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The wonderful fresh strawberry aroma of young Tempranillo soars from every glass, unencumbered by oak and dialled up to 11 by a dose of carbonic maceration (the technique synonymous with the juicy, tannin-light wines of Beaujolais). On the palate, this shows a crisp acidity indicative of the deceptively lofty vineyards of Arlanza DOP, which lies between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This is BBR’s first wine from Arlanza and we thank our friends the Aragón family at Cillar de Silos for the introduction – the indefatigable Oscar Aragón is the winemaking consultant at Hacienda del Carmen.
Will Heslop - Wine Buyer
Will Heslop - Wine Buyer
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This is instantly seductive, with notes of cedar, wood smoke and punnet-loads of ripe, plummy fruit. This is a blend of Garnacha (88 percent) and Tempranillo, grown in a single vineyard on the slopes Mount Yerga. Twelve months in French oak – half of it new – contribute to its voluptuous mouth-feel, while the effects of altitude, as well as the deft timing of the 2014 harvest, ensure it remains fresh and lithe. A great match for all manner of meat dishes, but rabbit paella would be top of my list.
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This 2012 Crianza is really impressive. Dense and rich, exuding sweet, dark fruit, it is a serious wine with notable, ripe tannins and good structure from 13 months in French oak. A lovely, perfumed nose and a herbal twist on the palate adds complexity and the finish is long and rewarding. This is a fine example of how serious a Crianza can get. Try with: lamb dishes – from rich, slow-roast shoulder to delicate cutlets.
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Generous notes of cherry, raspberry, clove and tea. Pure and fine, with gentle tannins and texture which builds gently across the palate. The 2012 feels ‘light on its feet’ and silky with a lovely flow throughout. This is the most refined, discreet offering from Artadi.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
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Ready, but will keep,
Cillar de Silos’s flagship wine, the Torresilo rarely disappoints, yet the 2014 is a particularly fascinating wine. The cooler weather of an ‘Atlantic’ vintage has brought real finesse and a beautiful depth of flavour along with the signature 2014 lavender perfume. The 60- to 120-year-old vines provide good concentration, tempered by 16 months in new French oak. This may technically be of Reserva status but it is a stunning, top level Ribera del Duero wine. Try with: braised lamb, venison or rich roast pork.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl19cs
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Ribeira Sacra is one of the most exciting regions to emerge from Spain in recent years. Situated in the north-eastern corner in Galicia, the area is remote, the landscape arid and mountainous. Dominio do Bibei's Javier Domínguez is producing modern wines with beautiful definition and verve, using traditional grape varieties. The vineyards are steeply terraced with little topsoil – the old vines working hard to survive amongst the rocky terrain of slate/schist. These are thoughtful wines, which not only please but also challenge the senses through their extraordinary purity and detail.
A 100 percent Mencía farmed on step slate and granite slopes, this has been aged in foudre for seven months; crushed raspberry, black tea and cassis are all evidenced. The palate shows cool fruit, but no lack of concentration, not to mention very finely etched tannins.
A 100 percent Mencía farmed on step slate and granite slopes, this has been aged in foudre for seven months; crushed raspberry, black tea and cassis are all evidenced. The palate shows cool fruit, but no lack of concentration, not to mention very finely etched tannins.
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Ready, but will improve,
The vineyards in Pintia are steep; around 600m above sea level. The hot continental climate gives powerful black wines with noticeable smoky notes. Pintia is produced with 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) from ungrafted 40-60 year old vines. Fermentation is done in new French oak barrels and the wine is aged for 12 months in new oak (50% new and 30% American). Strong aromas of scorched earth, melted liquorice, freshly ground espresso beans and ripe red plums and dark blackberries.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Vega Sicilia’s owners, the Álvarez family, bought Pintia in 1996, attracted to the galet strewn terroir, the rich clay subsoils and the familiar altitude. Toro’s main point of difference to Ribera del Duero is the ambient temperature, which can blaze in the height of summer. The challenge here is to match concentration with elegance, a challenge met by Bodegas Pintia with no shortage of aplomb.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Vega Sicilia’s owners, the Álvarez family, bought Pintia in 1996, attracted to the galet strewn terroir, the rich clay subsoils and the familiar altitude. Toro’s main point of difference to Ribera del Duero is the ambient temperature, which can blaze in the height of summer. The challenge here is to match concentration with elegance, a challenge met by Bodegas Pintia with no shortage of aplomb.
