2006 Spain

One of Rioja’s signature wines and certainly the most distinctive label from Muga, Prado Enea is aged for seven years in a combination of vat, cask and bottle, its 2006 manifestation cleaving the traditional to the modern with powerful French oak tannins framing a magnificent savoury personality. An almost meaty vitality and more than a whiff of wood-smoke underlines the individuality of this truly great wine, its dark fruit core enhanced by notes of tobacco box and the kitchen garden.
Simon Field MW – Wine Buyer

The majority of the fruit for Viña Real comes from Rioja Alavesa, which is the only part of the denominación to have significant swathes of limestone in the soil. Symphonic and grandiose in its Gran Reserva manifestation, this wine is full of balsamic ripe fruit, outstanding balance and a resinous, resounding finish. 
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

C.V.N.E. is still owned and run by the Real de Asúa family whose ancestors established it back in 1879. Its full name is Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España but it is more commonly known as ‘coonay’. The two different ranges, the Viña Real and Imperial, are rich, full-bodied Riojas, with the Reservas and Grand Reservas being some of the most long-lived in the region today.

Pago de Los Capellanes’ top cuvée is made from 100% Tinto Fino and has been aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months. Rich beyond the dreams of avarice, it is convincing proof of Ribero del Duero's phenomenal potential, with fruit, tannin and acidity entwined with consummate skill.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

The bodega of Pago de los Capellanes is located one kilometre from the village of Pedrosa de Duero, in the heart of Ribera del Duero. The name means ‘land of the chaplains’, a reminder that the land was owned by chaplains until the church donated it to the city council in 1855. The vineyards are planted with a 100%Tempranillo and are divided into 35 different plots which are harvested separately. The wines are aged for one to three years (depending on style) in 22 different types of French oak, and offer a modern style alternative to the wines of Vega Sicilia.

The 2/3 is 100 percent old-vine Cariñena and it has had extended oak ageing: in its youth, it has all the class and concentration of top notch Priorat; forest floor and kirsch are allied to a robust and winsome structure, with balancing acidity and powerful fruit tannins harmoniously interwoven and lending real gravitas.
Simon Field - Wine Buyer

2006 was unusually warm in Ribera del Duero, the normally quite detailed vintage condition notes released by the house this time reduced to the single, abeit revealing word ‘hot’…..The harvest was correspondingly early and the wines do not lack for power. As usual the blend in Valbuena is 85% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 15% from a balance of Malbec and Merlot. The wine was aged for less than two years, the significant majority of which took place in new barrels (half French and half American). The wine has sophisticated aromatics of pain grillé, blackberry and tobacco and a concentrated, elegant mid-palate, with finely etched tannins and a pavonine finish, full of potential and pleasure.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

Vega Sicilia's approach to fine Ribera Del Duero has always been Janus-like, with Alion representing the more modern side of the door. In the early days, there may have been too much emphasis on the difference, but now, with nearly 20 year's ownership and experience, the correct balance has been achieved. And balance, as always, is key here.

2006 was hotter in Ribera del Duero than in some other parts of Spain, but with a combination of low yields and relatively late picking the team at Alion were able to achieve a wine with great fruit character and a very precise chain of tannic command. From the saturated purple colour to the classic, brooding nose and the palate of licorice, blackberry, sweet spice and tobacco, this is a very complete and satisfying wine.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

I have said it before and I will say it again: the first sniff of Tondonia Tinto Reserva always makes me smile – and the 2006 is no exception. Reassuringly “Tondonia”, the nose exhibits the classic characteristics of sweet strawberries and leather, yet it is bright, perfumed and vibrant at the same time. It has wonderful complexity with supremely integrated hints of vanilla and that warming, autumnal feel which will make any aficionado of Spanish wines feel at home. The palate is where there is a slight, subtle gearchange; it is lip-smackingly fresh with fine acidity and tart raspberry fruit. There is a real line to this wine; it feels “straight-up” – quite different to the open generosity of 2005. The tannins are super-fine, yet the structure of the wine is clear, all supported by gentle, supremely integrated oak. To complete a near-perfect picture is the serious, yet wonderfully long finish – a finish that is subtly complex yet which goes on and on towards nuanced depths, with even a hint of marmite. It would be impossible not to enjoy this wine now, yet believe it or not, it still feels young. It will relax slightly, opening up even more over the next couple of years – and has wonderful potential for longevity. Enjoy at its peak from 2021 to ’35 onwards, but don’t be put off trying it now with a bit of air.
Catriona Felstead MW, Spain Buyer

A blend of the classic Rioja grapes with Tempranillo dominating the blend, this is full of vanillin spice and bright red fruit. Beautifully structured with fine tannins, this will clearly reward some extended time in the cellar, if you can keep your hands off it!
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager