2006 Artadi Pagos Viejos

2006 has given us a delightful and complex Pagos Viejos, with white pepper, balsamic spices, red fruits, and vanillin all evidenced then hints of mocha and hazelnut, and, if it doesn’t sound too odd, a backdrop that is almost minty in its purity. Youthful, powerful, and with the Artadi trademark tannins (silky and ripe but persuasive, from ageing in French oak) that will start to soften in 2010 and improve over the following five years. Juan Carlos’ reputation as Spain’s best wine-maker is merited through-out his impressive range. This wine, close to the top of that range, is my personal favourite.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer - Sept 09)

In my experience prior to this tasting, the bywords for the 2006 vintage have been: Fresh, early-maturing wines of vibrant fruit and purity. These adjectives are perfectly exemplified by this Rioja: The nose offers subtle perfumed fruit, with hints of spice and cedar oak. The palate is minerally-laden with lashings of crunchy berry fruit, dark chocolate, satin texture and polished tannins. The 2006 Artadi Pagos Viejos is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop for the next 8-9 years.
(Eva Polaki - Tasting Manager at Berry's Fine Spanish Wine Tutored Tasting -09/12/09)

The 2006 Pagos Viejos is sourced from Tempranillo vines over 75 years of age and aged for 18 months in new French oak. The wine is inky purple with a sublime nose of pain grille, graphite, black cherry, wild blue fruits, and blackberry. This leads to a dense, plush, remarkably elegant wine which is already exhibiting some complexity. While rich enough to be enjoyed now, it will improve for 5-7 years and be at its best from 2015 to 2030.
(Jay Miller - Wine Advocate - Feb-09)