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Blue Rock Vineyard, owned and operated by Kenny Kahn, is a small artisanal winery in Alexander Valley that produces high quality, hand-crafted, Bordeaux-inspired wines and Pinot Noir from Sonoma County grapes.  Having reviewed these wines over the years, we are gratified to observe notable improvements in the quality of the wines produced by this estate.  They are clearly the result of improvements both in the vineyard and in winemaking.

Producer Description 

Bright, citrus-forward, mellow juniper notes complemented with an earthy coriander seed.

We broke the mold of the London Dry tradition, making the Original American Dry Gin. Proudly distilled in America’s birthplace and city of firsts, Philadelphia, Bluecoat Gin is for those who appreciate American craftsmanship and innovation. Sweet citrus, 100% certified organic botanicals and soft juniper notes make Bluecoat Gin uniquely crafted for the American palette. 

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Aromatically dense, the 'Chief’ showcases outstanding complexity, with aromas of redcurrant, cigar box and toasty caramel. The palate is mouth-filling rich with a core of black cherry, raspberry and cocoa. The finish is impressive, displaying substantial weight and refined acidity and tannin. 

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Dense aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and violets mingle on the nose. The palate is lush and offers bold dark fruits, plum, and vanilla that pair with juicy acidity. The balance of the blend creates a complex flavor profile and a generous mouthfeel, extending into the lengthy finish.

This exceptional cheddar is made in collaboration with our Amish friends in Lancaster, PA. Made during the grazing season from the 100% grass-fed raw milk of our colleague's cows, the cheddar is features native cultures and minimal salt. The cheese is aged between 14-24 months, and a natural rind is allowed to form on the outside of the ten pound blocks.

The result? A mellow, distinctive, pleasing, flavorful cheese that appeals to the cheese beginner and expert alike. As it ages, lovely hints of crystallization develop. It even shines in macaroni and cheese or atop chili!

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Vinous 92 Points | The 2024 Torrontés Estate was crafted from grapes sourced across the Calchaqui Valley. Yellow in hue, it reveals enticing aromas of lime and jasmine, complemented by subtle tropical and herbal notes. Dry, taut and refreshing, the wine flows with a pristine fruit core.E

James Suckling 91 Points | Elderflowers, lemons and peach blossom on the nose of this tangy white. It’s sharp yet lightly oily on the palate, with a medium body. Fresh and mineral at the end.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2024 Estate Torrontés is a quintessential, high-elevation expression of the variety, opening with citrus blossom and dried white flower aromas followed by a chiseled, precise palate and a chalky, high-toned finish.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Vibrant and fresh, this shows a bright lemon peel note up front, with subtle geranium and white pepper details underneath enmeshed with the pineapple and peach core. Finishes clean and refreshing.

Producer Description 

Bodega Colome Torrontés offers the floral notes of roses, the citrus aroma of grapefruit and a spicy hint. In the mouth it is fresh, round and well-bodied with a long, elegant finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodega Dos Familias "1861" Malbec 2024 is a budget-friendly, entry-level Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. The "1861" on the label refers to the historical founding of the winery, which is one of the oldest in the region.

The 2024 vintage is a very fresh release, designed for immediate consumption. It is known for its "honest" expression of the grape, often fermented in concrete vats to emphasize fruit purity over heavy oak influence.

    •    Aroma: A "strong nose of earth" mixed with crushed blackberries, fresh plums, and a hint of violet.
    •    Palate: It is described as "juicy" and "smooth." Expect bright flavors of black raspberry, fig, and a touch of red cranberry. Because it sees very little oak, the fruit flavors are primary and unmasked.
    •    Finish: Clean and savory, though some tasters find it a bit "thin" compared to high-altitude Malbecs—making it a perfect "pizza and burger" pairing. 

    •    In 1861, the main building in the winery was built (currently the winery´s museum), which worked as a wheat mill. The water stream that runs across the property allowed for the installment of a hydroelectric wheel which generated energy for cereal grinding. Back then, the property was owned by the Solanilla-Estrella family (who came from Aragon to Mendoza following the "Virgen de la Carrodilla") and was therefore known as the Solanilla-Estrella mill.
By the end of the 19th century, in the year 1894, Mendoza shifted its production to the wine making industry, transforming the wheat mill into a wine-press. This was how the Winery came to be. In that period, the property was owned by Domingo Mauricio. It was then that the winery reached its greatest splendor, producing more than 2 million liters of wine.

Winemaker Description 

This wine exhibits a delicate pale orange hue, captivating the eyes with its alluring tint. On the nose, subtle yet enticing aromas unfold, evoking nostalgic memories of ripe red fruits, juicy strawberries, and luscious cherries. Upon tasting, the wine greets the palate with a linear entry, unveiling a harmonious balance between fruit and acidity. 

Winemaker Description 

This Albariño is of a pale yellow colour with greenish reflections and fruity aromas reminding of peach; balanced with citric notes. It is fresh and mineral with a marked acidity and a long and rounded aftertaste in mouth. Its ripening time takes place between 3 to 6 months on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2025 Bodega Garzón Reserva Albariño is the latest release from Uruguay's most famous winery. Located in Maldonado near the Atlantic coast, Bodega Garzón has single-handedly put Uruguayan Albariño on the map, often rivaling the best expressions from its native Galicia, Spain.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Tim Atkin 98 Points | The maiden 2016 vintage has only just been released through the Place de Bordeaux, so it may be a little premature to review this 2018, but make sure you remind yourself to buy a case in two years' time. Produced without Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time, it's the polar opposite of the big, ripe, overwooded styles of Ribera. Nuanced, refined and hauntingly balanced, with perfumed oak, lovely texture and balance, leafy, graphite-like complexity and the length of a world-class wine. 2023-35.

Jane Anson 95 Points | Muscular, slate hewn tannins, this has a rugged quality where nothing is overpowered by oak and yet it hugs the palate, making its presence felt. Serious tannic architecture that softens through the mid palate to show creamy raspberry and red cherry fruits, spiced aniseed, fennel and liqourice root, sinewy tannins, totally moreish. Aged in 25% new oak, 10% amphora, and the rest in neutral barrels. Jean-Claude and Jeff Berrouet consultants, with winemaker Montxo Martinez and owners Marcos and Carlos Yllera. Old vine Tempranillo, including some dating right back to pre-Phylloxera, sat at between 750m and 1000m altitude, from a selection of their own vines, and those of local growers.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2018 Bodega Vivaltus "Vivaltus" is a prestigious, "new wave" Ribera del Duero that has rapidly gained cult status. It is the flagship wine of a project by the Yllera family, who famously enlisted Jean-Claude Berrouet—the legendary former winemaker of Château Pétrus—to help create a wine of "Bordeaux-like" elegance rather than the heavy, over-extracted style common in the region.

From the high-altitude vineyards of Cebreros in the Sierra de Gredos, Barrera del Sol 2020 is a beautifully lifted expression of Garnacha, shaped by granite soils and old vines. This site-driven wine highlights both the elegance and energy that define the new wave of Gredos Garnacha.

The nose opens with vibrant red cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle floral notes, layered with hints of spice and a delicate mineral undertone. On the palate, it is fresh and refined, with silky tannins, bright acidity, and a precise, lingering finish.

Graceful yet expressive, this is a compelling example of Garnacha that balances purity of fruit with a strong sense of place.

Food Pairing:
Excellent with grilled lamb, roasted pork, and herb-crusted chicken. Also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine, charcuterie, and semi-aged cheeses. For a lighter pairing, try with roasted vegetables or mushroom dishes to complement its freshness and minerality.

Country: Spain 🇪🇸
Region: Cebreros (Sierra de Gredos), Castilla y León
Grape: Garnacha (Grenache)

Experience the exceptional quality of Rico Nuevo, a relatively new but already acclaimed player in the Spanish wine scene. Located near León in the heralded Gredos Region, this family-owned winery has made an impressive impact with all eight wines submitted to Parker's Wine Advocate receiving at least 90-point scores. The Jirón De Niebla El Sotillo 2020 showcases the unique terroir of Cebreros and the elegance that has made Rico Nuevo a rising star in Spanish winemaking.

Old Vines & Gredos Terroir

The key to Rico Nuevo's success lies in the Gredos Region itself and the 77-year-old Garnacha vines that the winery cultivates. The region is renowned for producing a more savory, higher-toned expression of Garnacha, and Rico Nuevo truly epitomizes that elegance. The winery divides its property into 40 micro-parcels, all along the highest elevations of the north side of the Gredos Mountains. The high-altitude vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate that imparts remarkable freshness and complexity to the grapes.

Organic & Biodynamic Practices

Everything at Rico Nuevo is organic and biodynamic, with a very hands-off approach in the vineyard that lets the gnarly old vines do all the talking. This commitment to natural winemaking and preserving local varietals while enhancing their natural qualities reflects the winery's philosophy and passion. The result is wines that authentically express the terroir and showcase the rich flavors characteristic of high-elevation vineyards.

Tasting Profile

Deep ruby-red in color, this wine captivates with beautiful red fruit aromas of cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, complemented by floral notes and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is beautifully balanced, revealing layers of ripe plum, black cherry, and hints of licorice with subtle spice. Soft, velvety tannins provide structure, while the harmonious finish lingers with a delightful impression. The wine showcases the savory, elegant character that defines Gredos Garnacha.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Grilled meats and lamb
• Rich, hearty stews
• Roasted poultry
• Charcuterie and aged cheeses
• Mediterranean cuisine

Cebreros Heritage

Cebreros is a rich historical tapestry woven with generations of winemaking tradition. The cultivation of Garnacha here is a time-honored practice that Rico Nuevo honors while bringing modern innovation. By integrating traditional techniques with contemporary approaches, the winery creates wines that capture authenticity in every bottle. As part of the growing reputation of Cebreros and Gredos wines on the international stage, Rico Nuevo invites wine lovers to discover the heritage and exceptional quality of this remarkable region.

Experience the Uniqueness of Winery and Vineyards

Winemaker Description 

"Locos por el Vino” is a new project from Bodegas Alto Moncayo, aiming to expand their range with high-quality, modern and casual wines produced from the winery’s youngest vineyards, guaranteeing the continuity of the Alto Moncayo project for future generations to come. A local term used in the village of Borja, "Zismero" refers to one who is provocative, jovial, and mirthful, with a complexity and uniqueness that makes its audience think deeply from the pointed jocularity.

Winemaker Description 

The wine has been crafted from grapes cultivated at La Planta estate, owned by Arzuaga Navarro’s family in Quintanilla de Onésimo, the heart of Ribera del Duero. The soil is clay-calcareous and the subsoil is pure limestone at one meter under the surface. The vineyard altitude is 911 meters above sea level. These specific conditions provide distinct features of the wine.

The wine boasts a deep violet red color. Clean and bright with a range of red fruits (raspberry and cherry) that dominate with a high aromatic intensity, joined by balsamic, cacao, coffee, and roasted tones. Fresh, elegant, easy, and balanced in the mouth with a lightly sweet, toasted, and pleasant aftertaste.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

The Wine Enthusiast by Mike DeSimone 94 Points | This deep garnet-colored wine has a nose of black currant, sage leaf and cherry pipe tobacco. It is smooth at first sip and then bold tannins settle in and coat the tongue and gums. Blackberry, raspberry, cocoa powder, crème brûlée and orange zest flavors are accompanied by a note of butterscotch that endures on the palate.

James Suckling 92 Points | Spicy oak to the fresh blackberries with some vanilla, smoke, walnut and dried orange peel. Chewy and pretty tannic with juicy fruit on the tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Long and grippy finish. Needs at least two years to come around. Better from 2025.

Expert Reviews

Beronia Wineries: Experience the Excellence of Rioja GRAN Reserva 2018

Our Professional Review 

Oscar Garcia 67Wine.com | Beronia Gran Reserva is one of my favorite Gran Reservas. Every vintage seems to get better and better. The long-term aging Gran Reserva gives the wine time to develop a great arrange of flavors and nuances, not found in younger wines. Aromas of toasty oak, cassis, dark plum and cedar. Medium to full-bodied. Great length and integration. Serious but approachable.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 92 Points | Attractive nose with a hint of walnut husk and dark earth to the black cherries and sweet tobacco. A hint of truffle and sous-bois, too. Medium-bodied on the palate with firm, dusty tannins that grow and extend in a long, succulent finish. Tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep violet to the eye, this wine has a nose of black plum, dark chocolate and dried hillside herbs. Bold red berry flavors are joined by plush tannins and deeper notes of mocha, truffle and thyme. As flavors and textures wind down on the palate, a note of orange zest remains.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A classy red, fresh and fragrant, with notes of bay leaf, pepper and tar-tinged mineral accenting crushed cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Shows good focus, with lightly chalky tannins in a medium-bodied frame. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2026. 50,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2018 represents the pinnacle of Beronia’s classic lineup. While the Mi Villa you looked at earlier is fresh and unoaked, this Gran Reserva is the complete opposite: a wine defined by patience, extensive aging, and complex secondary flavors.

A wine of this stature needs "heavy lifters" to match its intensity:

• • Game: Roasted duck or wild boar ragu.

  • Mature Cheeses: Aged Manchego, Roncal, or even a salty Blue cheese.

  • Umami Dishes: Anything involving truffles or wild forest mushrooms.

    Red Meats: Slow-roasted lamb shanks, prime rib, or venison. 

The Making of Rioja GRAN Reserva

The 2018 vintage of Rioja GRAN Reserva is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Grapes are handpicked at optimal ripeness, then aged for an impressive 24 months in oak barrels, which adds layers of flavor and structure. This careful aging process ensures that the wine develops a wonderful balance of fruity and spicy notes. Because of this attention to detail, you can trust that every sip delivers a rich, sophisticated experience that complements many meals or stands alone as a delightful choice.

An Overview of Beronia Wineries

Beronia Wineries is a renowned name in the world of Spanish wine, particularly noted for its exceptional Rioja creations. Founded in 1973, the winery embraces traditional methods combined with modern innovation. The iconic Rioja GRAN Reserva 2018 showcases the rich heritage and quality that Beronia represents. Using Tempranillo grapes, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Rioja, bringing depth and complexity to every bottle, making it a sought-after choice for wine enthusiasts.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Tips

When serving the Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2018, consider decanting it for about an hour before enjoying. This allows the wine to breathe and enhances its flavors. It pairs beautifully with dishes such as grilled lamb, gourmet cheeses, and hearty stews. This wine is perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings at home, making it a versatile addition to your wine collection.

Winemaker Description 

Revealing the character of high-altitude, ancient vines spanning from 35 to 100 years old, this red Rioja is both powerful and structured, yet approachable, offering notes of wild bramble, herbs, and spice that culminate in a prolonged and intense finish.

Winemaker Description

Cherry red color with garnet rims. On the nose it is elegant, clean and expressive, with a complexity typical of a wine made with an excellent quality grape and a very careful production process. In the mouth it is sweet, with good body and great balance, presenting a long and pleasant aftertaste.

The alma mater of the winery, a wine with imprint, plant, and lordship. A completely varietal red, mature, with a growing personality and a lot of elegance.

The soils of the Cepa 21 vineyards are the result of the evolution of millions of years. In them grow our vines that define who we are, learning from the passage of time, a deep love for our land, the care with which we work the fields and the history that precedes us. The Strain is much more than a part of our name, it is the basis of all our machinery, what moves us to be better every day, the greatest asset of our wineries, the origin, and the end. 

Winemaker Description 

A young Manzanilla with four year of biological aging. Thanks to the proximity of the sea, the aging under flor is intense. The wine has complex character, resulting in great elegance, plenty of finesse, with a delicate and saline finish.

Our Notes

A vibrant young Manzanilla with plenty of character. Aromas of green olives, green citrus fruit, and a pungent saline quality bind all the aromas and flavors together. Serve well-chilled in a white wine glass and pair with Marcona almonds, potato crisps, and Jamón de Bellota. But also try it with cold potato and leek soup, sprinkled with crisp bits of pancetta. Manzanillas are my ideal apéritif wine to awaken the palate before a meal.

Oscar garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Experience the Distinctive Flavor of Bodegas del Rio

Experience the distinctive flavor of Bodegas del Rio Manzanilla Pasada Oro Solera Playa, an exceptional sherry that represents the pinnacle of traditional Spanish winemaking. This rare Manzanilla Pasada spends nine years under flor, making it the most intensely aromatic bottling from this prestigious bodega. With only 1,500 bottles produced, this is a limited-production treasure that showcases the perfect balance of tradition and innovation from one of Spain's most respected sherry producers.

Nine Years Under Flor

This Manzanilla Pasada is distinguished by its extended aging of nine years under flor, the layer of yeast that develops naturally on the surface of the wine in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. This prolonged biological aging creates the most intensely aromatic profile in the Bodegas del Rio range, developing complex flavors and aromas that set it apart from younger Manzanillas. The "Pasada" designation indicates this extended aging, resulting in a wine of exceptional depth and character.

Tasting Profile

The Oro Solera Playa offers a delightful fusion of aromas that are both invigorating and complex. On the nose, you'll find the most intense aromatics with hints of almonds, brine, and a touch of citrus. The palate showcases good freshness and balance with a rich texture and layered flavors that develop into a harmonious blend of dried fruits, notes of chamomile, and subtle salinity. The wine finishes with a distinctive salty twist and a pleasant bitter note that reflects the unique terroir of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where the Atlantic Ocean influences the character of these exceptional wines.

