2007 Marqués de Vargas, Reserva

In the heart of the Ebro valley, just outside the famous wine town of Logrono we find three famous Bodegas, known locally as the Three Marquis; the other two being Murietta and Romeral. Vargas is a single, large vineyard, covering over 65 hectares; under the expert stewardship of the La Mata family the wines have maintained their traditional Rioja identity but have developed their own individual personality, achieved though a combination of meticulous husbandry in the vineyards and a fine attention to detail in the winery.

2007 was rated a very good vintage in Rioja; the combination of an extended growing season and sunny harvest have yielded wines with firm acidity, plenty of fruit and real concentration. After 23 months in a combination of new American and second-fill French and Russian barrels, the wine was allowed to rest for another 12 months before release. A classic nose of wild strawberry and spice leads to a rich, velvety palate which would work well with Beef Wellington or roast pork.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)