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Bodegas la Horra is Roda’s new-ish project in Ribera del Duero, the vineyard located in the eponymous village in the heart of the DO. No expense has been spared in the winery and the vineyard sites were only identified after nearly five years of research. Intellectually the idea is to demonstrate the differing facets of Tempranillo in these two famous DOs. A fascinating project.
Corimbo I is all Tempranillo (known locally as Tinta del País), sourced from plots in the villages of Horra and Roa. The wine has been aged for 16 months in 80 percent French and 20 percent American oak, the French emphasis reflecting the house philosophy. Heady yet elegant, rich yet finely poised, this wine combines a generous fruit character with refined tannins and firm acidity, the latter as a result of the altitude of the vines.
Corimbo I is all Tempranillo (known locally as Tinta del País), sourced from plots in the villages of Horra and Roa. The wine has been aged for 16 months in 80 percent French and 20 percent American oak, the French emphasis reflecting the house philosophy. Heady yet elegant, rich yet finely poised, this wine combines a generous fruit character with refined tannins and firm acidity, the latter as a result of the altitude of the vines.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl32cs
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Ready, but will keep,
Vega Sicilia’s owners, the Álvarez family, bought Bodegas Pintia in 1996, attracted to the galet-strewn terroir in the north Spanish wine region of Toro, the rich clay subsoils and the familiar altitude. Toro’s main point of difference to Ribera del Duero is the ambient temperature, which can blaze in the height of summer. The challenge here is to match concentration with elegance, a challenge met by Bodegas Pintia with no shortage of aplomb.
With a rich nose of sweet blackcurrant and cherry fruit, lined with perfumed menthol and spice, the wine has a dense, powerful palate, with the same concentrated fruit but a superb savoury element and hints of tar, all swept along into an excellently fresh, fruit-filled finish.
With a rich nose of sweet blackcurrant and cherry fruit, lined with perfumed menthol and spice, the wine has a dense, powerful palate, with the same concentrated fruit but a superb savoury element and hints of tar, all swept along into an excellently fresh, fruit-filled finish.
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Pagos Viejos is a wondrous concoction produced from the oldest vines within three of the great vineyards of Artadi; El Carretil, La Poza de Ballesteros and Valdeginés. Dark and brooding in style, it has plenty of spice on the nose which mingles gently alongside the ripe yet fresh fruit. The tannins are chunky and encompassing, providing a sturdy frame for the multi-layered blueberry, red cherry and raspberry fruit. The finish is very long and seamless, this will age beautifully.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager
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Bottle 6 x 75cl34cs
£186.96
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£238.00
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La Poza de Ballesteros, the second of the three single vineyard sites faces Valdeginés in the San Ginés Valley, its west exposition engendering a wine with a different character, firmer, denser and with more stentorian tannins.
Biurco is a vineyard that we have enjoyed visiting over the years; it has a tranquillity and beauty and, predominately west-facing, is particularly attractive in the evening. The soil is homogenised clay and limestone, and the wine is marked by the charm of its aromas; violets, truffles and dark chocolate to name but three. If its stablemate Valdeparasio is linear, this wine is more fleshy and noted for both the sweetness of fruit on the palate and the power on the finish with layers of sumptuous ripe red cherry, fresh strawberry and vanilla new oak. Drink 2018-2029
Biurco is a vineyard that we have enjoyed visiting over the years; it has a tranquillity and beauty and, predominately west-facing, is particularly attractive in the evening. The soil is homogenised clay and limestone, and the wine is marked by the charm of its aromas; violets, truffles and dark chocolate to name but three. If its stablemate Valdeparasio is linear, this wine is more fleshy and noted for both the sweetness of fruit on the palate and the power on the finish with layers of sumptuous ripe red cherry, fresh strawberry and vanilla new oak. Drink 2018-2029
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Visiting la Poza and Valdegines, each on the gentle slopes of a valley, with differing aspects and orientations, one can clearly see how Artadi are in the vanguard of the Parcellaire movement in Spain, that is to say the identification of specific plots to give specific character to the wines. La Poza gets afternoon sun and is harvested a week earlier than Valdegines. Its pure clay/limestone soils give wines of power and structure; the 2011 has a nose of eucalypt, soy and black tea, and a ripe fruit character on the palate, nicely supported by the finely-chiselled tannins.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
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Ready, but will keep,
Bodega Contador was founded as recently as 1995, but has already become one of Rioja’s most respected wineries – thanks to its superb terroir and the brilliant winemaking skill of proprietor Benjamin Romeo. His first vintages (2004 and ’05) both garnered 100 points from the Wine Advocate. Benjamin’s winemaking is relatively modern and the results are extraordinary.
Benjamin’s muse is the most feminine and complex of his range. It’s the only wine which he fits into the traditional classification system, with 24 months of wood ageing and a further 36 months in bottle, entitling it to Gran Reserva status. The blend includes Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, each weaving subtle flavour and nuance into the ensemble. The wine is richly structured. Distinctive savoury notes are juxtaposed with the berry fruit. Liquorice, fig and pot-pourri underwrite the latent complexity.
Benjamin’s muse is the most feminine and complex of his range. It’s the only wine which he fits into the traditional classification system, with 24 months of wood ageing and a further 36 months in bottle, entitling it to Gran Reserva status. The blend includes Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, each weaving subtle flavour and nuance into the ensemble. The wine is richly structured. Distinctive savoury notes are juxtaposed with the berry fruit. Liquorice, fig and pot-pourri underwrite the latent complexity.
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£351.00
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Ready, but will improve,
The Cueva is all Tempranillo and is sourced from seven different vineyards, all of which have either sandy clay or calcareous clay soils. Aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak, the 2011 has a powerful nose of ripe blackberry and soft spice; the ripeness is also evident on the palate, which is powerful yet has finely integrated tannins and a hint of balsam on the finish, as one often finds with high quality Tempranillo.
Nicholas Stewart - Fine Wine Team
Nicholas Stewart - Fine Wine Team
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Ready, but will improve,
Judicious fruit selection and attention to detail in the winery have negated any problems arising from a challenging growing season, which culminated in the old meteorological one-two of too little, then too much rain. The perfumed Graciano constitues around 10% of this blend, and must take some credit for a nose rich in black fruit, floral aromas and sweet spice. Equally assertive (and delicious) on the palate, this will continue to gain in complexity and finesse over the next several years.
Will Heslop - Buying Department
Will Heslop - Buying Department
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‘Powerful’ and ‘dense’ appear repeatedly in my tasting note. Afternoon and evening sun produce more ripeness at La Poza, a sense of exuberance which is tempered by fine acidity and floral characters. Mouthfilling tannins, but supple enough to make this approachable in five years or so. Generous with good ageing potential.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
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Ready, but will improve,
Biurco is a vineyard that we have enjoyed visiting over the years; it has a tranquillity and beauty and, predominately west-facing, is particularly attractive in the evening. The soil is homogenised clay and limestone, and the wine is marked by the charm of its aromas; violets, truffles and dark chocolate to name but three. If its stablemate Valdeparasio is linear, this wine is more fleshy and noted for both the sweetness of fruit on the palate and the power on the finish.
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Ready, but will improve,
To be a contender for Pagos Viejos wine, as one may infer from the name, the vines have to be at least forty years of age. Specific plots are selected, their wines tasted and re-tasted with an attention to detail which would impress the Chef de Caves of even the grandest Champagne.
Some of the fruit has, of course, migrated to Artadi's new single vineyard wines, but not all of it and there are still grapes from Valdeparaiso and Biurco selected here. The other notable sites are Los Olivos and Vallandres.
2009 has been an outstanding vintage: rich, ripe and powerful. A cool start to the season lead into a fine summer and then an almost Indian late-season. Ripe and resplendent wines ensued, the natural altitude of the vineyards and the moderating night time temperatures ensuring harmony and balance. An outstanding demonstration of Tempranillo’s full potential. For the long term.
Some of the fruit has, of course, migrated to Artadi's new single vineyard wines, but not all of it and there are still grapes from Valdeparaiso and Biurco selected here. The other notable sites are Los Olivos and Vallandres.
2009 has been an outstanding vintage: rich, ripe and powerful. A cool start to the season lead into a fine summer and then an almost Indian late-season. Ripe and resplendent wines ensued, the natural altitude of the vineyards and the moderating night time temperatures ensuring harmony and balance. An outstanding demonstration of Tempranillo’s full potential. For the long term.
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Ready, but will improve,
Andres is the child of a single vineyard; ‘La Liende’ close to the village of San Vicente de Sonsierra to be precise. The soils are located close to what is charmingly described as the Ebro Meander, and include a high proportion of clay. They are also relatively steep and devoted to Tempranilo. As are we; mocha and mineral notes dance alongside the ripe red, blue and black fruits. Beyond the youthful bravado there is real finesse and great potential here.
