Rioja

Altanza Club Reserva 2015

Tasting: Medium plus body. Fleshy wine, with good acidity and structure. Flavors of  black fruit, licorice, spices, coconut, vanilla and leather. Long finish with balanced tannins.

Bodega: Bodegas Altanza

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging:  18 months in new French oak

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol 14%

Closure: Cork

Altanza Crianza 2019

Tasting: Medium-plus bodied. Showing notes of black cherry, baking spices, chocolate and tobacco. Well balanced with fine tannins. Intense wine with vibrant fruit and a long finish.

Bodega: Bodegas Altanza

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging: 12 months in French and American oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Altanza Reserva 2017

Tasting: Bright and extremely expressive. This is a wonderful example of a modern style Rioja Reserva. Aromas of red and black fruits with elegant flavours of hedgerow fruits and black currants. Silky and smooth palate showing coffee, cacao and balsamic.

Bodega: Bodegas Altanza

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging: 18 months in new French oak

Vintage: 2017

Alcohol 14%

Closure: Cork

Altanza Reserva Familia 2015

Tasting:  A more premium expression of reserva Rioja from Bodegas Altanza. Bright and well balanced with notes of cherry, liquorice, fig, spices, leather and tobacco and subtle notes of vanilla oak. 

Bodega: Bodegas Altanza

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging:  18 months in French oak, followed by 24 months in bottle

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol 14%

Closure: Cork

Arnegui Joven 2022

Tasting: Fresh and elegant young Rioja. Flavours of red and black cherry with sweet vanilla spice. Certified Vegan friendly.

Bodega: Pagos del Rey

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging: Stainless steel

Vintage: 2022

Alcohol: 14%

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

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

Cifras Garnacha Blanca 2020

Tasting: Bright and bursting with character, this 100% Garnacha Blanca from Rioja Alavesa opens with a bold nose of crab-apple, quince and lime, before the silky, creamy palate delivers crunchy lemon skin, myrtle, greengage and saline freshness.  

Bodega: Bodegas Exeo

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Garnacha Blanca

Aging: 6 months in a blend of large oak foudres and concrete eggs

Vintage: 2020

Alcohol: 13.5%

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

Ibai Alde Crianza 2019

Tasting: Classic crianza Rioja, bright and brash red fruit led by strawberries and red-currants, concentrated red plum and cedar spice.

Bodega: Bodegas Ramírez de la Piscina

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging: 15 months in French and American Oak, followed by 8 months in bottle

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

La Locomotora Gran Reserva 2010

Tasting: Intense ruby colour. The nose is powerful and complex, displaying red and ripe fruit aromas. The palate is intense and pleasant, with elegant, silky, and round tannins. Dry plum, blackberry, liquor cherry, tobacco, coffee, vanilla, smoke and clove. 

Bodega: Uvas Felices and Bodegas Allende

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo

Aging: 24 months in French oak

Vintage: 2010

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

La Mateo Tempranillo Blanco 2019

Tasting: Tempranillo Blanco is the white DNA variant of Tempranillo, discovered in 1988. Like many other grape varieties Tempranillo Blanco can make a range of different styles depending on how it is handled. This barrel fermented, barrel aged expression sees a much more textural and structured version of wine from the grape. Concentrated and full bodied, muscular with notes of lemon balm and lemon myrtle, ripe apricot and peach, lemon flower blossom, jasmine and carraway.   

Bodega: Bodegas D. Mateos

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo Blanco

Aging: Fermented and then aged for 6 months in French oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

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

Letargo Crianza 2019

Tasting: Full and rich. Notes of prunes, toasted bread, minerality, vanilla and sweet spices. Balanced wine with long finish.

Bodega: Bodegas D.Mateos

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano

Aging: 8 months in French oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Hacienda López de Haro Blanco 2022

Tasting: Medium bodied with crisp acidity, notes of wildflowers on the nose with a palate of fresh green fruit, apples, honeydew melon and citrus.

Bodega: Bodega Classica

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Viura

Aging: Stainless steel

Vintage: 2022

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

López de Haro Crianza 2020

Tasting: Deep red cherry colour. Classic Rioja showing both French and American oak characteristics. Red fruit, liquorish, coffee, toffee, balsamic and vanilla. Smooth and velvety medium bodied wine. Showing sweet and fine tannins with a long finish.

Bodega: Bodega Classica

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano

Aging: 18 months in French and American oak

Vintage: 2020

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

López de Haro Gran Reserva Blanco 2012

Tasting: Golden yellow with green hues. Nose hits you with vanilla, ripe fruit and candied fruit. Palate shows notes of hay, cream, peach, nectarine, aniseed, vanilla and wood. Great oiliness, fresh acidity and a pleasant, long finish.

Bodega: Bodega Classica

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Viura, Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca

Aging: 3 years in French oak

Vintage: 2012

Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

López de Haro Rosado 2023

Tasting: Super fresh and crisp rosado, nodding its hat to Provence. Light, pink blossom on the nose, summer berries race across the palate. 

Bodega: Bodegas Classica

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Garnacha, Tempranillo

Aging: Stainless steel

Vintage: 2023

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Lore de Ostatu 2019

Tasting: Bright straw yellow colour.
Aromas of white fruits, plum, pear, quince, citrus, smoked sweet spices and toast. We can also find floral notes such as jasmine and chamomile.
Tasty, balanced, oily and with dimensions. Great balance between the fruit and oak.

Bodega: Bodegas Ostatu

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Viura, Malvasía

Aging: 6 months on lees in French oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14.29%

Closure: Cork

Martínez Lacuesta Crianza 2019

Tasting: Classic Rioja from a traditional producer of Rioja Alta. Ripe black fruits, black cherry, blackberries, sweet vanilla and spices. Nice finish with smooth, silky tannins.

Bodega: Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo

Aging: 18 months in American oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

Nivarius Edición Limitada 2018

Tasting: Maturana Blanca is a heritage variety in Rioja, only grown in small amounts, but making a comeback. Barrel fermented with time on lees. Powerful, full bodied white wine with a big personality. Aromas of cooked lemon and red apple. Rich and textural. Palate of custard apple, ripe yellow peach, subtle pastry and dairy notes. Long and complex finish.   

Bodega: Palacios Vinos de Finca

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Viura, Maturana Blanca

Aging: 7 months in large format old French oak on lees

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Nivarius Fina La Nevera Blanco 2017

Tasting: Fresh and vertical on the palate, with a spectacular tension and ample glyceric sensations throughout the palate. Long finish with ripe stone fruits, combined with aromatic herbs and notes of paraffin.

Bodega: Palacios Vinos de Finca

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Maturana Blanca

Aging: 36 months on French oak

Vintage: 2017

Alcohol 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Nivarius Tempranillo Blanco 2022

Tasting: Tempranillo Blanco, the white DNA variant of Tempranillo was discovered in 1988, since then its plantings have grown, and more and more winemakers are showcasing what a great variety it is. A nose of lemon myrtle, wet stones and grapefruit lead to a palate of waxy lemon, kiwi, rock melon and mountain herbs. 

Bodega: Palacios Vinos de Finca

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Tempranillo Blanco

Aging: 4 months in stainless steel on lees

Vintage: 2021

Alcohol 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Nivarius Valdes Abril Blanco 2019

Tasting: Fresh, vertical, with a spectacular tension. Ripe stone fruits, aromatic herbs and candied fruits. Fresh acidity with a long finish with hints of lightly roasted coffee.

Bodega: Palacios Vinos de Finca

Region: D.O.Ca Rioja

Grape: Viura

Aging: 12 months in French oak.

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork