Red Wine

Eos de Loxarel Syrah 2018

Tasting: Full Bodied, the fruit and tannins combine well with the acidity and rounds out extremely well. Liquorice, coffee, cocoa and violet with an intriguing cherry aroma. Intense aromas derived from spices, Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes. 

Bodega: Loxarel

Region: D.O. Penedès

Grape: Syrah

Aging: 10 months in French oak barrels

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Kπ Amphora Garnacha 2019

Tasting: Light bodied and delicate, it shows ripe purple berries, scrub herbs and granite minerality. Fermented and aged in clay amphora, grown organically, un-fined and unfiltered with minimal sulphites added.

Bodega: Daniel V. Ramos

Region: Sierra de Gredos

Grape: Garnacha

Aging: 9 months in amphora

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

El Primer Paso 2020

Tasting: Tinta de Toro, although Tempranillo, is generally considered a DNA variant of Tempranillo, it has smaller berries and ticker skins so makes much bigger wines than Tempranillo in the Duero valley generally does. Made by Frenchman Antony Terryn, who has a stunning array of old vine plantings in Toro. Powerful, spicy, earthy black fruit, cassis, mulberries and scrub herbs with amazingly soft polished tannins.

Bodega: Dominio del Bendito

Region: D.O. Toro

Grape: Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)

Aging: 6 months in French and American oak

Vintage: 2020

Alcohol: 15%

Closure: Cork

Dehesa del Carrizal Syrah 2018

Tasting: Did someone say Northern Rhône? As they do here in Australia, there are certain French varieties that make excellent wine in Spain too, Syrah being one of them. D.O. Pago is a single site appellation, awarded to estates of exceptional, consistent excellence. D.O. Pago Dehesa del Carrizal is south of Madrid in the foothills of the Sierra de Toledo. A classic expression of Syrah, full bodied, plums, damsons, cassis and blackberries all wrap around a core of toasted oak and extremely well-balanced tannins. In 8 years of importing this wine, we think this is the best vintage yet!

Bodega: Dehesa del Carrizal

Region: D.O. Pago Dehesa del Carrizal (Sierra del Toledo)

Grape: Syrah

Aging: 14 months in French oak, followed by 18 months in bottle

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Calzadilla Classic 2015

Tasting: D.O. Pago is a single site appellation, awarded to estates of exceptional, consistent excellence. Calzadilla Classic is the highest quality fruit from Bodegas Uribes Madera’s vineyards. Classic black fruit characters of plum and blackcurrant with support from tobacco, liquorice and vanilla.

Bodega: Bodegas Uribes Madera

Region: D.O. Pago Calzadilla (Castilla-La Mancha)

Grape: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Syrah

Aging: 12 months in French oak

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Aljibes Cabernet Franc 2018

Tasting: The classic Loire Valley and Bordeaux varietal that also makes exceptional wines in its adopted home of Spain. From Finca Los Aljibes in Albacete, it shows everything you would expect from the varietal, medium body, bright tannin and fresh acidity, floral notes of rose and lavender, with light black cherry, bell pepper, blackberries and herbs.   

Bodega: Finca Los Aljibes

Region: V.T. de Castilla

Grape: Cabernet Franc

Aging: 16 months in French oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Supernova Negre 2021

Tasting: Light to Medium-bodied wine with bright & juicy cherry, black-cherry, raspberry and very light earthy notes, liquorice & dried redcurrant. Tannins are soft and plush.

Bodega: Ca'n Vedura

Region: D.O. Binissalem-Mallorca

Grape: Mantonegro

Aging: 10 months in French oak

Vintage: 2021

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Cifras Garnacha 2020

Tasting: A juicy medium bodied palate of dried mulberries, blackberries, soft plush texture, with delicious well rounded tannins and hint of dry scrub herbs.

Bodega: Bodegas Exeo

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Garnacha

Aging: Fermented in then aged 12 months in ceramic eggs, with 10% of the wine in oak

Vintage: 2020

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Ramirez Seleccion Crianza 2019

Tasting: This is powerful, characterful Rioja at its finest.Aromatic incense infused wood aromas, muscular red fruit, ripe spice accented raspberry and redcurrants, complex flavours and layers of spices, tobacco and leather.

Bodega: Ramírez de le Piscina

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging: 15 months in French and American oak followed by 12 months in bottles

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Hacienda López de Haro Gran Reserva 2014

Tasting: Elegant, complex and refined, lashings of dried mature blackcurrant and bramble fruit with delicate spices, cassia bark, star anise and angelica. Although a very classic oak driven Gran Reserva, it is well balanced, with exceptionally plush texture and balance.  

