wine is aged over fine lees. After it was racked to remove the sediments and lees. Then the wine was aged for an extra 12 months without any racking and no sulphur added until bottling giving a total aging in concrete of 18 months. The philosophy is to age the wine with a a hands off approach to avoid oxidation, because Graciano is an easy oxidative variety. Aging in concrete tank gives the wine and extra refinement. Porosity provides a very interesting evolution to the wine like the micro oxygenation in the barrel, but without added flavor or added aromatic impact. With this process, the evolution and maturity of the fruit of the wine is enhanced and helps to maintain the purity of the Graciano character.
It?????s aromas of red and black fruits, floral and some spicy notes, are typical of the Graciano variety. Also, some hints of leather, tabaco, iron, licorice and other tertiary notes given naturally by the variety. The palate is fleshy, powerful, tasty, and spicy with a long and very elegant finish. The tannins on this wine are big but elegant. Due the hands off process we use during aging, we highly recommend decanting the wine prior tasting.
SKU
PJ01811
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2018
VOLUME
.750L
Capitan Fanegas La Union Rioja Tinto 2020
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Capitan Fanegas La Union Rioja Tinto 2020
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Organic
Capitan Fanegas is the personal project of Mario Ruiz-Clavijo from the historic Bodegas Marques de Arviza in Rioja. The philosophy behind the Capitan Fanegas wines is to make single vineyard expressions of Rioja that reflect and express the sites they come from. The wines are vinos de author; unique representations that are true to the Rioja style.
La Uni??n comes from a single parcel in the La Uni??n village in Rioja that feautres a mixture of red and white clay with sandy soils. All grapes are hand-harvested from vines that average 25 years of age. A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano that is fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks and aged for 12 months in barrel. Expressive aromas of blackberry, red currants and violets with a fine, silky palate and long, polished finish, enjoy this striking Rioja with grilled lamb chops.
Capitan Fanegas is the personal project of Mario Ruiz-Clavijo from the historic Bodegas Marques de Arviza in Rioja. The philosophy behind the Capitan Fanegas wines is to make single vineyard expressions of Rioja that reflect and express the sites they come from. The wines are vinos de author; unique representations that are true to the Rioja style.
La Uni??n comes from a single parcel in the La Uni??n village in Rioja that feautres a mixture of red and white clay with sandy soils. All grapes are hand-harvested from vines that average 25 years of age. A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano that is fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks and aged for 12 months in barrel. Expressive aromas of blackberry, red currants and violets with a fine, silky palate and long, polished finish, enjoy this striking Rioja with grilled lamb chops.
SKU
PJ01810
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VOLUME
.750L
Casa Castillo Jumilla Monastrell 2021
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Casa Castillo Jumilla Monastrell 2021
92+ WA
OrganicYour Price: $12.97
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Organic
Review is on the previous vintage.
92+ points Wine Advocate
The 2020 Monastrell is pure Monastrell in this exceptional vintage for the grape (in previous years it had up to 20% Garnacha, but there was little Garnacha in 2020). The grapes come from sandy vineyards on the valley floor, and they fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and a shortish maceration. The wine matured in 500-liter oak barrels and 5,000-liter oak vats for nine months. In 2020, there were more grapes from old vines that were used before for the Vino de Finca, which was discontinued. This wine is very aromatic, elegant, expressive and reaching a level I have not seen before in this wine. It's refreshing, light, balanced, nuanced, with velvety tannins and very clean, really transcending its price point. Balanced is the word, and it's also available and affordable and sets the tone for the 2020s.
Review is on the previous vintage.
92+ points Wine Advocate
The 2020 Monastrell is pure Monastrell in this exceptional vintage for the grape (in previous years it had up to 20% Garnacha, but there was little Garnacha in 2020). The grapes come from sandy vineyards on the valley floor, and they fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and a shortish maceration. The wine matured in 500-liter oak barrels and 5,000-liter oak vats for nine months. In 2020, there were more grapes from old vines that were used before for the Vino de Finca, which was discontinued. This wine is very aromatic, elegant, expressive and reaching a level I have not seen before in this wine. It's refreshing, light, balanced, nuanced, with velvety tannins and very clean, really transcending its price point. Balanced is the word, and it's also available and affordable and sets the tone for the 2020s.
SKU
W21177
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Jumilla
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VARIETAL
Monastrell
VOLUME
.750L
Castillo de Fuente Valencia Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Castillo de Fuente Valencia Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Your Price: $7.99
Available: 448
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Bouquet has notes of cherry with hints of violet. Red fruits, with a gentle spicy note. Balanced, velvety palate leads to a soft tannic finish. A great change of pace from California Cabernet Sauvignons.
SKU
PJ01067
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2022
VOLUME
.750L
Contino Gran Reserva Rioja 2017
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Contino Gran Reserva Rioja 2017
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94 points Wine Advocate
The Contino vineyards escaped the frost from 2017, and the 2017 Gran Reserva, from a warm and dry year, is a blend of 82% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano and 3% Garnacha, the selection of the best grapes from different plots in the estate. This is 100% from the new team and from a vintage they consider very good for their property, different than the majority of Rioja. The idea is to follow the long aging in oak to continue with the tradition and keeping the freshness and controlling the power from the place. This is hedonistic and flattering, spicy after maturing in French barrique for 24 months. They harvested earlier than ever, in early September, and the wine reached 13.52% and has very good freshness with a pH of 3.47. It's round and enjoyable, fresher than the last vintage I had tried. 29,483 bottles and 1,000 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2020
The Contino vineyards escaped the frost from 2017, and the 2017 Gran Reserva, from a warm and dry year, is a blend of 82% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano and 3% Garnacha, the selection of the best grapes from different plots in the estate. This is 100% from the new team and from a vintage they consider very good for their property, different than the majority of Rioja. The idea is to follow the long aging in oak to continue with the tradition and keeping the freshness and controlling the power from the place. This is hedonistic and flattering, spicy after maturing in French barrique for 24 months. They harvested earlier than ever, in early September, and the wine reached 13.52% and has very good freshness with a pH of 3.47. It's round and enjoyable, fresher than the last vintage I had tried. 29,483 bottles and 1,000 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2020
SKU
W20157
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2015
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
Contino Reserva Rioja 2018
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Contino Reserva Rioja 2018
94 WA
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95 points James Suckling
Black cherries with cedar and dried flowers, as well as dusty earth. It?????s medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins that are long and polished. Lots of structure. Very typical and focused. Drinkable now, but better in 2024
94 points Wine Advocate
I tasted two vintages of the estate red that represents the blend and the character of the place. The 2018 Reserva comes from a cooler year and is a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo, 6% Graciano and 2% Garnacha with 14.12% alcohol and a pH of 3.48. The grapes ripened thoroughly and the wine is tasty but has a vibrant palate with freshness and depth. It has a classical nose and is complex and spicy with an earthy touch, a little developed and with fine-grained tannins. Very tasty. It spent 18 months in oak barrels, 90% of them French and 10% American; they are reducing the amount of American oak in this wine. 290,998 bottles and 3,500 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2021
Black cherries with cedar and dried flowers, as well as dusty earth. It?????s medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins that are long and polished. Lots of structure. Very typical and focused. Drinkable now, but better in 2024
94 points Wine Advocate
I tasted two vintages of the estate red that represents the blend and the character of the place. The 2018 Reserva comes from a cooler year and is a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo, 6% Graciano and 2% Garnacha with 14.12% alcohol and a pH of 3.48. The grapes ripened thoroughly and the wine is tasty but has a vibrant palate with freshness and depth. It has a classical nose and is complex and spicy with an earthy touch, a little developed and with fine-grained tannins. Very tasty. It spent 18 months in oak barrels, 90% of them French and 10% American; they are reducing the amount of American oak in this wine. 290,998 bottles and 3,500 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2021
SKU
W20841
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2015
VOLUME
.750L
Costador Terroirs Mediterranis Metamorphika Macabeu Brisat 2023
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Costador Terroirs Mediterranis Metamorphika Macabeu Brisat 2023
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Organic / Biodynamic / Natural / Orange Wine
From vines around 70-80 years old planted to four hectares of clay, stony and calcareous soils, the grapes are hand-harvested at the end of September with intense sorting. Maceration lasts a minimum of 12 weeks wiht 50% whole-cluster and the rest de-stemmed. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in clay amphorae (300-3500L), using indigenous yeasts, between 4-6 weeks without temperature control. The wine rests on lees for three months with stirring once a day in the beginning and then once a week. Aged for four months in clay amphora. Unfined and unfiltered.
