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Bodegas R. Lopez de Heredia,
Ready, but will keep,
López de Heredia’s Bosconia is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha and a small amount of Mazuelo/Carignan and Graciano. There are subtle hints of both savoury and baking spices as well as vanilla on the nose, a result of the 5 years spent in old American oak, alongside remarkably fresh fruity notes of black cherry and ripe plum. The tannins are so supple and velvet-like, having become smoother with age and are accompanied by a complex and slightly meaty edge to the wine on the palate. A deliciously long finish. Enjoy with roast lamb, venison or a smoky bean casserole.
Ready, but will keep,
If Calvario is Miguel Ángel’s Burgundy then his Bordeaux is this polymesmeric effort, Aurus. Made from 85% Tempranillo and 15% Mazuelo, this has been aged in new oak for 24 months. Already it is harmonious on the palate, with dark commanding fruits, hints of raisin and liquorice, and very firmly managed tannins. It is persistent and bristling with potential.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Finca Allende, the estate created by brother and sister team Mercedes and Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, is located in the hill town of Briones in the Rioja Alta. ‘Allende’ can be roughly translated as ‘further’; its philosophy being to go further and further towards creating the perfect Rioja. This has been done by marrying the old and the new, by embracing the traditional grape varieties but then treating them to new French oak.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Finca Allende, the estate created by brother and sister team Mercedes and Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, is located in the hill town of Briones in the Rioja Alta. ‘Allende’ can be roughly translated as ‘further’; its philosophy being to go further and further towards creating the perfect Rioja. This has been done by marrying the old and the new, by embracing the traditional grape varieties but then treating them to new French oak.
Ready, but will improve,
The legendary Ygay property is located at an altitude of 500m near to the city of Logroño in the heart of the Rioja Alta. The 2007 Gran Reserva Especial is a blend of 86% Tempranillo and 14% Mazuelo. After fermentation in stainless steel the wine has been aged in American barrels for 28 months, and then held back in bottle until now, the time of its triumphant release.
This is an absolute archetype of classic Rioja, not inappropriate given the history and pedigree of the property. Predominant over everything is the sheer quality of the fruit, born out by rich black fruit and balsamic aromas and seductive hints of vanilla . Earth, spice and black cherry dance with dexterity over the palate, and there is great finesse and charm on the finish. Just starting to drink, this will be good for a decade or more.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager
Bodegas Murrieta was etablished in 1852 and ever since amongst the finest of producers in the region. The majority of their wines are produced using traditional methods, which includes the flagship red, Castillo Ygay, one of Spain’s outstanding wines we’re pleased to offer the 2007 release. The Cappellania Blanco is similarly traditional, a fine example of old fashioned Rioja white, very fairly priced. Since 1995 the Super Cuvee, Dalmau, is the more modern expression with a portion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.
This is an absolute archetype of classic Rioja, not inappropriate given the history and pedigree of the property. Predominant over everything is the sheer quality of the fruit, born out by rich black fruit and balsamic aromas and seductive hints of vanilla . Earth, spice and black cherry dance with dexterity over the palate, and there is great finesse and charm on the finish. Just starting to drink, this will be good for a decade or more.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager
Bodegas Murrieta was etablished in 1852 and ever since amongst the finest of producers in the region. The majority of their wines are produced using traditional methods, which includes the flagship red, Castillo Ygay, one of Spain’s outstanding wines we’re pleased to offer the 2007 release. The Cappellania Blanco is similarly traditional, a fine example of old fashioned Rioja white, very fairly priced. Since 1995 the Super Cuvee, Dalmau, is the more modern expression with a portion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.
Artadi,
Ready, but will keep,
There is something peaceful about this discrete 2.5 hectare vineyard located just to the east of the town of Laguardia. Situated in a natural hollow, too small to be called a valley, a coomb perhaps, the vineyard dates from 1945,and is sheltered by a modest dry-stone wall and a farm building which has definitely seen better days. The microclimate, allied to the minerals in the limestone and clay soils, yields one of the best wines in Spain, for many the best wine in Spain. The secret of Tempranillo seems to reside in its hidden depth; gregarious and initially appearing far too attractive to be remotely serious, this wine gradually revels the true depth of its personality; the black fruits are ripe of course , but are backed by notes of laurel, licorice, garrigue and forest floor; the tannins are finely-tuned needless to say, but are swathed in a fine minerality; all in all this is clearly very fine indeed. Juan Carlos thinks it more closely resembles 2004 than 2001, but is sure that it will be better than both of them.
Simon Field MW, Fine Wine Buyer
Simon Field MW, Fine Wine Buyer
Vega Sicilia,
Ready, but will keep,
2007 Unico has been released before the sturdier 2005 and has self-evidently not enjoyed the ten years of ageing traditionally associated with this famous wine. 64 months of wood ageing, divided almost equally between barrel and foudre, has, however, given this classic blend ( 95% Tempranillo and 5% Merlot) plenty of time to gather its thoughts and to demonstrate its inherent class. A more feminine Unico than some, perhaps, but also more precise and poised and , to my palate at least, purer and more approachable in relative youth than some of its forebears. Ageing potential has not been entirely forsaken, however, as the sturdy tannins at the back and lingering savoury notes both serve to emphasise. A Unico for all seasons in other words, underlining once again the significance of the work done in the vineyards under the Alvarez regime and the unrivalled gifts of Javier Ausás as a winemaker.