Bodega: Bodega Classica

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano

Aging: 30 months in French and American oak, followed by 36 months in bottle

Vintage: 2014

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Bruma Del Estrecho Parcela Vereda Tinto 2018

This plot is called Vereda owing to the fact that a traditional drovers’ road (vereda) used for the transhumance of bulls used to run next to it. As a result, there is a highly visible separation between the vineyards where the road, which is naturally no longer in use, used to be.

One of the most interesting things about this plot is that it boasts two evidently distinct types of soil: a hillside with white, chalky soils, poor in organic material, which affords salinity to the wine, and at the foot of the hillside, fresher soils that boast more abundant clay.

The wine boasts exceptionally attractive fruit nuances and good acidity, while in parallel it obscures the acidity with a noticeably high saline content in the mouth.

Bodega Viña Elena
Brand Bruma del Estrecho de Marín | Parcela Vereda
DO Jumilla
Type Oaked red wine
Vintage 2018
Variety 100% Monastrell
ABV 14.5%

Avi 2013

Tasting: A small family winery run by husband-and-wife Alfredo and Nina. Growing vines on their little parcel of land was Alfredo’s Grandfather’s dream, realising this dream Alfredo and Nina named their first wine ‘Avi’, meaning Grandfather in Catalan (a local version of which is spoken throughout Valencia). A deliciously complex and full-bodied wine showing, rich concentrated body through black fruit, spice and structural tannin. Brooding and intense wine for lovers of the style. Un-fined and unfiltered with minimal sulphites used.  

Bodega: Bodega Mas l’Altet

Region: Alicante

Grape: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Garnacha

Aging: 14 months in French oak

Vintage: 2013

Alcohol: 14.7%

Closure: Cork

Últimas Huellas Tempranillo 2018

Tasting: Medium bodied with exceptionally silky texture, a very refined wine that shows plush purple berries, refined cassis fruit, blackberries. A wine of beauty and elegance. 

Bodega: Esteban Celemín Viticultor

Region: Castilla y León

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging: 12 months in first and second use oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 15%

Closure: Cork

Jordi Miró Cariñena 2018

Tasting: Cariñena is rare as a monovarietal due to its very forthright tannin and acidity, characteristics that Jordi successfully tames and uses to craft this delicious wine. Earthy black fruit leads the palate, with support from blackberry, black olive, black pepper, balsamics, deli meats and a sustained mineral length.

Bodega: Celler Jordi Miró

Region: D.O. Terra Alta

Grape: Cariñena

Aging: 12 months in French oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Bancales Olvidades Mencía 2018

Tasting: From the vertiginous canyon-side vineyards of the legendary D.O. Ribeira Sacra, where all vineyards work is carried out by hand and is coined ‘Heroic Viticulture’. A little more texture and weight than the typical Mencía from the region, but still with a light body at its core, Mineral edged black fruit that is simultaneously expressive, but decidedly dry and austere. The wine has a fine acid line, grippy tannin and the fruit is supported by white pepper and dry spice.

Bodega: Adega Ponte da Boga

Region: D.O. Ribeira Sacra

Grape: Mencía

Aging: 10 months in 2^nd and 3^rd use French oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Entre Palabras Tinto Fino 2021

Tasting: The outstanding wines of Alejandro Moyano are as poetic to drink as the labels and their names would suggest. An award-winning winery, self-sufficient and completely off the electricity and water supplies vinifies the organically grown Tinto Fino – the local name for Tempranillo – with the minimum of handling. Entre Palabras – Between Words – Is rich and powerful, although still manages to occupy the middle ground when it comes to body. Ripe, condensed red fruit, raspberry, strawberry, morello cherry, twirl around a core of fresh acidity, very present grippy tannins and supporting herbaceous and mineral elements. Certified organic.

 Bodega: Bodegas y Viñedos Valdemonjas

Region: D.O. Ribera del Duero

Grape: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)

Aging: 12 months in French and American oak

Vintage: 2021

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Bobales Perdidos 2018

Tasting: An indigenous grape variety in Spain’s southeast, Bobal has a chequered past. When over irrigated it can produce very large volumes of fruit, over cropped vines produce bland, sub-standard fruit. This coupled with its extremely good disease resistance has meant that it has been used extensively for poor quality bulk wine. However, in the right hands, with yields kept low, Bobal can produce exceptionally beguiling wines. An exceptionally vibrant nose of concentrated cassis, blackcurrant and herbs backed by a sumptuous palate of plush blackberry jam, spicy cassis and finished off with a hint of Mediterranean herbs. 

