2005 Finca Allende, Calvario, Rioja

Very serious, classic and classy Bordeaux-esque nose, this is all about poise, balance and structure on the palate, with the beautifully defined spicy fruit vying for attention with the fine tannins, creating a mouth-filling whole which is a real treat. A sublime wine, this is really something special. Lovely now, this will drink for two decades from the vintage.
(Chris Pollington, Cellar Plan Advisor)

Miguel Angel Gregorio's particular vision of Calvary dates from 1945 and is a clay/chalk vineyard of no apparent distinction. With Tempranillo vines dating from this seemingly magical year (not just Peace in Europe but also the birth date of Artadi's El Pison vineyard) and an ambitious elevage that involves over 20 months in 100% new French oak, there is an apparent risk of over-indulgence. This does not appear to be the case when tasting the wine; the oak is already wonderfully integrated, the tannins very fine with layers of fruit, spice and minerals etched with lapidary care.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)