Andalucía, Spain
R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012
La Rioja Alta
Reserva Viña Ardanza Rioja Tempranillo Garnacha 2017
2017 vintage. Extremely difficult to get past the coconut/pickles nose with the aggressive oak. Flavors better than scents currently. Could use an hour or two in a decanter or 7-8 years in the bottle to minimize said oak. Medium body. Will eventually lead the group on an epic hike but not in the next few years. 03.05.25. — 14 days ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2013
Tasting notes during visit to the winery where absolutely everything is done in-house by hand; preserving centuries old winemaking traditions. Bosconia is a delicate wine highlighted by persistent tones of red berries and bright acidity with integrated tannins closing with medium but lingering finish.
No stainless steel here. The juice is fermented in old large wooden “tinas,” then transferred to American oak barrels (made in house to lighter toast specifications), underground in their +100 year old cellars for at least a year. After that it is bottled and stored in the same underground cellars and finally released about ten years later. Learning about their curated winemaking process was inspiring. — 12 days ago
Clos Mogador
Priorat Red Blend 2015
I have always loved old world and some of the old vine Grenache examples coming from Australia recently but Priorat always remains a favourite. Red and blue fruits on nose and palate. The medium bodied palate shows spice, blueberry and raspberry (sweet). A robust yet flavoursome wine. Earthy, mineral, sweet and savoury. Finishes dry with persistence of flavour - very satisfying. We had a memorable tasting there in June 2022 with the family. — 13 days ago
La Rioja Alta
Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 1996
No one chooses to have these kinds of bottles, the bottles themselves choose you. From the first whiff, you can smell the age; dried cherries, weathered leather, a trace of cigar box, and a hint of vanilla that lingers like memories of wilder days. On the palate, the wine unfolds slowly, each layer revealing the finesse of a life lived with grit and grace. The tannins, softened with age yet carrying a hint of defiance. — 12 days ago
Martín Códax
Rías Baixas Albariño 2021
Pale lemon color with stone, citrus and tropical fruit aromas and herb floral scents. On the palate flavors of apples, grapefruit and pear with lemon citrus and chalky notes. Good balance with pleasant lively acidity, medium+ finish ending crisp with mineral, citrus, floral and wet stone nuances. — 13 days ago
La Caña
Rías Baixas Albariño 2022
Pale yellow color. Aromas of pineapple, guava, grapefruit, white flowers and fresh herbs. A myriad of tropical fruit flavors with additional notes of peach, lemon curd and pepper spice. Nice saline/mineral touch on the long and crunchy finish. Mouth watering acidity, bright and fresh. Thanks for the taste, Chris B! — 5 days ago
Ericsson
Tasting notes during visit to the winery where absolutely everything is done in-house by hand; preserving centuries old winemaking traditions. In the Tondonia offering one can really appreciate the time and patience dedicated to crafting this wine. The wine evolves to a rustic yet graceful profile with strong notes of dark berries with slight oak and dark chocolate. On the palate the wine is bliss, medium bodied, fully integrated, with balanced acidity and a long finish.
The juice is fermented in old large wooden “tinas,” then transferred to American oak barrels (made in house to medium toast specifications), stored underground in their +100 year old cellars for at least a year. After that it is bottled and stored in the same underground cellars and finally released about ten years later. Learning about their curated winemaking process was inspiring. — 12 days ago