Nicholas Stewart - Fine Wine Team
Nicholas Stewart - Fine Wine Team
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£90.00
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£972.00
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Ready, but will keep,
Contador’s nod to the Rioja establishment, this traditionally aged Gran Reserva is packed with notes of clove, hung meats and sous-bois. Textured, rich and savoury on the palate this is already showing beautifully. Ideally matched with Rioja’s classic dish of suckling lamb, this is a wine which will come alive with food.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Following on from the huge success of the 2012 Spanish Gold offer, the team at Berry Bros. & Rudd knew that we would have to find some truly outstanding new wines to better the offer in 2013. Fortunately we have done just that and are very proud to present our latest, major Rioja producer, Bodega Contador. The property was founded as recently as 1995, but the fact that it has become one of Rioja’s most respected wineries in such a relatively short time, is testament to its superb terroir and the brilliant wine making skill of proprietor Benjamin Romeo. Starting off with an awe inspiring cellar hewn into the rock beneath the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, finding extra space in his parents’ garage, where he crafted the stunning 2004 and 2005 vintages, which both received 100 points from the Wine Advocate. In 2008 Benjamin completed his new, state of the art winery, built into the hills of Rioja surrounded by his vineyards. Benjamin’s wine making is relatively modern, with individual vineyard plots farmed to very small yields and vinified separately, before ageing for a comparatively short 18-20 months in new French oak (as opposed to the traditional American oak). The results are extraordinary.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Following on from the huge success of the 2012 Spanish Gold offer, the team at Berry Bros. & Rudd knew that we would have to find some truly outstanding new wines to better the offer in 2013. Fortunately we have done just that and are very proud to present our latest, major Rioja producer, Bodega Contador. The property was founded as recently as 1995, but the fact that it has become one of Rioja’s most respected wineries in such a relatively short time, is testament to its superb terroir and the brilliant wine making skill of proprietor Benjamin Romeo. Starting off with an awe inspiring cellar hewn into the rock beneath the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, finding extra space in his parents’ garage, where he crafted the stunning 2004 and 2005 vintages, which both received 100 points from the Wine Advocate. In 2008 Benjamin completed his new, state of the art winery, built into the hills of Rioja surrounded by his vineyards. Benjamin’s wine making is relatively modern, with individual vineyard plots farmed to very small yields and vinified separately, before ageing for a comparatively short 18-20 months in new French oak (as opposed to the traditional American oak). The results are extraordinary.
Bottle
£90.00
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£972.00
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£108.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl6cs
£391.98
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Ready, but will improve,
A complex aroma of spices, flowers and pretty red fruits. Contrastingly rich on the palate with layers and layers of flavour, this is a full bodied, long-term Rioja. Textured, ripe and mouth filling tannins. There is a huge amount of potential in this wine, which has spent 18 months in new French oak, and is 100% Tempranillo.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Following on from the huge success of the 2012 Spanish Gold offer, the team at Berry Bros. & Rudd knew that we would have to find some truly outstanding new wines to better the offer in 2013. Fortunately we have done just that and are very proud to present our latest, major Rioja producer, Bodega Contador. The property was founded as recently as 1995, but the fact that it has become one of Rioja’s most respected wineries in such a relatively short time, is testament to its superb terroir and the brilliant wine making skill of proprietor Benjamin Romeo. Starting off with an awe inspiring cellar hewn into the rock beneath the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, finding extra space in his parents’ garage, where he crafted the stunning 2004 and 2005 vintages, which both received 100 points from the Wine Advocate. In 2008 Benjamin completed his new, state of the art winery, built into the hills of Rioja surrounded by his vineyards. Benjamin’s wine making is relatively modern, with individual vineyard plots farmed to very small yields and vinified separately, before ageing for a comparatively short 18-20 months in new French oak (as opposed to the traditional American oak). The results are extraordinary.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Following on from the huge success of the 2012 Spanish Gold offer, the team at Berry Bros. & Rudd knew that we would have to find some truly outstanding new wines to better the offer in 2013. Fortunately we have done just that and are very proud to present our latest, major Rioja producer, Bodega Contador. The property was founded as recently as 1995, but the fact that it has become one of Rioja’s most respected wineries in such a relatively short time, is testament to its superb terroir and the brilliant wine making skill of proprietor Benjamin Romeo. Starting off with an awe inspiring cellar hewn into the rock beneath the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, finding extra space in his parents’ garage, where he crafted the stunning 2004 and 2005 vintages, which both received 100 points from the Wine Advocate. In 2008 Benjamin completed his new, state of the art winery, built into the hills of Rioja surrounded by his vineyards. Benjamin’s wine making is relatively modern, with individual vineyard plots farmed to very small yields and vinified separately, before ageing for a comparatively short 18-20 months in new French oak (as opposed to the traditional American oak). The results are extraordinary.