Limited Production Excellence

With only 1,500 bottles produced, this Manzanilla Pasada represents a rare opportunity to experience one of the finest expressions of Sanlúcar sherry. Bodegas del Rio has earned a prestigious reputation for their exquisite sherries, and their commitment to sustainable practices ensures that the grapes are cultivated with care and precision. Over the years, the bodega has refined its techniques, making each bottle an experience in itself and a sought-after choice for connoisseurs.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

This incredibly versatile sherry is perfect for various occasions:

• Aperitif - serve chilled (6-8°C) before meals
• Seafood - pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, clams, and grilled fish
• Tapas - complements olives, anchovies, and jamón ibérico
• Fried foods - cuts through richness perfectly
• Aged cheeses - especially Manchego

Spanish Sherry Heritage

Bodegas del Rio's dedication to quality is evident in every sip of this Manzanilla Pasada. Chill the wine slightly before serving to enhance its crispness and refreshing qualities. The wine's capacity to adapt to different cuisines makes it a must-have addition to any collection, celebrating the richness of Spanish culinary culture and the unique terroir of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points by Joaquín Hidalgo writes 93 Points | The 2023 Clio is composed of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Jumilla. It was aged for 23 months in French and American oak barrels. Recently bottled, the oak is at the forefront but will integrate. The wine opens with plum, soft herbal notes and blackberry. Intense with fruit complexity, the palate is creamy, flavorful and delicate in tannins, finishing with a touch of oak that will meld with time.

Winemaker Description 

The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color. The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.

The Bodegas El Nido winery is located in the Valle de La Aragona, inside the Murcia district of Jumilla. The vineyards are 76.8 acres of very old Monastrell vines (also known as Matar or Mourvdre) all vaso trained and oriented northeast, and 28.8 acres of 30-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on north facing hills. The vineyards have a foot deep layer of chalky stones over substrata of sandy soil. The Bodegas El Nido is a collaboration of the Gil Family and winemaker Chris Ringland, one of the best Australian enologists.

A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aged 24 months French & American oak.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2023 is a powerhouse red from the Jumilla region of Spain. Created through a collaboration between the Gil family and legendary Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, it is famous for its "maximalist" style—intense, high-alcohol, and deeply oaked.

This wine will overwhelm delicate dishes. Pair it with heavy-hitters like venison, pepper-crusted ribeye, or wild boar stew.

Winemaker Description

A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 24 months French & American oak. The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color.

The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.

Winemaker Description 

Brick red deep covered. Clean on the nose with spicy aromas, toasts and dried fruits. Well structured, savory, ample and well balanced. Pleasent finish and harmonized flavors. Complex retronasal, in which we find balsamics and good oak. Finishes elegantly.

Winemaker Description 

The Habla la Tierra is a cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The grapes come from quite young vines planted around 2000 on slate soils. After the harvest, the grapes were cool pre-fermented and then fermented in stainless steel fermenters.

This was followed by ageing in French wood for four to five months.  The Habla de la Tierra presents itself juicy ripe, dark and spicy on the nose. The unusual cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Syrah alternates between the scent of freshly sliced plums, figs, ripe elderberries, peonies and black pepper as well as anise, earthy pray and black tea. In addition, one thinks one can already perceive a trace of extract sweetness in the fragrance.

The Habla la Tierra 2021 shows itself very juicy on the palate. The dark fruit is ripe and accompanied by earthy aromas and herbal spice. In addition, a cool, fresh vein runs through the wine, while the tannin proves to be ripe and delicate. The red wine is down-to-earth in the most pleasant sense, uncomplicated and easy to drink, and at the same time it has character.

Currently, it should be caraffed. Food recommendations by Christoph Raffelt. Spanish blood sausage - with braised apples and onions with mashed potatoes Braised rabbit with sage and piment d'Espelette. Spelt Salad with Roasted Peppers and Feta.

Our Professional Review

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2025

Why Oscar chose this sherry -  "As we seek moderation, we look to make better drinking and dietary choices. What better way to begin than with a 375ml (half bottle) of Manzanilla sherry. Bone-dry, packed with aromas and flavors of citrus fruit and that unmistakable salinity found in Manzanilla sherries made in the coastal sherry producing town of Sanlucar de Barrameda. Served chilled, in a white wine glass and pair with your favorite healthy snacks."

Winemaker Description 

Fresh and lively, with notes of dried herbs, stone fruit, and citrus zest. Bone dry and mouthwatering, with a long finish

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Decanter 94 Points by Ines Salpico | Good definition of blackberry, plum, red apple and blackcurrant fruit with a saline undercurrent of green olive brine. Pleasant assertivess and wet stone freshness characterise the tannins. Elegant and focused with a juicy, lifted finish. Tempranillo fruit comes from 40-year-old vines in the Haro, Villalba and Foncea areas of Rioja Alta, with the 4% Mazuelo sourced from the stony soils of LAN's Viña Lanciano vineyard. Fermented in small stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged for 25 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, then a further 36 months in the bottle before release. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Elegant and aromatic, with detailed hints of star anise, dried thyme and mocha winding through the core of ripe black cherry and boysenberry fruit. Fine-grained tannins are well-meshed and lightly chalky in texture, emerging to firm the focused finish. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2030.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2017 Gran Reserva is 96% Tempranillo and 4% Mazuelo, sourced from Haro, Villalba, Foncea and Cenicero in Rioja Alta. Aged for 25 months in French and American oak barrels, this garnet wine presents intense black fruit aromas with wild herbs and garrigue-like balsamic notes. Hints of coffee, wax and varnish add further complexity. Dry, rich and taut due to its fairly rough tannins, it lingers with a firm mouthfeel, showcasing a classic yet warm expression of Rioja.

Memo Summary Notes

Crafted from vines of more than 40 years of age, our LAN Gran Reserva spent 24 months in barrel and a further 36 months in bottle to refine and round off the wine. This is their way of paying homage to the passage of time, patience and expertise. Elegant and subtle, it fully expresses the wisdom bequeathed by time. The Tempranillo comes from vines of more than 40 years of age, selected from vineyards in the Rioja Alta area (Haro, Villalba, Foncea) and the Mazuelo comes from our Viña Lanciano estate, located in El Cortijo.

Deep garnet red with a ruby rim. On the nose, notes of very ripe fruit, plum, figs and fruit compote stand out. All enveloped in notes of vanilla, caramel, black pepper and smoke. A well-structured wine, with ripe, sweet tannins on the palate. It has a long life ahead of it. Great when paired with roasted meats, lamb and a variety of cheeses.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with temperature control and long maceration to ensure extraction of all the aromatic potential and tannins. Aged 24 months in barrels of American and French oak. LAN Gran Reserva then spent 36 months rounding itself off in the bottle.

Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN lies in the heart of Rioja Alta. The name LAN comes from the initials of the three provinces of the Rioja Designation of Origin: Logroño, Álava and Navarra. María Barua has been the head winemaker and technical director since 2002 and brings both scientific expertise (with an academic background in chemistry in addition to her oenology degree) and local knowledge (having been born and raised in Rioja). Together with her young and energetic team, María focuses on using the latest advances in winemaking to ‘express the virtues of the land’.

Winemaker Description

This wine comes from plots of bush-trained vines on poor, sandytextured soils in the Rioja Alta area. The vines are an average of morethan 35 years old and smaller yields. They are harvested with great care and transported to the winery in small containers. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainlesssteel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28ºC, with prior bleeding-off and a long maceration of three weeks in contact with theskins. Ageing in French and American oak barrels (90%-10%) over 28 months, followed by subsequent bottle conditioning for at least 4 years until it is leaves the winery.

AWARDS
93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

90 Puntos · James Suckling (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Guía Repsol (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Wine Spectator (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Enthusiast (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Wine Advocate (a. 2008).

SENSORY EVALUATION

Look: Ruby red with a noticeable rim. Excellent brightness and clarity.

Aroma & palate: On its first contact with oxygen, it appears clean but reticent. Then, sweet notes of oak appear, cinnamon, clove and candied fruits. Infinite nuances that change with the passage of time.

On the palate, it is subtle and pleasant, with great finesse uponentry and through the mid-palate.

The tannins are extremely well polished and it has a serene acidity that maintains a long finish.

SERVING & FOOD PAIRING

White meat, oven-baked fish. Cured meat and dark chocolate desserts. 

93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

Expert Review

92 Points James Suckling | A complex and fascinating Rioja with aromas of wet earth, dried meat, tea leaf, and dark fruit that follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo.

Winemaker Description 

Dark berry and meat flavors carry the day, making it a great match for roasted or braised meat and game. But it also will mesh with and enhance pizza, hearty pasta and most anything made with winter squash.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to three business days to fulfill.

Decanter 92 Points | Enticing nose of sweet spices, caramel, prunes, wild forest fruits and herbaceous nuances. Fresh and harmonious, with a lengthy finish.