Bodegas Bhilar

Lágrimas de Graciano 2020

Tasting: An elegant yet powerful grape varietal as the red fruit shines through along with some spice.  Graciano – rare in monovarietal form – makes extremely expressive wines, a perfumed nose of violets and rose leads to a delicious palate of spiced blackberries, cassis and distinct mineral undertones. This is a rare and appealing wine.

David Sampredo-Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar has slowly become one of the most respected small wineries in Rioja. His vineyards are bursting with life due to the biodiversity he encourages using organic and biodynamic farming. Based in the subregion of Alavesa around the town of Elvillar (Bhilar is the Basque word for Elvillar), he makes an array of exceptional wine that stun his fans year after year. 

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Graciano

Aging: 6 months In concrete vats on lees

Vintage: 2020

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Bhilar Berria 2020

Tasting: David Sampredo-Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar has slowly become one of the most respected small wineries in Rioja. His vineyards are bursting with life due to the biodiversity he encourages using organic and biodynamic farming. Based in the subregion of Alavesa around the town of Elvillar (Bhilar is the Basque word for Elvillar), he makes an array of exceptional wine that stun his fans year after year. Produced using a technique called ‘Carbonic Maceration’ which helps produce, light, fruit driven wines, the Berria, is packed full of juicy, vibrant red and purple fruit, it explodes across the palate, fresh and aromatic, this is super interesting wine!

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Viura

Aging: 2020

Alcohol 11%

Closure: Cork

Phincas 2019

Tasting: David Sampredo-Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar has slowly become one of the most respected small wineries in Rioja. His vineyards are bursting with life due to the biodiversity he encourages using organic and biodynamic farming. Based in the subregion of Alavesa around the town of Elvillar (Bhilar is the Basque word for Elvillar) he makes an array of exceptional wine that stuns his fans year after year. Floral scents and bright red fruit on the nose, the beguiling palate is full of truffles, red fruit, blueberries, spices, coffee and lots of minerality. 

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Viura

Aging: 18 months in French oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Phinca Abejera 2013

Tasting: David Sampredo-Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar has slowly become one of the most respected small wineries in Rioja. His vineyards are bursting with life due to the biodiversity he encourages using organic and biodynamic farming. Based in the subregion of Alavesa around the town of Elvillar (Bhilar is the Basque word for Elvillar) he makes an array of exceptional wine that stuns his fans year after year. Phinca Abejera is a majestic wine, deep and complex, aromas of lilac and red blossom, the velvety palate is redolent of redcurrants, black raspberry, Mediterranean herbs, and the trademark menthol quality that runs through so many of his wines.

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Viura  

Aging: 36 months in French oak barrels

Vintage: 2013

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Phincas El Vedao Garnacha 2018

Tasting: Well made Garnacha from one of Rioja's most respected small producers. Intense Garnacha characteristics on the nose. As pronounced berries followed by a floral touch. Lollies, balsamic, berries and vanilla on the palate. Jammy, smooth and herbaceous. A must try!

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Garnacha

Aging: 28 months on French oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Bhilar Tinto 2021

Tasting: David Sampredo-Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar has slowly become one of the most respected small wineries in Rioja. His vineyards are bursting with life due to the biodiversity he encourages using organic and biodynamic farming. Based in the subregion of Alavesa around the town of Elvillar (Bhilar is the Basque word for Elvillar). He makes an array of exceptional wine that stun his fans year after year. Intense notes of ripe fruit, forest fruits and a fine mineral character. This is silky, full and round with a fresh acidity, integrated oak and a delicious long finish.

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura

Aging: 18 months in old French oak

Vintage: 2021

Alcohol 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Bhilar Blanco 2021

Tasting: David Sampredo-Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar has slowly become one of the most respected small wineries in Rioja. His vineyards are bursting with life due to the biodiversity he encourages using organic and biodynamic farming. Based in the subregion of Alavesa around the town of Elvillar (Bhilar is the Basque word for Elvillar), he makes an array of exceptional wine that stun his fans year after year. Partial skin contact gives this wine high viscosity with white fruits on the nose with a hint of guava. On the palate the wine is super fresh with loads of acidity and length, fresh green fruit, pear flesh and fresh mountain herbs.

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Viura, Garnacha Blanca

Aging: Fermented on skins in concrete then transferred to French oak for 6 months.

Vintage: 2021

Alcohol: 12%

Closure: Cork

Phinca Hapa Tinto 2019

Tasting: This wine from Bodegas Bhilar falls under the Struggling Vines label, led primarily by Melanie Hickman, and named after their late four-legged friend Hapa. Bhilar’s vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically with Demeter certification upcoming. There is great freshness and perfume in this wine, very typical of the wines of Bhilar, the palate shows wild red berries, forest fruits, layers of spice and tightly wound but perfectly balanced tannins.

Bodega: Struggling Vines / Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano

Aging: 12 months in French oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Phinca Abejera 2012

Tasting: David Sampredo-Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar has slowly become one of the most respected small wineries in Rioja. His vineyards are bursting with life due to the biodiversity he encourages using organic and biodynamic farming. Based in the subregion of Alavesa around the town of Elvillar (Bhilar is the Basque word for Elvillar) he makes an array of exceptional wine that stuns his fans year after year. Phinca Abejera is a majestic wine, deep and complex, aromas of lilac and red blossom, the velvety palate is redolent of redcurrants, black raspberry, Mediterranean herbs, and the trademark menthol quality that runs through so many of his wines.

Bodega: Bodegas Bhilar

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Viura  

Aging: 36 months in French oak barrels

Vintage: 2012

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork