Alta Marfa

R. López de Heredia

Viña Bosconia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

2010 vintage (half bottle). Upon opening, there was a split second hesitation as to whether the wine was skunked or not. Extremely earthy and funky nose though the taste and color assured that it was fine, though it surely needed a ton of time to come together. We enjoyed a Chenin Blanc while we waited for the Rioja. Revisiting the nose about 45 minutes later, it was clear the time alone improved it immensely. Alas, the classic notes of vanilla and oak and cherry that I so often associate with Rioja. Drinking it 20 minutes later over the next hour, the wine was showing incredibly well and so different from its previously unruly and spastic self. It was now much more tame and finessed, well integrated tannins yet still present, with nice acidity and a good amount of freshness. Incredibly enjoyable all on its own. A fun journey that had a rocky beginning but very rewarding end. — 11 days ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Blanco Malvasia Viura 2008

Lovely stuff. Orange peel, apricot, corn and lemon oil. Dry finish with limestone. Unusual and delicious. — a month ago

Bex Green
with Bex
Shay, Jay and 9 others liked this

Bodega Catena Zapata

Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2020

Blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon & 8% Cabernet Franc, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits, cacao, sweet spice and herb notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and black plum with cacao, vanilla, black pepper and earthy notes. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, sweet spice and earthy mineral character. Nice! — a month ago

Paul, Bob and 3 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012

One of the best bottles of Cubillo I can remember tasting — 9 days ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Pinotman, Ron and 5 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2001

Decanted for 4 hours and it was singing. From a magnum — 19 days ago

Douglas, David and 10 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Viña Ardanza Reserva Selección Especial Tempranillo Blend 2010

Medium deep ruby garnet core , with garnet terracotta rim . Lots of dry spice , clove , cinnamon , with strawberry and cherry jam . On the palate spiced raspberry and strawberry , slightly earthy , porcini note , with nice balancing fresh acidity and suave velvety tannins , balanced alcohol . Good refreshing vanilla tinged finish . With more time , there is a mineral , stony note on the finish . Within its drinking window , but with lots to show over the next 7-15 years — a month ago

Tom, Jan and 6 others liked this

Finca Valpiedra

Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2016

Rich complex pleasing aromas, tastes of blueberry and current, mild tannins in this 8 year old 2016 vintage. Excellent recommendation from our Parador (Santiago, Spain) waiter. — 4 days ago

Cusumano

Alta Mora Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese 2018

Light to medium in color, slightly transparent with a clear edge. Nose of darker red fruits, oak, spices and very aromatic. Same in the mouth, reasonable acidity with mild tannins and ends on the dry side. — 6 days ago

Jeff Stone
with Jeff