{"title":"Rioja","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-1970","title":"R. López De Heredia, Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1970","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung 1970, corroded capsule, high shoulder, patina label\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTempranillo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVibrant red leading slighty toward amber in the glass. Prolonged aging in old oak has lent this Gran Reserva a complexity and wealth of mysterious nuances. On the palate the wine retains its vitality as if it wanted to conceal its true age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent pair with all kinds of meats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 1970 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva has a wonderful bouquet that transports you directly to the vineyard: scents of gravel, wild mushroom, cherries and dusty attic. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine tannins and thrilling, almost rapier-like acidity. There are notes of decayed red berry fruit, sour lemon, rosemary and sage. The finish is rustic but so full of energy, with hints of orange peel on the finish. Wonderful. Drink now-2020+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(aged in American oak barrels for nine years and then in bottle for a minimum of eight more years) Faded brick-red. Aromas of red berries dried rose cedar and tobacco show outstanding delineation and pick up woodsmoke and herb nuances as the wine opens up. Sweet and seamless in texture offering mineral-accented red currant cherry and blood orange flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. The extremely long tannin-free finish shows compelling sweetness lingering florality and an echo of smoky oak\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Blackburn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39928741363754,"sku":"","price":775.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/R-Lopez-De-Heredia-Vina-Tondonia-Gran-Reserva-Rioja-Spain-1970.jpg?v=1759442738"},{"product_id":"bodegas-muga-torre-muga-rioja-spain-2019","title":"Bodegas Muga, Torre Muga, Rioja, Spain, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBodegas Muga is a family firm founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. The first wines were made in an underground cellar, until in 1968 they decided to set up their own winery in a beautiful old 19th-century town-house situated in the city of Haro. The Bodegas Muga outstanding feature is that it always uses the finest materials, combining tradition with the latest advances in winemaking so as always to give its wines the very best quality without losing authenticity. Indeed, it is the only wine cellar in Spain which employs its own master cooper and coopers, who make all the vats for the cellar as well as the oak casks. The winery remains true to traditional winemaking methods such as racking the casks by gravity and fining the wine with fresh egg whites. Bodegas Muga has succeeded in combining the purest family tradition with an updated vision of the future which has allowed them to preserve their own personality and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWith this 2019 vintage we are presented with an elegant-looking wine, with good depth of colour, a rich red with purplish hues which denote its youthfulness and potential for evolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose reveals a deeply intense aroma of blackberries and strawberries. The smoked nuances from its ageing in finest quality French oak come through, creating an unmatchable harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA powerful palate, with the same predominant aromas as on the nose, and a good balance between the alcohol and the acidity as well as smooth, elegant tannins. The finish is very long in the mouth leaving a sensation of fullness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2019 Torre Muga is always a more powerful, ripe expression of Rioja that never loses its sense of place. Deep ruby\/purple, with a glorious bouquet of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and crushed stone, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a deep, pure, multi-dimensional texture, building tannins, and good acidity. It's young, unevolved, yet oh, so promising. Hide bottles for 7-8 years if you can, and it will cruise for 20-30 years. The blend is 80% Tempranillo and the balance Mazuelo and Graciano, aged 18 months in French oak. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntense nose of black fruit, ink, roasted espresso, black truffle and dried rosemary. It’s full-bodied with so much power and concentration. Firm but very velvety and integrated tannins. Deep core of black fruit. Yet, it’s not heavy. Long. One for the cellar. Try this from 2027.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2019 Torre Muga showcases the classical blend of Tempranillo, Mazuelo (Cariñena) and Graciano, all from old and some ancient vines. The grapes are harvested into 200-kilogram boxes, the bunches destemmed and the grapes put through optical sorting to ferment in small oak vats with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic was in new French oak barrels, where the wine aged after racking for some 18 months, during which time it was racked every eight to nine months. It was fined with egg whites. 2019 is a great vintage for Muga, and they produced quality and quantity, which is remarkable. This has a slightly more modern profile and some French oak undertones, more noticeable in a wide glass and subtler in a narrower one. But it has stuffing, freshness and balance to absorb it in the short to medium term. And it's a year of power and finesse, one of the best in recent years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis harmonious, medium- to full-bodied version is lively and expressive, with good tension from the creamy tannins, creating a frame for flavors of fig cake, crushed boysenberry, espresso, sweet tobacco, minerally iron and stone. Long and focused on the fresh finish. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chambers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44441506054449,"sku":"","price":136.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Bodegas-Muga-Torre-Muga-Rioja-Spain-2019.jpg?v=1762530365"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-reserva-rioja-spain-2011","title":"R. López De Heredia, Viña Tondonia Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2011","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/products\/rioja-wednesday-april-19th\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/FtinRiojaCircle_0ded8630-168f-4897-a4a1-20b1b609c958.png?v=1680214104\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" style=\"margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ethe Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eClick \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/5e0KfNwv9TA\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Graciano and Manzuelo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis wine has evolved perfectly showing a deep ruby colour with shades of orange. Its nose is persistent, full bodied and showing a lot of mature fruit, being dominated by the Tempranillo grape. Its taste is round, smooth, fresh, full of body and persistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Spectator | #53 Top 100 of 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing the appreciation of the 2007 vintage from María José López de Heredia, the red 2007 Viña Tondonia Reserva is showing great, revealing unusual finesse and elegance. The nose is a little reticent but nuanced and complex, a little shy rather than explosive. The palate is medium-bodied, and the tannins are very refined. This has to be one of the finest vintages of Viña Tondonia Reserva of recent years. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2015.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine spends six years in barrique (traditionally it needed six winters to stabilize naturally), before racking into large casks and then bottling three years before the expected release. Attractive, dark earth and dried sage with a strong aroma of attractive, rich dried cherries, as well as blackberries and hints of cedar, cigar tobacco and fresh leather. The palate has a smooth array of fine but quite powerful tannin that builds seamlessly into the long, rich, dark cherry-flavored finish. Great wine! Drink or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/pages\/zoom-into-wine-archive-july-18th-spanish-reds-w-john-bauccio-feat-r-lopez-de-heredia\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/unnamed_240x240.png?v=1605128276\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44913257185585,"sku":"","price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LOPEZDEHEREDIA_VINATONDONIARESERVA_RIOJA_SPAIN_2011.jpg?v=1762531697"},{"product_id":"cvne-crianza-rioja-spain-2019","title":"CVNE, Crianza, Rioja, Spain, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCvne, is situated in Rioja in the traditional neighborhood of the station, where the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves, for the main reason of transporting their goods to the port of Bilbao.\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/products\/rioja-wednesday-april-19th\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/FtinRiojaCircle_0ded8630-168f-4897-a4a1-20b1b609c958.png?v=1680214104\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" style=\"margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created. This cellar still reflects the origins of the company and is kept in the traditional neighborhood of the Haro station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cune winery in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eClick \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/KSR3qAN0ymA\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVictor Urrutia Ybarra\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlend: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha and Mazuelo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBright cherry color with some violet nuances. In the nose, red berries aromas. This red wine shows an elegance in the mouth, yet very lively, with some spice back notes and a very balanced acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAromas of blackberry and butterscotch set the scene for flavors of black cherry, dark plums, toffee and violet that are dropped into plush tannins. This wine slowly winds down into a bright, fruit-filled finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA delicious, early drinking crianza with berry and citrus aromas and flavors. Light to medium body, creamy tannins and a fresh finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe juicy and primary red 2019 Cune Crianza shows ripeness, at only 13.5% alcohol (they aim for 13%), but also has freshness. The oak is very subtle and integrated into the fruit that is at the front of the nose and palate. It has a touch of rusticity, an earthy touch on the palate. It's a blend of Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha and Mazuelo from Rioja Alta that fermented in 20,000-liter stainless steel vats and matured in used (mostly) American oak barrels for one year. They produce three million bottles of this and bottle it throughout the year. This is the wine that sets the bar in the red portfolio. Very good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Serendipity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44926674698545,"sku":"","price":14.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/CVNE-Crianza-Rioja-Spain-2019.jpg?v=1762531734"},{"product_id":"la-rioja-alta-gran-reserva-904-rioja-spain-2015","title":"La Rioja Alta S.A., Gran Reserva, 904 Selección Especial, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn 1890, Five Riojan and Basque families founded the \"Sociedad Vinícola de La Rioja Alta\" in Haro's Station District. Our first president was a woman: Doña Saturnina García Cid y Gárate. Monsieur Vigier, a Frenchman, was the House's first winemaker and the Reserva 1890 (predecessor of today's Gran Reserva 890) is the first wine he made. In 1904, Don Alfredo Ardanza, founder of La Rioja Alta and owner of the Ardanza Winery, proposed the merger of both companies. To commemorate the event, we made the Reserva 1904, which eventually became the Gran Reserva 904. In 1941, we took on the definitive name that persists today: La Rioja Alta, S.A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrinks International ranked us as the third most admired winery in the world in 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJulio Sáenz\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2015 Gran Reserva 904 Tinto offers great aromatic complexity, with notes of wild strawberry, red cherry, plum, blackberry and cranberry combined with aromas of tobacco, brioche, ground coffee, caramel, cedar and cinnamon blossom. The alcohol and acidity are elegantly balanced on the palate and its polished, gentle tannins and freshness provide a smooth and refined mouthfeel. Fine, delicate and very long aftertaste, that will continue to be rounded with time in the bottle, making this new Gran Reserva 904 a wine with great cellaring potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEspecially recommended with all kinds of meat and stews, seasoned fish and desserts with chocolate or red fruit toppings. Perfect as an after-dinner drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA perfumed nose of plums, mulberries, mushrooms, caramel, sweet tobacco and sweet spices. Full-bodied with velvety, fine tannins and lively acidity. Balanced and supple with a creamy texture. Delicate and precise with a long, polished finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey used the words subtlety, elegance, finesse, delicacy and silk to define the 2015 Gran Reserva 904 Selección Especial, a blend of 90% Tempranillo from their vineyards in Villalba, Briñas and Rodezno with 10% Graciano from the Montecillo vineyard in Fuenmayor that was picked 23 days later than the Tempranillo. The grapes were sorted optically for the first time, and they fermented in stainless steel where the wine went through malolactic too. The wine was put in barrel in January 2016—used American oak barrels built by their own coopers—where it matured for four years, during which time it was racked every six months. 