Simon Field MW - Spain buyer
Lovely perfume of blackcurrant, blueberry and damson entices you back for one sniff after the other, each one giving up a lovely open knit berry scent. The palate is medium bodied, savoury notes of earth, espresso abound – properly old world in style with an exuberance of fruit and yet held down with a beautifully poised structure of taught tannin and good acidity. The Unico 2007 is again example of why this estate produces some of the best wines in Spain if not in the world. The 2007 vintage displays a wine that will be eminently drinkable from 3 – 5 years and yet will age gracefully into 2025 +.
Stuart Rae - Private Account Manager
Simon Field MW - Spain buyer
Lovely perfume of blackcurrant, blueberry and damson entices you back for one sniff after the other, each one giving up a lovely open knit berry scent. The palate is medium bodied, savoury notes of earth, espresso abound – properly old world in style with an exuberance of fruit and yet held down with a beautifully poised structure of taught tannin and good acidity. The Unico 2007 is again example of why this estate produces some of the best wines in Spain if not in the world. The 2007 vintage displays a wine that will be eminently drinkable from 3 – 5 years and yet will age gracefully into 2025 +.
Stuart Rae - Private Account Manager
Ready, but will keep,
Eponymous old vines, some approaching their half century, punctuate the gentle limestone hillsides of Rioja Alavesa. The quality of the Tempranillo grapes is high beyond dispute, but they are still treated to the rigours of six sorting tables in the quest for perfection, an on-going process as they are currently mid-way through their ageing in new Allier barriques. The tasting of the wines pre-assemblage from 6 different sites revealed astonishing differences from the various microclimates; the finished article is greater than the sum of its parts;
the truffly notes from the Biurco vineyard, allied to the firm tannins from Valandres and then a perfumed elegance from San Lorenzo....add the genius of Juan Carlos and the wine is complete, very complete in every sense.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer) the truffly notes from the Biurco vineyard, allied to the firm tannins from Valandres and then a perfumed elegance from San Lorenzo....add the genius of Juan Carlos and the wine is complete, very complete in every sense.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)
the truffly notes from the Biurco vineyard, allied to the firm tannins from Valandres and then a perfumed elegance from San Lorenzo....add the genius of Juan Carlos and the wine is complete, very complete in every sense.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer) the truffly notes from the Biurco vineyard, allied to the firm tannins from Valandres and then a perfumed elegance from San Lorenzo....add the genius of Juan Carlos and the wine is complete, very complete in every sense.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)
Celler Sangenis i Vaque,
Ready, but will keep,
The 2007 vintage is superb for the Sangenís i Vaqué family’s top wine, Clos Monlléo. Whereas this property generally demonstrates an appealing, authentic rusticity in its wines, the ‘07 vintage demonstrates pure class and sophistication. The nose is extremely fine with a touch of vanilla, spice and an almost Bordeaux-like elegance. The palate is elegant, with extremely focused dark berry fruit accompanied by a violet lift. It is much more mineral than most Priorat wines with a tight but high level of cotton-wool tannins. The wine is still youthful – incredible really considering its age – and needs more time in the cellar. The overall sense given here is of an intense, concentrated, linear and precise wine. This is fabulous. Drink 2022-2032.
Ready, but will keep,
Deep cherry in colour, the nose rings home traditional Rioja with aromas of spiced strawberry, clove and vanillin, with an undercoat of damson fruit. Silkily textured, the classic core of vanilla and dark berried fruit flavours are brought through with great finesse and juiciness across the palate. A complementing meaty character with notes of Asian spice is evident toward the finish which is long and supple. Finely structured with marvellous precision and vibrancy throughout, this is a real delight to taste, and dangerously drinkable now! The 2007 904 Gran Reserva is another superb addition to the string of recent vintages which will bring immense drinking enjoyment over the years to follow, recommended from 2018 – 2030+.
Chris Lamb, Private Account Manager
Chris Lamb, Private Account Manager
Bodegas R. Lopez de Heredia,
Ready, but will keep,
This is one of a handful of fine wines in the world that continues to over-deliver hugely on its price-point. The 2007 has a fine, elegant nose of fresh red cherry fruit and sweet spice. The wine has a lifted bouquet, perfumed with hints of pot pourri, raspberry tea and red liquorice. The acidity is astonishing – one of López de Heredia’s trademarks – yet it is the complexity and maturity of the flavours combined with this freshness that is truly inspirational. And then there is the finish: enduring, mouthcoating and intense. The concentration is hugely impressive leaving a timeless, scented-yet-savoury impression in the mouth, long after the last sip. While delicious now, this will last for decades to come. Drink 2022-2050 (and probably much longer).
Catriona Felstead MW, Spain Buyer
Catriona Felstead MW, Spain Buyer
Showing 1-11 out of 11 items