Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2018 | Fine developed smell with association of a barns yard, supple taste — 17 days ago

Will Bean

9.3

Didn’t even know Portugal had wine this amazing. Stellar rival to any great burgundy, at a fraction of the cost. — 3 years ago

with Jack

Lynn Gowdy

8.9

Mixed forest berries, sweet spice, garrigue, dried herbs, eucalyptus hints; less ripe berries, acidic arch, dusty grippy tannins yet fine. Yowsa on the palate! Nice job Justin. — 5 years ago

Meg Herring

9.3

Fall in a glass! Very earthy and spicy. At a really nice point on its arch. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Castillo Clavijo – Rioja Blanco – 2024
Rioja DOCa | Spain 🇪🇸

Overview:
A very casual, approachable white from Rioja DOCa, a region better known for reds, this bottle delivers exactly what it promises: simplicity, freshness, and value. Viura-driven, made in a clean, straightforward style that favors easy drinking over complexity.

Aromas & Flavors:
Fresh and subtle with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and soft white florals. There’s a gentle herbal edge typical of Viura, but nothing overt or demanding, clean and unfussy.

Mouthfeel:
Light- to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity. Smooth, easygoing, and crisp, finishing clean without weight or oak influence.

Food Pairings:
Grilled fish, light salads, seafood tapas, simple chicken dishes, or anything olive-oil driven. A reliable companion at the table without stealing the spotlight.

Verdict:
A “does-the-job” Rioja white that makes sense on the value side. Not meant to rival more serious white Rioja expressions, but a pleasant, practical option from a red-dominant region, especially when you want something uncomplicated and food-friendly.

Did You Know?
Viura (also known as Macabeo) is Rioja’s primary white grape, capable of both simple, fresh wines like this and age-worthy, complex whites when blended or oak-aged.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is the kind of easy, reliable white you reach for when you want something light, affordable, and regionally honest, proof that Rioja can still deliver on the white side, even if reds remain its calling card. — 25 days ago

Carla D

9.5

The 2014 is a close rival to the 2017, perhaps a little sharper and not quite as fragrant as the 2017 though GREAT with any food choice. Smooth, fruity, scrumptious. — 5 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.0

WA Cab Franc. Might be my first. Smells strange and lovely. Wet earth, aka mud, and dark fruits. Hints of smoke and meats. Even smoked meats. Flavors are robust and extracted. Very full. Nice deepness to the fruit and smoke flavors. This is New World Bordeaux type wine at its best. — 5 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.2

Outstanding p/q. For the money, can’t think of a rival to the purity, depth of dark fruit, and grip. Balance and great value for the quality. — 3 years ago

Gene Buonviri

8.9

As you open this wine you begin a trip to the arch of Italy’s boot. Although this southern, mountainous region has a few small vineyards under vine. The big red grape Aglianico is limited to the slopes of an extinct volcano Mount Vulture. Notes of blackberry, black cherry and wild herbs. Well-balanced and tamed. On hold for 5 years and it’s sensational. — 4 years ago

Stacey Seaver

9.0

Full bodied. Very jammy. Nice wine for the price. — 5 years ago