2015 was a healthy vintage with balanced ripeness that delivered wines with good aging potential. They thought the wine needed a little more time in bottle to polish those tannins and have decided to hold it and release the wine around March 2023; it will be marked Selección Especial, the first 904 to do so, as they have very high hopes for this year and believe it's one of the finest vintages. They think it will develop the sophistication in the palate with a little more time and that is should achieve the silkiness that is the signature of 904. This is very 2015; I saw quite strong tannins in all the 2015 wines I tasted from Rioja Alta.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden State","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46201743311153,"sku":"","price":118.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/La-Rioja-Alta-Gran-Reserva-904-Rioja-Spain-2015.jpg?v=1689876447"},{"product_id":"remelluri","title":"Remelluri, La Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2009","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRemelluri is one of the most timeless and iconic landscapes of the wine world,\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eas well as one of the most enchanting vineyards in Spain.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile firmly anchored in its historical past, Remelluri illuminates the path forward for not only the future of Rioja but also world-class, terroir-based fine wines produced across Spain. It is about rediscovering the essence of Rioja, and the story’s evolution is genuinely cinematic in scope. At Remelluri, the future lies in the past.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTelmo Rodríguez\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes - \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eTelmo Rodríguez\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eemelluri is one of the world’s most timeless and iconic wine-producing landscapes. Remelluri Reserva is the original wine from Granja Nuestra Señora de Remelluri, sourced from their most important vineyards consisting of 148 plots on 25 sites of the property. Only indigenous varieties are used, planted from 1918 until today, averaging 40 years old. The blend consists primarily of goblet-trained tempranillo, garnacha, and graciano varieties with an average yield of 27hl\/ha—organic farming, low intervention, unfiltered, and minimal sulfur at bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eThis 2009 Reserva is a direct, authentic cellar release of guaranteed provenance, stored under optimal conditions at Remelluri in Labastida, Rioja, until refrigerated shipment to the US in the autumn of 2023. It was selected by Remelluri owner and \u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Telmo Rodríguez \u003c\/strong\u003efor the exceptional nature of the vintage and beautiful evolution of the wine, offering a fully-cellared Reserva expression from Remelluri to the market. While the 2009 vintage has recently entered into its ideal drinking window, it will undoubtedly repay additional cellar time, offering enjoyment for a decade or more to come. De Maison Selections verifies refrigerated shipping and storage conditions throughout the wine’s journey to local merchants. Proper temperature and shipping conditions are essential factors in the enjoyment of well-cellared wines. The 2009 Remelluri Reserva cellar release is extremely limited in quantity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2009 is among the top vintages of the decade, along with 2004 and 2005. 2009 Remelluri Reserva features aromas of wild earthy red fruit intermixed with notes of vanilla and cinnamon, and a satiny texture with round, fine-grained tannins in a classical and very well-structured style. This is a great vintage for Remelluri Reserva that is drinking well now, yet will age gracefully for another decade or more. The growth cycle ran around 10 days earlier than previous years, starting with flowering in May\/June. High summer temperatures provided good alcoholic maturity, with phenolic ripeness occurring much later into September and October. Low rainfall in the summer months reduced quantity and concentrated the grape skin-to-juice ratio, resulting in a powerful red wine with good aging potential. Hydric stress was lessened by rainfall on 16-18 September, which helped balance the phenolic and alcoholic maturity of the grapes. From this point onwards, the weather conditions were sunny and dry until the end of the harvest, allowing the grapes to reach perfect maturity with little incidence of vineyard diseases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Falstaff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eImmediately this smells complete and lusty: aromas of lemon peel, berry fruits, vanilla and char are attractive. In the mouth, this feels robust but blocky and tannic. Flavors of plum and blueberry are peppery and moderately complex, while this is drawing, dry and tannic on the finish. Drink through 2022.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50344412348721,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Remelluri_TempranilloReserva_Rioja_Spain_2009_29c0fdde-526d-474b-91cd-953e5c1bfffd.jpg?v=1732496962"},{"product_id":"federico-paternina-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-1928","title":"Federico Paternina, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1928","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederico Paternina S.A. is one of Spain's leading Riojaregion wine producers. The Haro La Rioja-based company produces Rioja wines, including the Banda Oro, Reserva, and Gran Reserva labels and the flagship brandy, Conde de los Andes Solera Gran Reserva. Paternina is also present in Spain's two other principal wine appellations, producing Ribera del Duero wines and Jerez (sherry) brandy, including its flagship brandy. The company also produces and markets a range of spirits and liqueurs, including the Otaola brand line. Paternina operates several wineries, the oldest of which is the Conde de los Andes located at Ollauri, which features four 16th-century wine cellars with a total capacity of four million bottles. Paternina operates more modern facilities at Haro, where the company has built one of Europe's largest wine and brandy production and aging facilities, covering an area of 87,000 square meters; the El Cuadro bodega (winery) in Jerez, producing wines and brandies; and the company's most recent winery, Marques de Valparaiso, producing Ribera del Duero wines. While sourcing grapes from the region's farmers, Paternina also has acquired its own vineyards, including 41 hectares in Pesquera de Duero. The company expects to expand its holdings to more than 100 hectares, in order to become self-sufficient and ensure the quality of its wines. Paternina is one of the only Spanish wine producers listed on the stock market; 80 percent of the company remains controlled by the Eguizábal family, which acquired Paternina in the early 1980s and is credited with reviving the reputation of not only the winery, but also the Rioja appellation itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh neck.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempranillo and Garnacha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn amazing wine! So much fruit, such a balance. Really unbelievable for a 1928. Bottled in 1968, from a private collection of 12 bottles. This wine however, is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, and to attain the Gran Reserva classification spent a period of 24 months maturing in oak prior to release.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Tasting Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Serendipity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50352788537649,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/FedericoPaternina_GranReserva_Rioja_Spain_1928.jpg?v=1759500259"},{"product_id":"cvne-vina-real-reserva-especial-rioja-spain-1952","title":"CVNE, Viña Real Reserva Especial, Rioja, Spain, 1952","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Condition: 1952 is a top rated 5 star vintage from Michael Broadbent. This bottle was imported by the CVNE importer personally - just for my shop. The label is faded, but this is an amazing specimen. Cork is in great position - and fill is optimal for a 74+ year old bottle. Acquired 9\/3\/2026. Last picture is of actual bottle. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCvne, is situated in Rioja in the traditional neighborhood of the station, where the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves, for the main reason of transporting their goods to the port of Bilbao.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created. This cellar still reflects the origins of the company and is kept in the traditional neighborhood of the Haro station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cune winery in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow neck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempranillo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe CVNE VINA REAL Reserva Rioja 1952 offers a compelling sensory experience with its distinctive blend of ripe fruit and spicy undertones. Its seductive bouquet features intense aromas of plums, cherries and blackberries, interwoven with refined hints of vanilla, cloves and liquorice from its extended barrel ageing. On the palate, expect an elegant balance between well-rounded tannins and a satisfying persistence of flavours, revealing traditional Rioja earthiness overlaid with mature fruit. This wine's accomplished structure suggests potential for further ageing, although it's invitingly accessible now. Best served with robust dishes like game, red meats, and mature cheeses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50352976494897,"sku":null,"price":675.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CVNE_VinaRealReservaEspecial_Rioja_Spain_1952.jpg?v=1759500260"},{"product_id":"cvne-vina-real-reserva-rioja-spain-1982","title":"CVNE, Viña Real Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1982","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCvne, is situated in Rioja in the traditional neighborhood of the station, where the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves, for the main reason of transporting their goods to the port of Bilbao.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created. This cellar still reflects the origins of the company and is kept in the traditional neighborhood of the Haro station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cune winery in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat fill, ullage 1.5cm from the cork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempranillo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wine of confidence and harmony, a testament to this great rioja vintage. Palate is velvet smooth, elegant and long with a weight of fruit, amazingly fresh still. A supple wine, beautiful in its calm and ease, beginning to develop a cedar and pencil lead sophistication. Without doubt a great wine, and at 19 years only now entering its mature prime.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Tasting Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Blackburn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50352998252849,"sku":null,"price":340.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CVNE_VinaRealReserva_Rioja_Spain_1982.jpg?v=1732306867"},{"product_id":"cvne-vina-real-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-1968","title":"CVNE, Viña Real Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1968","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCvne, is situated in Rioja in the traditional neighborhood of the station, where the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves, for the main reason of transporting their goods to the port of Bilbao.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created. This cellar still reflects the origins of the company and is kept in the traditional neighborhood of the Haro station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cune winery in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3cm ullage, label conditions, slightly corroded capsule\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempranillo and Garnacha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe 1968 Viña Real Gran Reserva was harvested after the May student riots in France, the year that Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy were killed and Stanley Kubrick directed “2001: A Space Odyssey.” It was a short crop for Viña Real, but of excellent quality. The vegetative cycle was long, 210 days. The wine was fermented in cement vats and aged in used American oak barriques until bottling in May 1974, at the same time as the 1966. A great classical wine, the Rioja prototype, with red fruit (think Garnacha!), leather, spices and smoke. Classical? You bet! “Lady Madonna,” “Jumping Jack Flash,” (“Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “What a Wonderful World” and “Hey Jude”! They are all as classic as this Rioja, which is richly balsamic, fine, elegant and light in the palate, but with subtle energy and very tasty umami-like flavors. Mmm! Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Blackburn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50353044750641,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CVNE_VinaRealGranReserva_Rioja_Spain_1968.jpg?v=1759500260"},{"product_id":"martinez-lacuesta-gran-reserva-especial-rioja-spain-1958","title":"Martinez Lacuesta, Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja, Spain, 1958","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the late 19th century, Haro had a railway station, street lighting, vineyards in the surrounding countryside, wine in its homes and a building that housed the Bank of Spain. All of this made it a focal point for the French wine makers whose vines had been decimated by powdery mildew and phylloxera but who nonetheless had lost none of their commercial skills. Thus the history of Rioja wines as we know them to day began to be written. As these first words were being written, the Martínez Lacuesta family was right there.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore than simply a building, a winery represents a journey through the past, the history of the wines and the brands that have been produced there. The point that we have arrived at, all that we see today, isn’t only an insight into current techniques but rather evidence of the path we have taken to get here. A path that represents evolution. \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe French influence can be seen in the first wines produced by the winery in Calle de la Vega. In the style of the intensely coloured, “open” wines from France such as its Clarets, Martínez Lacuesta produced its Clarete Selecto (generally a young wine from that year’s harvest) and its Claretes Finos, which had spent two, three and four years in the barrel. These were preludes to the current Crianzas and Reservas were sold in either casks or bottles which, from the third year onward featured hand-crafted wire mesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther wines “in the French style” were produced, such as the Superior Estilo Borgoña and the semi-sweet Sauternes. Nevertheless, Riojas in general and the Martínez Lacuesta family in particular, were realising that the personality of the region’s wines should forge a different path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempranillo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThere is an intensity to the red fruited flavors here, which are still incredibly fresh, with lovely chalk tones and an orange quality as well - textbook aged Rioja. Silky smooth, with a great core of sweet fruit and even some length yet. Somewhat confusingly, the back label states \"vino de crianza,\" though it should be noted that Rioja labeling laws were far from clear in this era, and many wines labeled as Crianzas were aged longer than most Reservas are today.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Serendipity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50353087873329,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/MartinezLacuesta_GranReservaEspecial_Rioja_Spain_1958.jpg?v=1732307698"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-reserva-rioja-spain-2012","title":"R. Lopez De Heredia, Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial price!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaría José López de Heredia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe finished wine is a stunner from the first sip. It pours a lucid ruby with very slight bricking at the edges. The nose brings a plethora of red and purple fruits—crushed raspberry, plum skin, black cherry pit, dried cranberry, dried red currant—alongside beguiling tertiary notes like cedar, fresh leather, cigar box, cured tobacco, and baking spice. The texture here is thrilling, the depth of fruit belying its warm-climate origins, but the structure is defined by freshness and delineation above all else. The 2012 is firing on all cylinders, one of the very best “young” Tondonia bottlings we’ve ever had, and we know from first-hand experience that a vintage like this is going to perform well far.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavory berries, plums, iron, minerals, tobacco, ink and blood oranges. Very bright, juicy and structured, with sensational balance, aged savoriness and brightness that are typical of Tondonia reds. Beautiful now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe 2012 Viña Tondonia Reserva comes from a very dry year, with 25% less rain than the average (at the time), resulting in lower yields of very healthy grapes that delivered wines with nice balance between alcohol and polyphenols, making it very apt for the aging in barrel. It had a slightly longer élevage in barrel, six years. The wine is aromatic with a developed profile, spicy and tertiary (forest floor, a touch of brick dust and iodine), complex and nuanced. The palate is full and round, with polished tannins and a long, dry finish. It has a textbook Tondonia nose and profile. 250,000 bottles produced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThe 2012 Viña Tondonia is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, cultivated on the meander of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta. This garnet wine reveals aromas of ash and plum marmalade, with a faintly herbal core and hints of oaky cedar. Dry and lean, the fairly chalky texture lingers long, concluding with a compact, flavorful and lasting finish. The 2012 is a beautiful old-school Rioja.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50443926503729,"sku":null,"price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LopezDeHeredia_VinaTondoniaReserva_Rioja_Spain_2012.jpg?v=1733967194"},{"product_id":"marques-de-murrieta-capellania-reserva-rioja-spain-2018","title":"Marques de Murrieta, Capellania Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview The Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe origin of the Marqués de Murrieta winery is also the origin of Rioja. Don Luciano Murrieta, applying the techniques learned in Bordeaux, made the first Rioja wine in 1852, with the intention of lasting over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon Luciano was clear from the beginning that a wine with the quality of Rioja and good aging would have the ability to be exported outside Spain. Therefore, he did not hesitate to send that mythical vintage of 1852 to countries such as Mexico and Cuba, also becoming the first Rioja exported.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe viura, a white variety with which it is made, comes from Pago Capellanía, of only 6 hectares and located in the highest area of Finca Ygay. Thanks to the altitude, the high quality of its calcareous soils and the low yields of the vineyards of more than 70 years, the variety reaches its maximum potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManual harvest, selection table, fermentation at low temperatures... every step that is taken in the elaboration of Chaplaincy is aimed at achieving the greatest expression of the variety. Its balanced passage through French oak barrels gives it precision and makes Chaplaincy an incredibly gastronomic wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eClick \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/7MO6INdX7q4\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMaría Vargas\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrape\/Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eViura\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWith a steely straw color and with a very defined nose in which aromas of ripe apple, spicy notes of thyme and fennel, almond touches and an elegant smoked patina stand out. In the mouth it is frank and direct, with volume, fresh and balanced. With a lot of life ahead of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The always demanding Pago Capellanía has given us a vintage plus a wine of great liveliness and complexity\" Maria Vargas - Technical Director.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMineral, macadamia, pine nuts, white sesame and white fruit with a touch of spice. A bright and linear Capellania that shows excellent tension, freshness and complexity. Long and appetizing finish. More taut and gastronomic now. 100% viura. Drink now or hold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMurrieta is one of Rioja’s great centenarian names, and it remains a reference for top-quality Rioja today. All its best wines are made from its own vineyards around the Ygay estate near Logroño. Unlike the legendary Ygay white, which is a wine aged for an extremely long time, this Capellanía is a top-quality wine that remains more closely connected to the fruit, thanks to a much shorter period of ageing and more protective winemaking. Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW: Quite restrained, it saves everything for the palate. There, the wine is smooth but very complex; multi-layered and unique. The epitome of a great Rioja white, this is destined for a very long future. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Very fine oak. This is a pure, lean style, perhaps almost too refined and controlled. Pierre Mansour: Wonderful spicy new oak notes; intense, plump, fleshy and round. Some seriously good fruit here, this has depth combined with freshness. Shows very talented winemaking. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo catch up with the current vintages that I shall review every 12 months from now on, I tasted two vintages of some of the wines, including the whites. The 2018 Capellanía is 100% Viura from the plot that names the wine. The vineyard is six hectares planted in 1945 at 485 meters altitude, the highest in the estate. It fermented in concrete, the first vintage to do so, as it was fermented in stainless steel until then, and matured in second-use French oak barrels for 22 months. It spent a further seven months in concrete, a long élevage, with the idea to produce a structured white with aging potential, while keeping the varietal character. The wine is subtle and elegant, following the path of all the wines in the portfolio here, still marked by the élevage in oak, spicy and smoky. The palate is balanced, with a nice combination of fruit and oak, with a soft texture, clean, focused and tasty. It has 14% alcohol, a low pH of 3.1 and 6.10 grams of acidity. 21,836 bottled and 688 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2022. This is now released with the Gran Reserva back label.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50453197455665,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/MarquesdeMurrieta_CapellaniaReserva_Rioja_Spain_2018.jpg?v=1734212285"},{"product_id":"cvne-vina-real-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-2016","title":"CVNE, Viña Real Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCvne, is situated in Rioja in the traditional neighborhood of the station, where the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves, for the main reason of transporting their goods to the port of Bilbao.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created. This cellar still reflects the origins of the company and is kept in the traditional neighborhood of the Haro station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cune winery in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVictor Urrutia Ybarra\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlend: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVivid and bright ruby-red in colour with garnet rims and high colour layer. Very intense and complex on nose highlighting notes from its barrel aging (coffee, spices, toasted, balsamie) well combined with aromas of ripe red and black fruits and dried fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very smooth, unctuous wine in the mouth, evolving towards an intense, structured and long-lasting finish with a certain acidity that gives it freshness. At all times a sweet tannin is appreciated, perfectly integrated. It will evolve very positively in the bottle, having a long life ahead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2016 Vina Real Gran Reserva Especial is a beauty based on 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano, and it offers up some classic Rioja spice and vanilla oak notes as well as beautiful plum and cassis-like fruits. With air, more smoky tobacco, chocolate covered orange, and Asian spice come to the forefront, and it's beautiful on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a juicy spine of acidity that keeps it focused. It's ripe yet not excessive, and given its acidity and structure, I expect it will have a lengthy prime drinking window. Hide bottles for 2-3 years at a minimum, and it should evolve gracefully over the following two decades.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive nose of dark cherries, dill, thyme, coconut and chocolate. Some salted caramel, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. So balanced and fresh with a long, refined finish. 95% tempranillo and 5% graciano. Better from 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the \"Especial\" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Serendipity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50688715784497,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CVNE_Vina_Real_Gran_Reserva_Rioja_Spain_2016_2f0be153-0124-41c7-a313-51aef5a0c967.jpg?v=1738875283"},{"product_id":"bodegas-muga-reserva-unfiltered-rioja-spain-2020","title":"Bodegas Muga Reserva Unfiltered Rioja, Spain, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBodegas Muga is a family firm founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. The first wines were made in an underground cellar, until in 1968 they decided to set up their own winery in a beautiful old 19th-century town-house situated in the city of Haro. The Bodegas Muga outstanding feature is that it always uses the finest materials, combining tradition with the latest advances in winemaking so as always to give its wines the very best quality without losing authenticity. Indeed, it is the only wine cellar in Spain which employs its own master cooper and coopers, who make all the vats for the cellar as well as the oak casks. The winery remains true to traditional winemaking methods such as racking the casks by gravity and fining the wine with fresh egg whites. Bodegas Muga has succeeded in combining the purest family tradition with an updated vision of the future which has allowed them to preserve their own personality and character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIsaac Muga\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo, and 3% Graciano\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis 2020 vintage has a bright ruby-red colour, with medium depth and a garnet-tinged rim. On the nose you discover an intense, complex wine. Aromas of wild fruits of the forest (blackberries and blueberries) come to the fore, with hints of spices. On the palate it is long, elegant and nicely balanced. Its sharp acidity is perfectly integrated and it has soft tannins. The finish is very long and full of fruit. Perfect for drinking now but, thanks to its good balance and structure, it can be kept in the bottle for several years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine will be an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes like a ribeye steak, as well as with charcuterie and all kinds of casseroles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2020 Reserva showcases wines from the Haro region and is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano fermented in oak vat with a seven-day maceration. It was aged in barrel for 24 months—80% French and the rest are from central Europe and America. It was bottled at 14.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.55. This is a very reliable wine, keeping the profile year after year: ripe, juicy with integrated oak, spicy and tasty, with fine tannins with an approachable profile. This is a gentler year that is going to be a success with the general public. Balanced and gentle. They produced 936,000 bottles. It was bottled in June 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2020 Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano sourced from Rioja Alta. Aged for 24 months in oak barrels crafted at the winery, this garnet wine features a vanilla-cedar layer, accompanied by notes of black fruit, plums and subtle hints of herbs and animal nuances. The palate is dry, creamy and juicy, with a fairly chalky texture that lingers, presenting a compact flow. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRipe but fresh nose of currants, blackberries, chocolate and plums. Not a big red, rather fluid and medium-bodied with soft tannins. A juicy, drinkable Muga Reserva that is already appealing. Enjoy now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA rich, savory thread of tobacco, smoke and ground coffee underscores flavors of creamed cherry and blackberry fruit, black olive, orange peel and cocoa powder in this fresh and focused red. Medium-bodied and well-knit, with lightly chewy tannins firming the finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2030. 80,000 cases made, 15,000 cases imported. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chambers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51177844080945,"sku":null,"price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bodegas_Muga_Reserva_Unfiltered_Rioja_Spain_2020.jpg?v=1743102801"},{"product_id":"bodegas-muga-flor-de-muga-blanco-rioja-spain-2020","title":"Bodegas Muga, Flor de Muga Blanco, Rioja, Spain, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBodegas Muga is a family firm founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. The first wines were made in an underground cellar, until in 1968 they decided to set up their own winery in a beautiful old 19th-century town-house situated in the city of Haro. The Bodegas Muga outstanding feature is that it always uses the finest materials, combining tradition with the latest advances in winemaking so as always to give its wines the very best quality without losing authenticity. Indeed, it is the only wine cellar in Spain which employs its own master cooper and coopers, who make all the vats for the cellar as well as the oak casks. The winery remains true to traditional winemaking methods such as racking the casks by gravity and fining the wine with fresh egg whites. Bodegas Muga has succeeded in combining the purest family tradition with an updated vision of the future which has allowed them to preserve their own personality and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsaac Muga\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e40% Viura, 30% Garnacha blanca and 30% Maturana blanca\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLovely bright gold colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose the very high aromatic intensity is immediately apparent, very complex with layers of citrus fruit aromas (grapefruit, lemon), white blossom and underlying aromas of sweet spices (vanilla, cinnamon) and light toasted nuances coming through\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt displays good, balanced acidity on the palate with a smoothness and sensation of volume in the mouth feel. Once again we find the notes of sweet spices and lemon zest. The finish is very long, a bit mineral and fresh due to the marked acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntense aromas of oatmeal, lemon pastry, roasted pineapples and mineral. Fresh, bone-dry and creamy with good volume and substance. 40% viura, 30% garnacha blanca and 30% maturana blanca. Drink now.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2020 Flor de Muga Blanco has a golden color and a smoky and toasty nose. It was produced with Viura and around 30% Garnacha Blanca and Maturana Blanca, sold as Reserva. It fermented and matured separately in barrels and a few 500-liter barrels for six years. It's chalky, tasty, round and balanced with very good freshness (a constant in the whites and rosés) and has a long, tasty finish. 20,340 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2021.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2020 Blanco Flor de Muga is a flavorful Rioja white sourced from Villalba de Rioja and Galbarruli in Rioja Alta. It's a blend of 40% Viura, 30% Garnacha Blanca and 30% Maturana Blanca, aged for six months in new French oak barrels. With enticing aromas of peach, herbs and a delicate oak-hazelnut layer, it offers a dry, creamy and taut profile on the palate. The wine's heightened acidity adds vibrancy, leading to a final note of marzipan on the long finish. This white blend embodies Rioja's diversity with a complex, satisfying character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chambers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51493443010865,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bodegas_Muga_Flor_de_Muga_Blanco_Rioja_Spain_2020.jpg?v=1750272982"},{"product_id":"faustino-i-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-2016","title":"Faustino I Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn the mid 1800s, Eleuterio Martinez Arzok took his first steps toward establishing himself as a producer and merchant of wines from the Rioja region of Spain. He started out by selling his wines in the Rioja and Basque regions, direct from the barrel. Much has changed since then and the winery he founded has since become known as one of the premier fine wine producers of the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the late 1950s, his similarly adventurous descendant, Julio Faustino Martinez, launched the family-owned label in both national and international markets. Today, Bodegas Faustino is Rioja's largest exporter of Gran Reserva wines. The winner of numerous awards and gold medals in international competitions and tastings, Bodegas Faustino is a proud custodian of the Rioja region's growing international reputation as a source of truly world-class fine wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith 1600 acres of its own vineyards, Faustino is self-sufficient in producing its Reserva and Gran Reserva wines. The vineyards are located in the upper part of Rioja Alavesa at an altitude of between 1500 and 1800 feet. The climate is cool, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and the vines thrive in the chalky soil. The state-of-the-art Faustino winery has a stock of 45,000 barriques, 80% of which are American oak. The winery maintains a permanent stock of 9 million bottles of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJuan José Diez González\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTempranillo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eClean, bright. Ruby colour developing to maroon. On the nose is complex and elegant, wide fruity and spicy notes. On the mouth, elegant, with pleasant hints due to the barrel ageing. Long and silky finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt matches with any kind of meat and mushrooms rice. Some tasty or oily fish such as tuna or cod. Medium-aged cheese such as emmental or gruyere.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA harmonious red that leans toward traditional in style without forsaking its concentration or fruit expression. An overtone of tobacco, vanilla and milled white pepper is a fragrant thread winding through ripe and juicy black cherry and plum fruit, framed by refined, supple tannins. Hints of leather, red licorice and wild thyme play on the fresh, focused finish.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Falstaff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClear, classic nose with berry impressions, but also smoky, roasted nuances. Soft on the palate with a balanced acidity. Somewhat rough tannin. Ends sour. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51577707888945,"sku":null,"price":44.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Faustino_I_Gran_Reserva_Rioja_Spain_2016_3194e8d7-9392-413b-a434-6a5ec528ab99.jpg?v=1758910622"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-cubillo-crianza-rioja-spain-2017","title":"R. Lopez De Heredia, Viña Cubillo Crianza, Rioja, Spain, 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaría José López de Heredia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eR. Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza is a clear, bright ruby color. Fresh and slight aroma to licorice with consistent texture and persistent aroma. Smooth, fresh and persistent. Perfect with all meat dishes, tapas and charcutery. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReady to drink now, it can be stored a few more years in conditions of constant temperature (57ºF \/ 14ºC) and humidity (75-80%). Serve at 64.5º to 68ºF (18 - 20ºC) always depending on mood and place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe super bargain of the portfolio has to be the red 2017 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza, which this year shows more development and faster aging, with more tertiary notes than the other reds from 2013 and 2014 that I tasted next to it. The frost of April 2017 killed 100% of the vegetal mass at Cubillo, and the grapes they picked were exclusively from the second generation, therefore fruit that ripened in a much shorter cycle, as the harvest was also earlier. It has notes of damp earth, mushrooms, truffles and forest floor, dry leaves and decayed flowers and herbs. It has a polished palate and is medium-bodied, with mostly resolved tannins, and it feels a little lighter. But it's still worth it. It was produced with a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo from vines averaging 53 years of age. It fermented in their old oak vats and matured in used American oak barrels for three+ years. It has 13.5% alcohol, a 3.0 pH and 6.5 grams of acidity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51866733150513,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R._Lopez_De_Heredia_Vina_Cubillo_Crianza_Rioja_Spain_2017.jpg?v=1758637865"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-bosconia-reserva-rioja-spain-2014","title":"R. López De Heredia, Viña Bosconia Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2014","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA year officially rated as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ladillo2\"\u003eVERY GOOD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The year passed without severe climatological incidents, in lack of spring frost; but denoted with abundant spring precipitations and after the harvest. However, a mild and drier summer favoured the growth and health of the grapes; which led to a not very abundant, but lightly superior harvest than the previous one with similar quality. The weather conditions were exceptionally favourable during all the final phase of the vegetative cycle, something that is always decisive for the quality of the harvest. Our vineyard enjoyed the optimal conditions necessary to get a health state of the fruit almost perfect; and with balanced parameters of colour, acidity, degree of alcohol and balance during the maturation. All of these characteristics let us get a high quality harvest with a little inferior final volume compared to previous years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e80% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo \u0026amp; 5% Graciano\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis wine has evolved perfectly showing a deep ruby colour with shades of orange. Its nose is persistent, full bodied and showing a lot of mature fruit, being dominated by the Tempranillo grape. Its taste is round, smooth, fresh, full of body and persistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect with roasted and highly flavoured meats, lamb and game. 10 years in perfect conditions of constant temperature (57ºF \/ 14ºC) and humidity (75-80%). Serve at 64.5º to 68ºF (18 - 20ºC) always depending on mood and place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2014 Viña Bosconia is 80% Tempranillo with 10% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo from the El Bosque vineyard in Haro, Rioja. Garnet in hue, it opens with cassis, cola and oak-driven aromas. The palate is youthful and smooth, with well-integrated tannins, black fruit and anisette at the finish. Still growing, it’ll develop greater complexity with more time in bottle.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eI loved the nose of the 2014 Viña Bosconia Reserva, a red that sells at an incredible price for the quality, the problem is (like all their wines) finding it... They had to accelerate the harvest to avoid botrytis caused by the abundant rain during the harvest. This is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the remaining 5% Graciano and Mazuelo, fermented in old oak vats with their yeasts and matured in neutral American oak barrels for no less than five years. It's elegant and nuanced, developed but young for its age, with a seamless palate and very fine tannins, with energy and light. It has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.3 and 6.7 grams of acidity, notable parameters of freshness.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51866760085809,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R._Lopez_De_Heredia_Vina_Bosconia_Reserva_Rioja_Spain_2014.jpg?v=1758638126"},{"product_id":"vinos-en-voz-baja-barrio-pastores-rioja-spain-2023","title":"Vinos en Voz Baja, Barrio Pastores, Rioja, Spain, 2023 (Ian's #1 Wine of 2025)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStaff pick!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVinos en voz baja is a winery located in the historic wine area of Rioja Oriental in the village of Aldeanueva de Ebro. Classic Rioja vineyards, viñas de vaso of the typical variety of the area, Garnacha, accompanied by other varieties that were always mixed such as Pasera, Tempranillo, Garnacha Roya, Graciano de Alfaro, Viura and others. The wines are structured in three steps to represent the region: Rioja Oriental Zone Wine (Costumbres red and white), Village Wine from Aldeanueva de Ebro (Barrio Pastores), and Single Vineyard Wine (Erosivo).  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elaboration of the wines is based on the stepped on the whole clusters and the fermentation and storage of the wines for a year in the tanks and barrels. The style of the wines is fine, with lightness and a little more alcohol than in other areas of Rioja, the Garnacha strawberry is the protagonist because the aging in the wood is lighter. The wines are ready to drink in the first few years, and the wines from the best plots can be very long-lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarlos Mazo of Vinos en Voz Baja has been awarded the Young Winemaker of the Year 2023 by Tim Atkins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This is another inspiring venture – so much so that Carlos is my young winemaker of the year – working with ten parcels spread over just six hectares in Aldeanueva, Alfaro, Autol, Calahorra, and Rincón de Soto. He started out in a garage in 2012 and has been in his own, very stylish boutique winery since 2020. The focus here is on old vine Garnacha (plus a bit of Calagraño and Tinto Velasco) of remarkable finesse and elegance\" - Tim Atkin, Rioja Special Report 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCarlos Mazo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOld Vine Garnacha \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIt is perfumed and floral with moderate alcohol and with a medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins and a dry, austere finish. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Tim Atkin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the space of a few vintages, Carlos Mazo has established himself as ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING YOUNG PRODUCERS IN RIOJA . This remarkable Garnacha hails from two plots in his native Aldeanueva, Mazaterón and Montote, and is typical of his style. Whole bunch fermented, it is hauntingly refined and perfumed, with aromas of rose petal and mountain herbs, fine tannins and succulent cherry , hibiscus and wild strawberry flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antalva","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51871827558705,"sku":null,"price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/VinosenVozBaja_BarrioPastores_Rioja_Spain_2023_Ian_s_1Wineofthe2025.jpg?v=1789002786"},{"product_id":"la-rioja-alta-vina-alberdi-reserva-rioja-spain-2020","title":"La Rioja Alta, Viña Alberdi Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlways evolving quality, elegance, innovation, evolution... They are the pillars on which the five founding families erected our winery in 1890 and built a way of living, feeling and producing wines of the highest quality that continue to evolve subtly, perfectly adapting to new tastes. This is how the permanent pursuit of excellence started; a pursuit that continues into the 21st century with identical enthusiasm. We draw the best from our winemaking tradition and wisdom —our own cooperage, manual racking, long ageing periods, etc.— and combine it with the most modern winemaking technology. Today, our wines are an international exemplar of the great wines of Rioja and our brands are present in the best restaurants across all continents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Tempranillo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIntense and brilliant garnet color with a vivid ruby rim. On the nose, it stands out for its high intensity, with notes of red fruits—raspberries, wild strawberries, and redcurrants— wrapped in a marked balsamic aroma of caramel, vanilla, toffee, and roasted coffee. On the palate, it is long, balanced, and fresh, with fine and silky tannins. A long finish, where the initial balsamic and fresh red fruit aromas characteristic of Viña Alberdi reappear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViña Alberdi is characterised by a notable food-pairing versatility. It is an ideal companion to appetisers, snacks and barbecues, perfect with rice, pastas and stews, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA classical, typical Rioja Alta red with elegant notes of vanilla, coconut, smoked spices and strawberries. Refined and suave, with fine tannins and a long, creamy finish. Juicy and elegant. Really approachable now, but give it two more years to get more mushroom complexity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHints of tobacco, smoke and vanilla are a fragrant thread winding through the baked cherry and raspberry fruit, cocoa powder and red licorice notes on display in this lively, harmonious, focused red. Fine, crisp tannins firm the finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51945343353137,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/La_Rioja_Alta_Vina_Alberdi_Reserva_Rioja_Spain_2020.jpg?v=1760751539"},{"product_id":"bodegas-muga-reserva-unfiltered-rioja-spain-2021","title":"Bodegas Muga, Rioja Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2021 (WS #1 Best Value of 2025)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBodegas Muga is a family firm founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. The first wines were made in an underground cellar, until in 1968 they decided to set up their own winery in a beautiful old 19th-century town-house situated in the city of Haro. The Bodegas Muga outstanding feature is that it always uses the finest materials, combining tradition with the latest advances in winemaking so as always to give its wines the very best quality without losing authenticity. Indeed, it is the only wine cellar in Spain which employs its own master cooper and coopers, who make all the vats for the cellar as well as the oak casks. The winery remains true to traditional winemaking methods such as racking the casks by gravity and fining the wine with fresh egg whites. Bodegas Muga has succeeded in combining the purest family tradition with an updated vision of the future which has allowed them to preserve their own personality and character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIsaac Muga\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo, and 3% Graciano\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis 2021 vintage has a bright ruby-red colour, with medium depth and a garnet-tinged rim. On the nose you discover an intense, complex wine. Aromas of wild fruits of the forest (blackberries and blueberries) come to the fore, with hints of spices. On the palate it is long, elegant and nicely balanced. Its sharp acidity is perfectly integrated and it has soft tannins. The finish is very long and full of fruit. Perfect for drinking now but, thanks to its good balance and structure, it can be kept in the bottle for several years. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine will be an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes like a ribeye steak, as well as with charcuterie and all kinds of casseroles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe winery’s flagship, the wine that introduced Muga to the world, the 2021 Muga Reserva is Tempranillo-dominant, with Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano filling in the gaps. A larger-production wine, it offers tremendous quality, fermented in wooden vats using indigenous yeasts, the grapes separated by quality, soil type, and village origin. This one in particular is from a beautiful vintage and practically beams in full-bodied concentration, with supple, silky tannins and light touches of oak spice, cedar, balsamic, and white pepper. A new release, it should continue to thrive another 15-20 years. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe grapes for the 2021 Reserva (sold as Crianza in Spain), mostly Tempranillo with some Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano, were picked late in a cooler year when they finished the harvest the 20th of October, with plenty of times for the grapes to develop full aromas and flavors and complete ripeness. It fermented destemmed and lightly crushed in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, separating qualities, villages and soils, and matured in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels, 20% of them new, for 24 months, with racking every eight to nine months. It's a textbook example of their style in a very good year, with power, concentration and clout, elegance and freshness. It was a very harmonious year; the cycle was long and the tannins ripened to perfection. It's terrific and more so for the volume they produce (984,000 bottles of it). It was fined with egg whites and bottled in January 2024. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA plush yet fresh Rioja showing blackberries, dark plums, fine spices, cocoa powder and a touch of roasted red chile peppers. Medium- to full-bodied and juicy, with firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, bright finish showing some graphite, blackberries and dark chocolate. Tempranillo, garnacha, graciano and mazuelo. Drink now or hold. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Spectator (#1 Best Value Wine of the Year 2025)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis is fresh and minerally up front, opening to reveal a fine mesh of chopped cherry and plum skin flavors, with fragrant hints of ground coffee, smoked paprika and dried marjoram. Sculpted tannins define the long, slightly chewy finish.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2021 Reserva Muga, from Rioja Alta, is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano. This aged for 24 months in barrels. The complex, balanced nose offers sour cherry, black cherry, balsamic notes and undergrowth with the oak providing an unobtrusive frame. Dry, with fine, slightly chalky tannins and a juicy core, the long finish is fruit-forward with delicate nuances from the aging process. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chambers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53351697908017,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bodegas_Muga_Reserva_Unfiltered_Rioja_Spain_2021.jpg?v=1774354434"},{"product_id":"oxer-bastegieta-suzzane-old-vines-rioja-spain-2022","title":"Oxer Bastegieta, Suzzane, Old Vines Garnacha, Rioja, Spain, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOxer always wanted to make wines in La Rioja Alavesa and in 2005 he moved to Laguardia convinced of the uniqueness of the area. In 2009 he makes his first wine with grapes purchased from the growers in the area (grapes from old vineyards). The experiment succeeds. He falls in love with this  region and its stunning vineyards. Oxer then decides this is the place where he wants to settle and further express the art of winemaking. Relatively new to the region, but already enjoying national and international recognition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOxer Bastegieta\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Garnacha \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSuzzane is a very elegant wine. The seductive velvet texture is balanced by juicy acidity and softly gripping tannins. Flavours of red cherry, bramble and plum, sweet spicy flavours such as cinnamon and cacao, tobacco and violets. All leading to a concentrated and complex aftertaste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate (2020 Vintage)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Garnacha red 2020 Suzzane was quite open, a little more advanced than the other 2020s, ripe and heady but with a vibrant palate that was not consistent with the notes I found in the nose. He sent me a second bottle that I tasted at home, and the profile was completely different: floral, young and spicy with a medium body and very fine tannins, a long, dry finish and still young and energetic. There are only 2,000 bottles. In 2020, the Garnacha had lower yields because of poor flower settling and some hail. On hold. It was bottled in September of 2021.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antalva","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53661934747953,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Oxer_Bastegieta_Suzzane_Old_Vines_Rioja_Spain_2022.jpg?v=1775591743"},{"product_id":"oxer-bastegieta-kalamity-rioja-spain-2023","title":"Oxer Bastegieta, Kalamity, Rioja, Spain, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOxer always wanted to make wines in La Rioja Alavesa and in 2005 he moved to Laguardia convinced of the uniqueness of the area. In 2009 he makes his first wine with grapes purchased from the growers in the area (grapes from old vineyards). The experiment succeeds. He falls in love with this  region and its stunning vineyards. Oxer then decides this is the place where he wants to settle and further express the art of winemaking. Relatively new to the region, but already enjoying national and international recognition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOxer Bastegieta\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e48% Tempranillo, 48% Garnacha, 2% Viura, 2% and Garnacha Blanca\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eKalamity shows an array of aroma’s, ranging from soft black forest fruit to animal notes and from floral (violets) to herbal (thyme) and spicy, peppery aroma’s, which will develop into even more complexity in the coming years. A wine with enormous length and minerality. One to keep!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe red 2023 Kalamity is stunning, in line with the wine produced in 2021. It's a wine first produced in 2014 from a field blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura and Garnacha Blanca from very old vines in Elvillar, Laguardia and Camprovín harvested relatively early to avoid excess alcohol and to keep the acidity. The grapes were part destemmed, part crushed and part fermented with full clusters in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in 600-liter oak barrels for 10 months. Like most 2023s, it has contained ripeness and lowish alcohol, 13.5%, and a balanced pH of 3.5. Tartalo has been getting close, but I still believe this is the most complex, nuanced and complete of the reds here, perfumed and elegant. It's still young but already very harmonious, with a medium-bodied palate, super fine tannins and superb balance. This could very well be the finest Kalamity to date. It's approachable even at this young age, but it should also develop and get even better with time in bottle. 3,200 bottles were filled in September 2024.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis wine boasts a deep nose of crushed dark fruit and violets complemented by hints of coffee and mushrooms. Luxurious on the palate, yet it remains elegant and well structured, featuring creamy tannins and a long, persistent finish. This is made up of 48% tempranillo, 48% garnacha, 2% viura and 2% garnacha blanca. Multidimensional and layered, this wine is already impressive and has a promising future ahead. This will improve with age, but already delicious. Why wait?\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antalva","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53662024499505,"sku":null,"price":178.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Oxer_Bastegieta_Kalamity_Rioja_Spain_2023.jpg?v=1775592917"},{"product_id":"vinos-en-voz-baja-costumbres-blanco-rioja-spain-2023","title":"Vinos en Voz Baja, Costumbres Blanco, Rioja, Spain, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVinos en voz baja is a winery located in the historic wine area of Rioja Oriental in the village of Aldeanueva de Ebro. Classic Rioja vineyards, viñas de vaso of the typical variety of the area, Garnacha, accompanied by other varieties that were always mixed such as Pasera, Tempranillo, Garnacha Roya, Graciano de Alfaro, Viura and others. The wines are structured in three steps to represent the region: Rioja Oriental Zone Wine (Costumbres red and white), Village Wine from Aldeanueva de Ebro (Barrio Pastores), and Single Vineyard Wine (Erosivo).  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elaboration of the wines is based on the stepped on the whole clusters and the fermentation and storage of the wines for a year in the tanks and barrels. The style of the wines is fine, with lightness and a little more alcohol than in other areas of Rioja, the Garnacha strawberry is the protagonist because the aging in the wood is lighter. The wines are ready to drink in the first few years, and the wines from the best plots can be very long-lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarlos Mazo of Vinos en Voz Baja has been awarded the Young Winemaker of the Year 2023 by Tim Atkins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This is another inspiring venture – so much so that Carlos is my young winemaker of the year – working with ten parcels spread over just six hectares in Aldeanueva, Alfaro, Autol, Calahorra, and Rincón de Soto. He started out in a garage in 2012 and has been in his own, very stylish boutique winery since 2020. The focus here is on old vine Garnacha (plus a bit of Calagraño and Tinto Velasco) of remarkable finesse and elegance\" - Tim Atkin, Rioja Special Report 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCarlos Mazo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e40% Viura, 30% Pasera, 20% Garnacha Roya, 10% Tempranillo blanco\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe white wines grow over time with a unique style, which in this area of Rioja is expressed in a moderate acidity and elegance given by the good ripening of the grapes. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate (2022 Vintage) \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe white 2022 Costumbres Blanco was produced with a regional blend of 40% Viura, 30% Calagraño, 20% Garnacha Roya and 10% Tempranillo Blanco from individual vines interplanted with the red ones. All the musts fermented together, and the wine matured in used 300- and 400-liter oak barrels for 11 months. It has a moderate 12.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.3. It's primary, young and fruit driven, with notes of white fruit and flowers. It is elegant and balanced, with a serious finish. 2,200 bottles and 36 magnums were filled in August 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antalva","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53662042161457,"sku":null,"price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Vinos_en_Voz_Baja_Costumbres_Blanco_Rioja_Spain_2023.jpg?v=1775593556"},{"product_id":"vinos-en-voz-baja-costumbres-tinto-rioja-spain-2022","title":"Vinos en Voz Baja, Costumbres Tinto, Rioja, Spain, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVinos en voz baja is a winery located in the historic wine area of Rioja Oriental in the village of Aldeanueva de Ebro. Classic Rioja vineyards, viñas de vaso of the typical variety of the area, Garnacha, accompanied by other varieties that were always mixed such as Pasera, Tempranillo, Garnacha Roya, Graciano de Alfaro, Viura and others. The wines are structured in three steps to represent the region: Rioja Oriental Zone Wine (Costumbres red and white), Village Wine from Aldeanueva de Ebro (Barrio Pastores), and Single Vineyard Wine (Erosivo).  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elaboration of the wines is based on the stepped on the whole clusters and the fermentation and storage of the wines for a year in the tanks and barrels. The style of the wines is fine, with lightness and a little more alcohol than in other areas of Rioja, the Garnacha strawberry is the protagonist because the aging in the wood is lighter. The wines are ready to drink in the first few years, and the wines from the best plots can be very long-lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarlos Mazo of Vinos en Voz Baja has been awarded the Young Winemaker of the Year 2023 by Tim Atkins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This is another inspiring venture – so much so that Carlos is my young winemaker of the year – working with ten parcels spread over just six hectares in Aldeanueva, Alfaro, Autol, Calahorra, and Rincón de Soto. He started out in a garage in 2012 and has been in his own, very stylish boutique winery since 2020. The focus here is on old vine Garnacha (plus a bit of Calagraño and Tinto Velasco) of remarkable finesse and elegance\" - Tim Atkin, Rioja Special Report 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCarlos Mazo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e95% Garnacha, 5% Tinta Velasco and Tempranillo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIt is a light wine, with the typical character of La Rioja Oriental and the smoothness of the Garnacha with a shallow aging. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe red 2022 Costumbres Tinto was produced with 95% Garnacha and the rest Tinta Velasco and Tempranillo. It's a regional wine from different vineyards. The full clusters were foot trodden and fermented with indigenous yeasts with a maceration of 20 days. It matured in concrete vat and 3,000-liter oak vat for one year. It has a limpid, bright ruby color and an expressive fruit-driven nose, with integrated oak and a whiff of honey and beeswax. The palate reveales abundant, slightly dusty tannins.  It has 14.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.5. 15,000 bottles and 480 magnums produced. It was bottled in August 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antalva","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53662065033521,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Vinos_en_Voz_Baja_Costumbres_Tinto_Rioja_Spain_2022.jpg?v=1775593911"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-1995","title":"R. López De Heredia, Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1995","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaría José López de Heredia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSparkling ruby in color. Delicate fragrance, complex and developed. Full, round bouquet, and developed flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoes well with all meat dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSweet tobacco, orange zest and hints of balsamic with dried fruits on the nose. Full body, soft and silky with a tangy and fruity combination that gives such pleasure. Very balanced and refined. Aged ten years in cask. Drink now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeep red. A heady, complex bouquet evokes red berry preserves, cherry pit, Asian spices and cigar box, with smoke and potpourri qualities building with air. Supple and seamless on the palate, offering sweet cherry and smoky herb flavors, along with notes of mocha and candied rose. Fine-grained tannins come up on the finish, which is spicy, penetrating and very long. I'd bet on the wine being even better in five to ten years but there's no shame in drinking it now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53907821789489,"sku":null,"price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LopezDeHeredia_VinaTondoniaGranReserva_Rioja_Spain_1995_1debf5e8-2ed4-4b82-9edd-fcb7fdc6f405.jpg?v=1777501644"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-reserva-rioja-spain-2013","title":"R. López de Heredia, Viña Tondonia Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA year officially rated as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ladillo2\"\u003eVERY GOOD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The year passed without severe climatological incidents, in lack of spring frost; but denoted with abundant spring precipitations and after the harvest. However, a mild and drier summer favoured the growth and health of the grapes; which led to a not very abundant, but lightly superior harvest than the previous one with similar quality. The weather conditions were exceptionally favourable during all the final phase of the vegetative cycle, something that is always decisive for the quality of the harvest. Our vineyard enjoyed the optimal conditions necessary to get a health state of the fruit almost perfect; and with balanced parameters of colour, acidity, degree of alcohol and balance during the maturation. All of these characteristics let us get a high quality harvest with a little inferior final volume compared to previous years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaría José López de Heredia \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2013 Reserva Viña Tondonia is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 10% Graciano and Mazuelo, grown in the calcareous soils of the Tondonia meander in Rioja Alta. Aged extensively in American oak, it offers restrained black fruit, wild herbs, balsamic hints and sweet spices with gentle cedar and vanilla notes. Medium-bodied with chalky grip and a layered, tertiary finish, this is a benchmark classic—refined, enduring and unmistakably Tondonia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2013 Reserva Viña Tondonia is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 10% Graciano and Mazuelo, grown in the calcareous soils of the Tondonia meander in Rioja Alta. Aged extensively in American oak, it offers restrained black fruit, wild herbs, balsamic hints and sweet spices with gentle cedar and vanilla notes. Medium-bodied with chalky grip and a layered, tertiary finish, this is a benchmark classic—refined, enduring and unmistakably Tondonia. Drink: 2025-2055.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The canonical red 2013 Viña Tondonia Reserva has a developed nose of dried roses and tar that transported me to Piamonte but soon took me back to the López de Heredia cellars in Haro with the mixture of mushrooms, truffles, damp earth and decayed leaves, hints of brick dust and spice. 2013 was a rainy year, with 753 liters of it, well above the average of 530 liters in Haro. It was also a cooler year, and the ripeness was slow, so they didn't start picking until the seventh of October, but they had to hurry up because of the risk of botrytis. The crop was not so big, because they suffered from hail in July that affected the Viña Tondonia, coupled with strong winds that broke many branches. The breakdown in 2013 comes to 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in old oak vats with indigenous yeasts. All the wines age in old American oak barrels in their caves, in this case for no less than six years. It comes in at 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.4 and 6.6 grams of acidity, perhaps a lighter vintage with higher acidity that translates into a lot of energy, a fine-boned palate and very fine tannins with a vibrant finish. It was bottled in November 2021. It should be released in the spring of 2025, almost 12 years after the harvest. And look at the price... Drink: 2025-2040. (2\/27\/25)\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54032138010929,"sku":null,"price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LopezdeHeredia_VinaTondoniaReserva_Rioja_Spain_2013_2f860fe1-77f8-4cf3-840f-74abf9e33b5e.jpg?v=1777600758"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-blanco-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-2004","title":"R. López de Heredia, Viña Tondonia, Blanco, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2004","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA year officially rated as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ladillo2\"\u003eVERY GOOD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The year passed without severe climatological incidents, in lack of spring frost; but denoted with abundant spring precipitations and after the harvest. However, a mild and drier summer favoured the growth and health of the grapes; which led to a not very abundant, but lightly superior harvest than the previous one with similar quality. The weather conditions were exceptionally favourable during all the final phase of the vegetative cycle, something that is always decisive for the quality of the harvest. Our vineyard enjoyed the optimal conditions necessary to get a health state of the fruit almost perfect; and with balanced parameters of colour, acidity, degree of alcohol and balance during the maturation. All of these characteristics let us get a high quality harvest with a little inferior final volume compared to previous years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eViura\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTasting: Wine developed and very balanced. Colour: Gold evolved Nose: Persistent, perfumed and complex. Taste: Round, smooth, full of persistent aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat a vinous white that’s reticent and full of power and depth. Aromas of butterscotch, waxed lemons, macadamia nuts, saffron and honey, and there is also something intricately smoky with roasted sweet potato. Full-bodied but there is no heft, with lots of brightness. I like the phenolic twist at the end, before a persistent finish that goes on for almost a minute. Incredible. A true beauty. This was aged for 10 years in old barrels before bottling. Drinkable now, but will age really beautifully over the next 10 to 20 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Point - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2004 Blanco Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia is a delicate, unique white wine crafted in the old-school Rioja style. It showcases the enduring legacy of the Tondonia Vineyard, situated along the meander of the Ebro River. Aged for a remarkable ten years in oak barrels before being bottled in 2014 and held in the catacomb-like cellar of López de Heredia, this amber-hued wine reveals a complex array of aromas. Notes of hops, honey and hazelnut intertwine with hints of resin, dried apricot and tangerine. On the palate, it offers a dry, silky texture with a chalky undertone, delivering a slightly concentrated character reminiscent of sherry. This wine is a delicious oddity, seamlessly blending the past and present of white winemaking in Rioja.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54032650961201,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LopezdeHeredia_VinaTondonia_Blanco_GranReserva_Rioja_Spain_2004.jpg?v=1789556427"},{"product_id":"la-rioja-alta-ardanza-reserva-rioja-spain-2019","title":"La Rioja Alta, \"Ardanza\" Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFew dispute that La Rioja Alta S.A. is the leading quality orientated producer in the Rioja. With more than 50,000 casks and 6.4 million bottles stored at any one time, the equivalent of about 8 years sales, La Rioja Alta S.A. is unique in its ability to supply large quantities of fully mature wines of world class quality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe company owns 300 hectares of vineyards in different parts of the best zones of the Rioja Alta region. La Rioja Alta S.A. is specialized in red wines. The leading grape variety is the Tempranillo with small doses of Mazuelo and Graciano. The Vina Ardanza differs from the other wines with some 25% Garnacha in the blend. After vinification in the new ultra modern vinification plant near Haro, aging is in traditional Bordeaux casks, all made from American oak. Racking is by hand every 6 months with 8 teams working full time racking the 51,000 casks. There is no filtration prior to bottling and further long aging in bottle before release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn short the wines are made in the traditional Rioja manner. The company is adamant about not using French oak, keeping the unique Rioja style which has been developed since the end of the 19th century. In spite of the varying amount of time in cask and bottle the wines all display a wonderful rich ruby colour, gorgeous aromas of oak, spices and fruit followed by a sensational feel on the palate, with a wonderful smooth texture, clean rich oaky\/fruity flavours and a long lingering finish. All the wines are ready for consumption on release but will keep for many more years in bottle. This situation is almost unique in the world of wine and is the reason why so many restaurants list La Rioja Alta’s outstanding range of truly classic Rioja wines.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStéphane Desmarquest\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBright and vivid cherry red, medium-high intensity, garnet rim. Aromas of redcurrant, plum, and cherry, complemented by balsamic and spicy notes of black pepper, licorice, vanilla, clove, and nutmeg. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with sweet, elegant tannins and a long, lively finish, reflecting the wine’s distinctive balsamic and spicy character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis has classic Rioja aromas of cherries, dried flowers, earth, spices and orange peel. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Juicy, with opulent fruit. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA super-classic and great interpretation of Rioja reserva, this offers all the appealing sweet red berry fruit and American oak with serious struture and balance. Soft and inviting, this is surely a reference for reserva wines in the region. A blend of 80%Tempranillo – from two vineyards in Fuenmayor and Cenicero, northern Rioja Alta – and 20% Garnacha from Tudelilla in Rioja Oriental, a 17-day fermentation was followed by ageing in American oak barrels from the producer's own cooperage: 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 months (in 20% new) for the Garnacha. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/pages\/zoom-into-wine-archive-july-18th-spanish-reds-w-john-bauccio-feat-r-lopez-de-heredia\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54056008450353,"sku":null,"price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/LaRiojaAltaS.A._VinaArdanzaReserva_Rioja_Spain_2019.jpg?v=1777503784"},{"product_id":"la-rioja-alta-s-a-gran-reserva-890-seleccion-especial-rioja-doca-spain-1975","title":"La Rioja Alta S.A., Gran Reserva 890, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 1975","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Condition: Purchased 9\/3\/2026 from Winewise - direct from Spain. Pristine condition besides some moisture spots on the label. Cork is in a solid position - not pushed or pulled. Fill is bottom neck - optimal for this 1975 specimen. A great find. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn 1890, Five Riojan and Basque families founded the \"Sociedad Vinícola de La Rioja Alta\" in Haro's Station District. Our first president was a woman: Doña Saturnina García Cid y Gárate. Monsieur Vigier, a Frenchman, was the House's first winemaker and the Reserva 1890 (predecessor of today's Gran Reserva 890) is the first wine he made. In 1904, Don Alfredo Ardanza, founder of La Rioja Alta and owner of the Ardanza Winery, proposed the merger of both companies. To commemorate the event, we made the Reserva 1904, which eventually became the Gran Reserva 904. In 1941, we took on the definitive name that persists today: La Rioja Alta, S.A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrinks International ranked us as the third most admired winery in the world in 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJulio Sáenz\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eClean and bright, with an intense garnet color and delicate brick-red edges. Remarkable intensity and aromatic complexity, embodying the essence of a classic Rioja Gran Reserva. Notes of raisins and candied black plums blend harmoniously with subtle aromas from barrel aging and bottle maturation: Lebanese cedar, tea leaves, cinnamon, dark chocolate, vanilla, pepper, and nutmeg. On the palate, seamlessly balancing the elegance and power of its tannins with refined freshness and equilibrium. The finish is broad and intense, with lingering balsamic and sweet spice notes that contribute to its long and elegant bouquet. An optimal drinking stage, which will continue to evolve, gaining even greater finesse and complexity over time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGran Reserva 890 is our most special wine. Recommended with main courses with light sauces, meat stews with herbs and desserts with chocolate. It is ideal as an after-dinner drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (1973 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 1973 Gran Reserva 890 spent eight years in American oak vats during which it was racked 15 times before spending another six years in bottle. The nose is so entrancing that you just want to sit down and weep (with pleasure). Dark cherries, black truffle, freshly picked mint, ox-tail and dried blood all blossom from the glass with stunning delineation. The palate does not quite match the brilliance of the aromatics. But it is imbued with life-affirming freshness: a ferrous entry with sour cherry, orange rind, allspice, white pepper and a touch of cedar towards the finish which has a soupcon of austerity, suggesting that there was some Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Drink now.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55795286704433,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/LaRiojaAltaS.A._GranReserva890_RiojaDOCa_Spain_1975.jpg?v=1787049143"},{"product_id":"faustino-i-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-1987","title":"Faustino I, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1987","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBottle Condition: 1987 - I consider the fill line a tad light - but there is no sign of past seepage. In fact - cork, capsule, and bottle are in exceptional condition. 1987 is very good to outstanding as a vintage and this very traditional producer ages like a tank... nice and slow. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn the mid 1800s, Eleuterio Martinez Arzok took his first steps toward establishing himself as a producer and merchant of wines from the Rioja region of Spain. He started out by selling his wines in the Rioja and Basque regions, direct from the barrel. Much has changed since then and the winery he founded has since become known as one of the premier fine wine producers of the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the late 1950s, his similarly adventurous descendant, Julio Faustino Martinez, launched the family-owned label in both national and international markets. Today, Bodegas Faustino is Rioja's largest exporter of Gran Reserva wines. The winner of numerous awards and gold medals in international competitions and tastings, Bodegas Faustino is a proud custodian of the Rioja region's growing international reputation as a source of truly world-class fine wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith 1600 acres of its own vineyards, Faustino is self-sufficient in producing its Reserva and Gran Reserva wines. The vineyards are located in the upper part of Rioja Alavesa at an altitude of between 1500 and 1800 feet. The climate is cool, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and the vines thrive in the chalky soil. The state-of-the-art Faustino winery has a stock of 45,000 barriques, 80% of which are American oak. The winery maintains a permanent stock of 9 million bottles of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJuan José Diez González\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTempranillo, Graciano and Mazuel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo, the three classic Rioja grape varieties. Graciano provides a very lively colour and high acidity; Mazuelo flavour and abundant tannin, both together with Tempranillo are the perfect coupage for long ageing wines. True to Rioja, true to its origins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherry red developing to an intense ruby colour. Intense and complex. Well integrated sweet and warm hints with ripe fruit, notes of vanilla and sensations of cinnamon, blond tobacco and cocoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant in the mouth, structured and with good acidity. The finish is sweet and surprising for a Rioja Gran Reserva. There is an aftertaste of the blend of very ripe fruit, vanilla and roasted notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMasterpieces take its time. Aged and refined longer. Only released when optimal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55807726321969,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Faustino_I_Gran_Reserva_Rioja_Spain_1987.png?v=1787136592"},{"product_id":"faustino-i-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-1970","title":"Faustino I, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1970","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBottle Condition: 1970 is widely considered a legendary, top-tier vintage for Rioja, often ranked alongside other 20th-century greats like 1964 and 1982. This ia  beautiful specimen with a nice fill and a cork and capsule in perfect condition. Some cellar accumulation on the package overall but really pristine otherwise. The original necker is still on this bottle. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn the mid 1800s, Eleuterio Martinez Arzok took his first steps toward establishing himself as a producer and merchant of wines from the Rioja region of Spain. He started out by selling his wines in the Rioja and Basque regions, direct from the barrel. Much has changed since then and the winery he founded has since become known as one of the premier fine wine producers of the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the late 1950s, his similarly adventurous descendant, Julio Faustino Martinez, launched the family-owned label in both national and international markets. Today, Bodegas Faustino is Rioja's largest exporter of Gran Reserva wines. The winner of numerous awards and gold medals in international competitions and tastings, Bodegas Faustino is a proud custodian of the Rioja region's growing international reputation as a source of truly world-class fine wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith 1600 acres of its own vineyards, Faustino is self-sufficient in producing its Reserva and Gran Reserva wines. The vineyards are located in the upper part of Rioja Alavesa at an altitude of between 1500 and 1800 feet. The climate is cool, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and the vines thrive in the chalky soil. The state-of-the-art Faustino winery has a stock of 45,000 barriques, 80% of which are American oak. The winery maintains a permanent stock of 9 million bottles of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJuan José Diez González\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTempranillo, Graciano and Mazuel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo, the three classic Rioja grape varieties. Graciano provides a very lively colour and high acidity; Mazuelo flavour and abundant tannin, both together with Tempranillo are the perfect coupage for long ageing wines. True to Rioja, true to its origins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherry red developing to an intense ruby colour. Intense and complex. Well integrated sweet and warm hints with ripe fruit, notes of vanilla and sensations of cinnamon, blond tobacco and cocoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant in the mouth, structured and with good acidity. The finish is sweet and surprising for a Rioja Gran Reserva. There is an aftertaste of the blend of very ripe fruit, vanilla and roasted notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMasterpieces take its time. Aged and refined longer. Only released when optimal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - CT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55807728484657,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/FaustinoI_GranReserva_Rioja_Spain_1970.jpg?v=1787136555"},{"product_id":"bodegas-gomez-de-segura-mitxarro-alavesa-rioja-spain-2021","title":"Bodegas Gomez de Segura, \"Mitxarro,\" Alavesa Rioja, Spain, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWe are a family-run winery with deep-rooted customs that applies the most suitable techniques available to produce our wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are located in El Campillar, Laguardia, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa. Currently, the third generation of the family is responsible for producing and marketing our wines, made from grapes grown and harvested on our wholly-owned vineyards within the municipal boundaries of Laguardia.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAna Gómez de Segura\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTempranillo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlavesa Rioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCharacteristic reddish color similar to cherry and very luminous. Its intense and complex aroma from its excellent aging is reminiscent of spices and berries. In the mouth, fruity nuances are appreciated with an elegant, tasty and long finish typical of a great wine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInky violet-red in the glass, this wine has a nose of raspberry liqueur, Luxardo cherry, anisette and rose petal. Tannins slowly build in volume while flavors of blackberry, black-cherry, clove, violet and chocolate-covered-caramel fill the mouth. Touches of orange zest and coffee bean make their way to the smooth finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/pages\/zoom-into-wine-archive-july-18th-spanish-reds-w-john-bauccio-feat-r-lopez-de-heredia\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56183987536177,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/BodegasGomezdeSegura__Mitxarro__AlavesaRioja_Spain_2021.jpg?v=1788909932"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-gravonia-blanco-gran-reserva-rioja-spain-2017","title":"R. López de Heredia, Viña Gravonia, Blanco Crianza,  Rioja, Spain, 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA year officially rated as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ladillo2\"\u003eVERY GOOD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The year passed without severe climatological incidents, in lack of spring frost; but denoted with abundant spring precipitations and after the harvest. However, a mild and drier summer favoured the growth and health of the grapes; which led to a not very abundant, but lightly superior harvest than the previous one with similar quality. The weather conditions were exceptionally favourable during all the final phase of the vegetative cycle, something that is always decisive for the quality of the harvest. Our vineyard enjoyed the optimal conditions necessary to get a health state of the fruit almost perfect; and with balanced parameters of colour, acidity, degree of alcohol and balance during the maturation. All of these characteristics let us get a high quality harvest with a little inferior final volume compared to previous years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eViura\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eColor is slightly developed pale gold. Nose is fresh and aromatic. Complex and developed. Bouquet with aromas of third generation. Fruity, complex, developed, very fine flavors. Aged 4 years, being racked twice a year and fined with fresh egg whites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect with all kind of fish; fried, grilled or boiled. Grilled seafood. Well-seasoned white meat. Very nice with pasta too. Serve at 57º to 60ºF (14º to 16ºC) depending of mood and place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Tim Atkin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSomething of a bargain among the López de Heredia whites, which have increased in price because of a combination of demand and high quality, this is a triumph over the heat and frost of 2017. Made from a parcel of 92-year-old Viura, it has flavours of salt, almond paste, citrus peel and beeswax, impressive extract and an enticingly bitter finish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe nose of the 2017 Viña Gravonia Blanco is unmistakably López de Heredia, with those mushroom, white pepper and pollen aromas that remind you so much of the smell in their ancient caves. 2017 was the year of the big frost in April and the scarcity of rain that made it the earliest, scarcest and quickest harvest they have experienced in their recent history. The grapes for this wine were the first grapes picked, the 14th of September, from vines aged 93 years. It fermented in even older oak vats with indigenous yeasts (\"We have never added yeasts to our wines,\" they answer when asked) and matured in used American oak barrels for four years (possibly more looking at the bottling date). Of course, this could qualify as a Gran Reserva, but they keep it at Crianza (to have a range), and it's sold at a bargain price for its quality and age. It's characterful and nuanced, with some hints of development (diesel) and a lightish palate with pungent flavors and great harmony. It has the usual parameters: 12.5% alcohol, a pH of three and seven grams of acidity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Point - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn elegant, scented nose, showing macadamia nuts, light yellow apples and a touch of seaweed. Elegant and fluid on the palate with bright acidity and a long, lightly saline finish. 100% viura. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Point - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2017 Viña Gravonia is 100% Viura from Haro in Rioja. This aged for four years in old American oak foudres followed by four years in bottle. Due to the severe frost of 2017, it was made mostly from second-flowering fruit. Medium yellow in hue, it delivers notes of resin, gentle oak and hints of herbs and fennel. Saline and medium-bodied on the tongue before a finish of hay and dried orange peel, this is a unique white with a savory, lightly oxidative profile. (JH)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56555675713841,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LopezdeHeredia_VinaGravonia_BlancoCrianza_Rioja_Spain_2017.jpg?v=1791416345"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-reserva-rosado-rioja-spain-2012","title":"R. Lopez De Heredia, Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rosado, Rioja, Spain, 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaría José López de Heredia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60% Garnacho, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Viura\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOnion skin colour. Nose is fresh and persistent. Smooth and fresh taste with body and complexity due to the ageing conditions. 4 years being hand racked twice a year. Fined with egg whites. Rest, unfiltered, bottled in 75 cl. bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis versatile wine will complement any dish due to its freshness. It goes very well with spice and hoot food. Perfect with ham and charcuterie. It combines very well with Indian, Mexican and Chinese style food. Ready to drink now, it can be stored a few more years in conditions of constant temperature (57ºF \/ 14ºC) and humidity (75-80%). 10 -12ºC (50-53ºF), always depending time and place. In very hot years chilled to 8ºC (46ºF).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA beautiful and extremely complex rosé with a sanguine hue. Deep and complex with subtle aromas of savory plums, caramel, resin, dried strawberries, blood oranges and exotic herbs. Full-bodied and comfortably chewy, with amazing, zesty acidity cutting it through. Long and savory, but bright, with some walnut in the finish. This almost has an Oloroso feel. Goes on and on. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI love the rosé 2012 Viña Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva, perhaps the finest vintage (together with the 2010) of the modern releases produced again since 2008. It's a textbook example of this unusual rosé a blend of 60% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape), 30% Tempranillo and 10% Viura that matured in American oak barrels for four years, during which time the wine acquired an orange color and a nutty nose with notes of candied orange peel, mushroom and forest floor. It's only 12.5% alcohol and has a pH of 3.3. 15,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2018.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56633172525361,"sku":null,"price":449.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LopezDeHeredia_VinaTondoniaReserva_Rosado_Rioja_Spain_2012_c1564199-5db1-4d1c-a857-42f1001d7b08.jpg?v=1791245710"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/rioja.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}