Costador Terroirs works only using organic and biodynamic practices, on a singular mountain where there are very old vineyard (someone of them certified). The vineyards are very old, the major part between 60 to 110 year, spanning different “terroirs” (slate, clay and limestone) at altitudes between 400 to 800 meters. With the high contrast of temperatures, the grapes can mature for long periods allowing the preservation of freshness and acidity. The temperatures are always controlled throughout the entire process, from the moment we pick up the grape to fermentation and aging. The estate strives to preserve the authentic flavor and taste of the varietals, only using wild and autochthonous yeasts for fermentation. The major part of the fermentation s don amphora or stainless steel tanks, along wit used French and acacia oak barrels. Aging is done in amphorae and used oak as well. The estate allows a genuine wine to develop from it's place of origin. The estate works with autochthonous Catalan varieties of grape: Reds - Grenache, Carignan, Sumoll Negre, and Trepat. Whites - Macabeu, Xarel-lo, Sumoll lanc, Parellada and Grenache Blanc. The estate's strictly holds to organic and biodynamic practices from vineyard to aging.
From vines around 70-80 years old planted to four hectares of clay, stony and calcareous soils, the grapes are hand-harvested at the end of September with intense sorting. Maceration lasts a minimum of 12 weeks wiht 50% whole-cluster and the rest de-stemmed. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in clay amphorae (300-3500L), using indigenous yeasts, between 4-6 weeks without temperature control. The wine rests on lees for three months with stirring once a day in the beginning and then once a week. Aged for four months in clay amphora. Unfined and unfiltered.
Costador Terroirs works only using organic and biodynamic practices, on a singular mountain where there are very old vineyard (someone of them certified). The vineyards are very old, the major part between 60 to 110 year, spanning different “terroirs” (slate, clay and limestone) at altitudes between 400 to 800 meters. With the high contrast of temperatures, the grapes can mature for long periods allowing the preservation of freshness and acidity. The temperatures are always controlled throughout the entire process, from the moment we pick up the grape to fermentation and aging. The estate strives to preserve the authentic flavor and taste of the varietals, only using wild and autochthonous yeasts for fermentation. The major part of the fermentation s don amphora or stainless steel tanks, along wit used French and acacia oak barrels. Aging is done in amphorae and used oak as well. The estate allows a genuine wine to develop from it's place of origin. The estate works with autochthonous Catalan varieties of grape: Reds - Grenache, Carignan, Sumoll Negre, and Trepat. Whites - Macabeu, Xarel-lo, Sumoll lanc, Parellada and Grenache Blanc. The estate's strictly holds to organic and biodynamic practices from vineyard to aging.
SKU
PJ01379
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Other Spain
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2023
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Cune Crianza Rioja 2021
Sale
CVNE Cune Crianza Rioja 2021
Your Price: $10.97
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91 points James Suckling
A spicy rendition of Cune crianza, but as always this is fruity, with lots of cherries, plums and a touch of white pepper. Juicy and bright, with some restrained fruit sweetness. Very fine-grained, juicy and consistent.
A spicy rendition of Cune crianza, but as always this is fruity, with lots of cherries, plums and a touch of white pepper. Juicy and bright, with some restrained fruit sweetness. Very fine-grained, juicy and consistent.
SKU
PJ01786
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2021
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Cune Gran Reserva Rioja 2017
Sale
CVNE Cune Gran Reserva Rioja 2017
94 WS
Your Price: $24.97
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94 points Wine Spectaor
A fresh, graceful red, with dense, sculpted tannins creating good tension while finding fine integration with a lovely range of ripe black plum and black cherry, cured tobacco, balsamico and minerally iron and tar notes. Firm and racy on the lasting, spiced finish. Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Best from 2025 through 2035. 4,166 cases made, 500 cases imported
A fresh, graceful red, with dense, sculpted tannins creating good tension while finding fine integration with a lovely range of ripe black plum and black cherry, cured tobacco, balsamico and minerally iron and tar notes. Firm and racy on the lasting, spiced finish. Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Best from 2025 through 2035. 4,166 cases made, 500 cases imported
SKU
PJ01609
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2017
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Cune Organic Rioja 2020
Sale
CVNE Cune Organic Rioja 2020
91 WA
OrganicYour Price: $11.97
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Organic
91 pts Wine Advocate
The certified organic red 2020 Cune Organic is aromatic, expressive and fruit-driven but with depth and complexity. They liked the Garnacha in 2020, which represents no less than 60% of the blend, complemented by 30% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. The wine is fresh and has a profile similar to the young and juicy Crianza, with good ripeness and a solid palate. It matured in second use 300-liter oak barrels for six months. Urrutia mentioned cheerful and barbecue when talking about this wine. Very good at that.
91 pts Wine Advocate
The certified organic red 2020 Cune Organic is aromatic, expressive and fruit-driven but with depth and complexity. They liked the Garnacha in 2020, which represents no less than 60% of the blend, complemented by 30% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. The wine is fresh and has a profile similar to the young and juicy Crianza, with good ripeness and a solid palate. It matured in second use 300-liter oak barrels for six months. Urrutia mentioned cheerful and barbecue when talking about this wine. Very good at that.
SKU
W19918
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Cune Reserva Rioja 2019
Sale
CVNE Cune Reserva Rioja 2019
Your Price: $17.97
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Available: 58
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93 points James Suckling
Lovely finesse and balance to this red, with berries, light vanilla and dried flowers. Medium body, creamy tannins and a bright finish.
90 points Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cune Reserva was produced with a blend of Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo from Haro. 2018 was a warm and healthy year that delivered a wine with 14% alcohol and good balance. It fermented in 20,000-liter stainless steel vats and matured in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. It's a classical warm year in the style of 2009, or 2015, already with some tertiary notes, hints of earth and leather, spicy and with abundant tannins that call for food
Lovely finesse and balance to this red, with berries, light vanilla and dried flowers. Medium body, creamy tannins and a bright finish.
90 points Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cune Reserva was produced with a blend of Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo from Haro. 2018 was a warm and healthy year that delivered a wine with 14% alcohol and good balance. It fermented in 20,000-liter stainless steel vats and matured in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. It's a classical warm year in the style of 2009, or 2015, already with some tertiary notes, hints of earth and leather, spicy and with abundant tannins that call for food
SKU
PJ01787
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2019
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 1995
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 1995
Your Price: $159.97
Available: 7
/
"Good full red. Deeply pitched aromas of smoke, minerals, leather and truffle. Supple and silky but nicely penetrating, with ripe, intense flavors of cherry, minerals and oak perfectly framed by harmonious acids. Subtle, textured Rioja finishing with good grip and thrust." 90pts Vinous
"This red shows depth and complexity, maturing but still fresh. It's generous on the palate, with plum, raisin, cedar and chocolate notes. A true expression of Rioja character. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cases made." 90pts WS
85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. Aging in French and American oak cask 36 months and aging in bottle 48 months before going to market. This wine is produced from grapes harvested in vineyards that are over 20 years old. They are bush pruned, with low yields, and hand harvested. Only the healthiest and ripest grapes are selected, and following destalking, the grapes are cold macerated prior to a cold temperature fermentation. Following a long maceration to achieve optimum colour and structure, the wine goes through a malolactic fermentation, to refine the wine, and to leave it with the necessary acidity.
Imperial is one of the renowned references in the entire history of Spanish winemaking. It is a true classic in Rioja and was first bottled in the 1920?????s. Its name was originally adopted after a special bottling for the English market in a bottle called ?????Pinta Imperial????? or ?????Imperial Pint????? (an Imperial pint, half a litre approximately). The grapes to make Imperial have always come from our own 28 hectares of vineyards in Villalba (Rioja Alta), and selected vineyards in the nearby communes of Briones and Montalvo, where our vines average age is kept over 20 years to secure quality.
Rioja Alta is the westernmost part of Rioja's three subregions. Its climate is noticeably influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The soil in Rioja Alta is rich in iron salts, limestone and clay, along with nutrients deposited in the region by the tributaries of the Ebro River. Rioja Alta is known for producing full-bodied wines with a medium alcohol content and a high acidity level that are suitable for being aged in casks, forming the basis of most red Rioja.
CVNE (Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana) is one of the most renowned and historic bodegas in all of Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo, the company has been an integral part of the Rioja region?????s ascendance in the world of fine wine. With their combination of traditional roots and innovative vision, CVNE has been one of Rioja?????s most reliable sources for high quality wine. The company is still run by descendants of the Real de Asua brothers, now represented by the fifth generation with current CEO Victor Urrutia Ybarra. Since its founding, CVNE?????s goal has been to increase the scope of production while maintaining the level of quality on which their reputation was built. Forty years after the original bodega was created, CVNE expanded into the Alavesa region. Today, CVNE is comprised of three separate bodegas: Cune, Vina Real, and Contino. Each of the three estates produces a distinct style of wine from a distinct terroir, and each of their flagship bottlings occupies a well-deserved place in the pantheon of great Spanish wine.