Bodega: Bodegas Pigar

Region: D.O. Utiel-Requena 

Grape: Bobal

Aging: 4 months in old 400L barrels

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 15%

Closure: Cork

Ramón Bilbao Gran Reserva 2014

Tasting: Everything you’d expect from classic Gran Reserva Rioja, aromatic and complex with a palate of blackberries, redcurrant, cherries, nutmeg and vanilla.

Bodega: Bodegas Ramón Bilbao

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo

Aging: 30 months in American oak, followed by 36 months in bottle

Vintage: 2014

Alcohol: 14% 

Closure: Cork

Venta las Vacas Tinto Fino 2020

Tasting: An exceptionally refined wine from Ribera del Duero with power and drive, yet with elegance simultaneously. An intense palate of dark cherries, rich raspberry, cooked strawberry, toasted oak and delightfuly delicate touches of spice.  

Bodega: Uvas Felices and Bodegas Vizcarra

Region: D.O. Ribera del Duero

Grape: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)

Aging: 12 months in new French and American oak

Vintage: 2020

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

WINE PAIRING: Combines with lamb, beef and venison.

RECOMMENDED SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16-18 ° C

ALCOHOL: 13.5 to 14.5%

El Puño Garnacha 2019

Tasting: Made by Scotsman Norrel Robertson, El Escocés Volante – The Flying Scotsman – in the north of Aragón. El Puño – The Fist – can definitely be described as punchy! Light bodied, bursting with vibrancy, concentrated old bush vine fruit delivers flavours of fresh red cherries, juniper berries, and intense notes of the wild bush herbs that grow in Norrel’s vineyards.  

Bodega: El Escocés Volante

Region: Aragón

Grape: Garnacha

Aging: Old French oak followed by 24 months in subterranean concrete tanks

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Nineta 2014

Tasting: A small family winery run by husband-and-wife Alfredo and Nina. Growing vines on their little parcel of land was Alfredo’s Grandfather’s dream, realising this dream Alfredo and Nina named their first wine ‘Avi’, meaning Grandfather in Catalan (a local version of which is spoken throughout Valencia). Nineta is a complex, dense, full bodied wine, packed full of character. Bramble fruits, blackberries, ripe plums, liquorice and spice. Organically grown, bottled un-fined and unfiltered with minimal sulphites added.

Bodega: Bodega Mas l’Altet

Region: Alicante

Grape: Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aging: 12 months in French oak

Vintage: 2014

Alcohol: 15%

Closure: Cork

Melquíades Tinta de Toro 2018

Tasting: Esteban is fast becoming one of our favourite winemakers, he really goes from strength to strength with every wine he releases, the Melquíades perfectly illustrates this. The name shares his grandfather’s nickname, he explains that he was a loving man, but with a fiery temper at the same time! Soft, plush and very expressive, but with a kick at 16% abv, it has definitely earned the comparison. Rich, unctuous dusky purple berries coat the palate, the texture of this wine is phenomenal! Luxurious cassis, bramble fruits with Mediterranean herbs, the aforementioned alcohol seamlessly balanced, you wouldn’t even know it was there. Grown organically, un-fined and unfiltered, minimal sulphites used. Quite simply one of the most outstanding reds we import.

Bodega: Esteban Celemín Viticultor

Region: V.T. Castilla y León

Grape: Tempranillo (Tinta de Toro)

Aging: 12 months in new oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 16%

Closure: Cork

Tremenda Cariñena 2016

Tasting: This organically and biodynamically grown wine from Cataluña’s far south is a dark and intense wine, full bodied with aromas of earthy, dark berries followed by a concentrated and muscular palate of brooding black fruit, deli meats, smoke and minerality. 

Bodega: Vins del Tros

Region: D.O. Terra Alta

Grape: Cariñena

Aging: 12 Months in French oak 

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

Señora Carmen Garnacha 2018

Tasting: Joan begun Vins del Tros in 2009 with friend Josep Arrufat, they were joined in 2012 by Xavier Orobitg. Farming five plots of mostly Garnacha Tinta and Blanca over D.O. Terra Alta’s trademark panal soils, their objective is to make wine that represents the distinctive characteristics of D.O. Terra Alta. A wine of intense concentration and power, dark red fruit, morello cherry, tobacco accented plum, notes of rosemary and a touch of thyme.   

Bodega: Vins del Tros

Region: D.O. Terra Alta

Grape: Garnacha

Aging: 12 months in large format French oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 15%

Closure: Cork