Bottle
£90.00
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£972.00
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£108.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl10cs
£391.98
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For laying down,
The smallest and highest of Artadi's single vineyards, Montes El Carretil is marked by deep penetrating roots and a distinctive clay-sandstone soils. This Rioja wine is rich, energetic and dense, with very marked tannins at the moment and a fine mineraldriven finish. Notes of scorched earth, spice and black olive. A wine described by Juan Carlos Lopez, with no shortage of resonance, as ‘full of soul and life’. Sounds even better in Spanish…
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Possibly the best of the "new" single vineyards, El Carretil is the only wine that might challenge the supremacy of El Pisón. This is a pure Tempranillo from soils richer in calcium carbonate that produces more austere tannins and a different, chalky texture. Analytically, this wine is always more acidic (lower pH than any of the rest). The nose is austere and a little closed, it takes time to start revealing its aromas as the character is more backward.
Here the oak is perfectly integrated (and all these wines mature for 14 months in brand new French oak barrels and never come through as oaky), serious and mineral. It's not a fruit-driven wine, it talks more about the soil, compact, serious and a bit taciturn. The palate is solid, with great consistency, austere and with chalky tannins. It is vertical, straight, slippery and elegant but still very young and in need of time to develop more complexity in bottle.
The entry is sharp but then it seems to gain volume as it warms up inside your mouth, growing like the incredible Hulk; a gentle giant, incisive and pure. It could be drunk now but it should blossom with some more time in the bottle. It has great acidity and the combination of stuffing, acidity and balance will secure a long, slow development. The acidity cleanses the palate but at the same time makes it very long.
We all know about El Pisón, but we should also pay attention to El Carretil. 4,000 bottles produced.
Luis Gutierrez eRobertParker.com #218 Apr 2015
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Possibly the best of the "new" single vineyards, El Carretil is the only wine that might challenge the supremacy of El Pisón. This is a pure Tempranillo from soils richer in calcium carbonate that produces more austere tannins and a different, chalky texture. Analytically, this wine is always more acidic (lower pH than any of the rest). The nose is austere and a little closed, it takes time to start revealing its aromas as the character is more backward.
Here the oak is perfectly integrated (and all these wines mature for 14 months in brand new French oak barrels and never come through as oaky), serious and mineral. It's not a fruit-driven wine, it talks more about the soil, compact, serious and a bit taciturn. The palate is solid, with great consistency, austere and with chalky tannins. It is vertical, straight, slippery and elegant but still very young and in need of time to develop more complexity in bottle.
The entry is sharp but then it seems to gain volume as it warms up inside your mouth, growing like the incredible Hulk; a gentle giant, incisive and pure. It could be drunk now but it should blossom with some more time in the bottle. It has great acidity and the combination of stuffing, acidity and balance will secure a long, slow development. The acidity cleanses the palate but at the same time makes it very long.
We all know about El Pisón, but we should also pay attention to El Carretil. 4,000 bottles produced.
Luis Gutierrez eRobertParker.com #218 Apr 2015
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Bottle 6 x 75cl2cs
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Bottle 6 x 75cl6cs
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A high quality red wine grape that is grown all over Spain except in the hot South - it is known as Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, Cencibel in La Mancha and Valdepenas and Ull de Llebre in Catalonia. Its spiritual home is in Rioja and Navarra where it constitutes around 70% of most red blends.
Tempranillo-based wines tend to have a spicy, herbal, tobacco-like character accompanied by ripe strawberry and red cherry fruits. It produces fresh, vibrantly fruit driven "jovenes" meant for drinking young. However Tempranillo really comes into its own when oak aged, as with the top Riojas where its flavours seem to harmonise perfectly with both French and American oak, producing rich, powerful and concentrated wines which can be extraordinarily long-lived.
In Ribera del Duero it generally sees less oak - the exception being Vega Sicilia where it is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and then aged for an astonishing 7 years in oak and is unquestionably one of the world`s greatest wines.