"This red shows depth and complexity, maturing but still fresh. It's generous on the palate, with plum, raisin, cedar and chocolate notes. A true expression of Rioja character. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cases made." 90pts WS
85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. Aging in French and American oak cask 36 months and aging in bottle 48 months before going to market. This wine is produced from grapes harvested in vineyards that are over 20 years old. They are bush pruned, with low yields, and hand harvested. Only the healthiest and ripest grapes are selected, and following destalking, the grapes are cold macerated prior to a cold temperature fermentation. Following a long maceration to achieve optimum colour and structure, the wine goes through a malolactic fermentation, to refine the wine, and to leave it with the necessary acidity.
Imperial is one of the renowned references in the entire history of Spanish winemaking. It is a true classic in Rioja and was first bottled in the 1920?????s. Its name was originally adopted after a special bottling for the English market in a bottle called ?????Pinta Imperial????? or ?????Imperial Pint????? (an Imperial pint, half a litre approximately). The grapes to make Imperial have always come from our own 28 hectares of vineyards in Villalba (Rioja Alta), and selected vineyards in the nearby communes of Briones and Montalvo, where our vines average age is kept over 20 years to secure quality.
Rioja Alta is the westernmost part of Rioja's three subregions. Its climate is noticeably influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The soil in Rioja Alta is rich in iron salts, limestone and clay, along with nutrients deposited in the region by the tributaries of the Ebro River. Rioja Alta is known for producing full-bodied wines with a medium alcohol content and a high acidity level that are suitable for being aged in casks, forming the basis of most red Rioja.
CVNE (Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana) is one of the most renowned and historic bodegas in all of Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo, the company has been an integral part of the Rioja region?????s ascendance in the world of fine wine. With their combination of traditional roots and innovative vision, CVNE has been one of Rioja?????s most reliable sources for high quality wine. The company is still run by descendants of the Real de Asua brothers, now represented by the fifth generation with current CEO Victor Urrutia Ybarra. Since its founding, CVNE?????s goal has been to increase the scope of production while maintaining the level of quality on which their reputation was built. Forty years after the original bodega was created, CVNE expanded into the Alavesa region. Today, CVNE is comprised of three separate bodegas: Cune, Vina Real, and Contino. Each of the three estates produces a distinct style of wine from a distinct terroir, and each of their flagship bottlings occupies a well-deserved place in the pantheon of great Spanish wine.
SKU
W00126
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
1995
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
EXCLUDED FROM SALE
yes
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 2017
Sale
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 2017
Your Price: $86.97
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Available: 42
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94 points Wine Advocate
I tasted two vintages of the Gran Reserva from Haro, starting with the 2017 Imperial Gran Reserva from a warm and dry year whose yields were lowered by frost in late April and was saved by rains at the end of July. It's 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo with 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.31 grams of acidity. It fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and aging in French (70%) and American oak barrels for two years, during which time the wine was racked every eight months. It's evolving at a slightly faster pace and maybe it's a little lighter, but I didn't feel the heat, which is quite something. It's drinking well. 75,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2020.
I tasted two vintages of the Gran Reserva from Haro, starting with the 2017 Imperial Gran Reserva from a warm and dry year whose yields were lowered by frost in late April and was saved by rains at the end of July. It's 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo with 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.31 grams of acidity. It fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and aging in French (70%) and American oak barrels for two years, during which time the wine was racked every eight months. It's evolving at a slightly faster pace and maybe it's a little lighter, but I didn't feel the heat, which is quite something. It's drinking well. 75,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2020.
SKU
PJ01788
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2017
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Imperial Reserva Rioja 2019
Sale
CVNE Imperial Reserva Rioja 2019
Your Price: $35.97
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Available: 347
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95 points James Suckling
A precise, layered nose that shows excellent purity despite some sweet oak spices. More berry fruit comes out as you give it some time in the glass. Plums, cherries, red berries with dark mushrooms, cured meat, grilled spices, stones, vanilla and iodine. Juicy, spiced berries quickly tighten up on the medium- to full-bodied palate with dusty, powerful tannins, allowing it to expand into the finish. It grows on the palate and the creaminess is already chiselled. This will age beautifully in the next 10-15 years. Drinkable now, but better from 2026.
94 points Vinous
The 2019 Reserva Imperial is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo sourced from Villalba, Briones and Torremontalbo in Rioja Alta. Aged for 24 months in a combination of French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels, this dark garnet wine reveals enticing aromas of blackberry and ripe plums from the Tempranillo, complemented by hints of hops and herbs from the other varieties. Dry, intense and juicy on the palate, it offers a fairly chalky and energetic mouthfeel. This is a classic Rioja with a nod to fruit-forwardness.
94 points Wine Advocate
The 2019 Imperial Reserva was cropped from a very healthy year with good ripeness and balance, a powerful vintage with a 185-day vegetative cycle. They look for finesse, precision and power, a blend of Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha put through optical sorting and fermented in oak vats with yeasts selected from the Imperial vineyards and a 20-day maceration, then it matured in barrels, 70% French and the rest American, for 24 months. It has 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.61. It feels very classical, with finesse and power, balanced and serious. It has tannins that call for food. 150,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2022.
A precise, layered nose that shows excellent purity despite some sweet oak spices. More berry fruit comes out as you give it some time in the glass. Plums, cherries, red berries with dark mushrooms, cured meat, grilled spices, stones, vanilla and iodine. Juicy, spiced berries quickly tighten up on the medium- to full-bodied palate with dusty, powerful tannins, allowing it to expand into the finish. It grows on the palate and the creaminess is already chiselled. This will age beautifully in the next 10-15 years. Drinkable now, but better from 2026.
94 points Vinous
The 2019 Reserva Imperial is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo sourced from Villalba, Briones and Torremontalbo in Rioja Alta. Aged for 24 months in a combination of French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels, this dark garnet wine reveals enticing aromas of blackberry and ripe plums from the Tempranillo, complemented by hints of hops and herbs from the other varieties. Dry, intense and juicy on the palate, it offers a fairly chalky and energetic mouthfeel. This is a classic Rioja with a nod to fruit-forwardness.
94 points Wine Advocate
The 2019 Imperial Reserva was cropped from a very healthy year with good ripeness and balance, a powerful vintage with a 185-day vegetative cycle. They look for finesse, precision and power, a blend of Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha put through optical sorting and fermented in oak vats with yeasts selected from the Imperial vineyards and a 20-day maceration, then it matured in barrels, 70% French and the rest American, for 24 months. It has 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.61. It feels very classical, with finesse and power, balanced and serious. It has tannins that call for food. 150,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2022.
SKU
PJ01789
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2019
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Vina Real Bakeder Rioja 2020
Sale
CVNE Vina Real Bakeder Rioja 2020
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92+ points Wine Advocate
A new wine from the Vi??a Real winery, the 2020 Bakeder is a village red produced with Tempranillo grapes from Laguardia. It has contained oak and good ripeness at 13.95% alcohol, a more modern style of red that shows very young, quite fruit-driven and with a soft mouthfeel and velvety tannins. It has purity of fruit, elegance and finesse with respectful oak after 10 months in French barriques. There are some 30,000 bottles of this. It was first produced in 2019.
A new wine from the Vi??a Real winery, the 2020 Bakeder is a village red produced with Tempranillo grapes from Laguardia. It has contained oak and good ripeness at 13.95% alcohol, a more modern style of red that shows very young, quite fruit-driven and with a soft mouthfeel and velvety tannins. It has purity of fruit, elegance and finesse with respectful oak after 10 months in French barriques. There are some 30,000 bottles of this. It was first produced in 2019.
SKU
PJ01785
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2020
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Vina Real Crianza Rioja 2019
Sale
CVNE Vina Real Crianza Rioja 2019
91 WA
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91 points Wine Advocate
The fruit-driven, ripe and heady 2019 Vina Real Crianza was produced with 90% Tempranillo and the rest between Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano from a vineyard in the Sonsierra zone (call it Rioja Alavesa if you like). It has 13.75% alcohol and a pH of 3.6 and is polished and easy to understand and like. It has plenty of tannins; it calls for food. The oak is soft and integrated.
93 points James Suckling
High-toned, floral aromas with orange peel and crushed blackberries. Medium-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that are polished and intense. Serious length and focus. Very drinkable now, but even better in 2024
The fruit-driven, ripe and heady 2019 Vina Real Crianza was produced with 90% Tempranillo and the rest between Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano from a vineyard in the Sonsierra zone (call it Rioja Alavesa if you like). It has 13.75% alcohol and a pH of 3.6 and is polished and easy to understand and like. It has plenty of tannins; it calls for food. The oak is soft and integrated.
93 points James Suckling
High-toned, floral aromas with orange peel and crushed blackberries. Medium-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that are polished and intense. Serious length and focus. Very drinkable now, but even better in 2024
SKU
W19904
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2019
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
CVNE Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja 1978
CVNE Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja 1978
Your Price: $229.97
Available: 64
/
"1978 was a very short vintage for Rioja with "only" 78 million liters of wine produced (compared with 135 million in 1981 or 128 million in 1973). That year Egypt and Israel signed the Camp David Accords, Vietnam invaded Cambodia and in Italy the terrorist group Red Brigades kidnapped and killed ex-Prime Minister Aldo Moro. The Vatican saw Pope John Paul I succeeding Pope Paul IV and Pope John Paul II succeeding Pope John Paul I shortly after. “Grease” opened in cinemas and cult TV series “Mazinger Z” aired in Spain, surely the first (and probably the last!) super robot manga series that I watched on TV. The vintage was officially declared "Muy Buena" (very good), while at CVNE they were a little more conservative about the quality of their wines and considered it simply "Buena." The 1978 Viña Real Gran Reserva was bottled unusually late, in February 1987. That might explain why I found the wine exceptionally dry, with smoky notes." WA
I think context is very important in wine, and when I drink old bottles I always think how the world was when they harvested the grapes: what happened that year, how people lived and how they made the wine. It's sometimes mind boggling to drink some very old wines, a real privilege which, I often say, is as close as you can get to time travel. So I've given some context to all these wines. I'm told nobody reads the tasting notes and people only look at the scores, let's see if we get some reaction on these. Even though the tasting was excellent, I expected even more; we had too many corked wines and some vintages had shown better on other occasions. But such is the case with old wines, there are no great vintages anymore, only great bottles. Highlights of the tasting were 1959, 1947 and 1938. On top of those, there was one outstanding and perfect wine that day, and, as I might not find better excuse to publish a note on it than now, I've included it here. It's an historical wine, a one-off, semi-sweet white produced at the end of the Spanish Civil War, a wine impossible to replicate, fruit of impossible circumstances, a wine I've had the luck to drink and share with many people on a number of occasions and which never fails to impress everyone.
I think context is very important in wine, and when I drink old bottles I always think how the world was when they harvested the grapes: what happened that year, how people lived and how they made the wine. It's sometimes mind boggling to drink some very old wines, a real privilege which, I often say, is as close as you can get to time travel. So I've given some context to all these wines. I'm told nobody reads the tasting notes and people only look at the scores, let's see if we get some reaction on these. Even though the tasting was excellent, I expected even more; we had too many corked wines and some vintages had shown better on other occasions. But such is the case with old wines, there are no great vintages anymore, only great bottles. Highlights of the tasting were 1959, 1947 and 1938. On top of those, there was one outstanding and perfect wine that day, and, as I might not find better excuse to publish a note on it than now, I've included it here. It's an historical wine, a one-off, semi-sweet white produced at the end of the Spanish Civil War, a wine impossible to replicate, fruit of impossible circumstances, a wine I've had the luck to drink and share with many people on a number of occasions and which never fails to impress everyone.
SKU
W-00003342
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
1978
VARIETAL
Tempranillo
VOLUME
.750L
EXCLUDED FROM SALE
yes
CVNE Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja 2016
Sale
CVNE Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja 2016
95 WA
Your Price: $54.97
Save $5.02
Available: 39
/
95 points Wine Advocate
The extremely affordable 2016 Vi??a Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making.
95 points James Suckling
Attractive nose of dark cherries, dill, thyme, coconut and chocolate. Some salted caramel, too. It's medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. So balanced and fresh with a long, refined finish.
The extremely affordable 2016 Vi??a Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making.
95 points James Suckling
Attractive nose of dark cherries, dill, thyme, coconut and chocolate. Some salted caramel, too. It's medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. So balanced and fresh with a long, refined finish.
SKU
W21742
COUNTRY
Spain
REGION
Rioja
TYPE
Red
VINTAGE
2016
VOLUME
.750L