Spain

• • 94

  2009 Basilio Izquierdo Acodo

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2016-2019)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha. Opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Lifted black cherry, black raspberry and liquorice aromas merge into some scorched earth, leather and spice notes. Rich ripe black cherry and juicy black raspberry fruit abounds over a back drop of liquorice, scorched earth, leather and spice. Slightly chewy tannins, concluding long with ripe black cherry, black raspberry, liquorice, scorched earth and spicy leather.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 93

  2017 Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macan Clasico

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The second wine is the 2017 Macán Clásico, which since 2016 has been vinified in the new "cuverie" that allows for a more precise extraction for each plot fermenting in stainless steel. In 2017, they reduced the new oak to 50%, and 10% of the volume was aged in American oak barrels crafted by the Vega Sicilia coopers. They were also more selective with the press wine. The élevage lasted 12 months, and the wine was kept in bottle for no less than 18 months. They lost two-thirds of the crop due to the terrible frost, and the end of the season was warm and dry with an early harvest. They did a softer everything, and the wine has a creamy and gentle quality, ripe without excess, a little in the style of the 2015, with finer tannins, a fine thread and texture and a long, dry and supple finish. This is definitely a warmer year for Macán Clásico but a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year. 37,211 bottles, 1,057 magnums and some larger formats were produced, a much shorter crop. It was bottled in August 2019. Drink 2021 - 2026.
  93 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Dec 2020)

  Dark violet. Expressive cherry and dark berry aromas are accented by oak spice, lavender, cola and tobacco flourishes. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering spice-tinged cassis and cherry compote flavors supported by a core of smoky minerality. Gains sweetness and depth with air and finishes long and smooth, with steadily building tannins and resonating florality. Drink 2024-2034.
  93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 94

  2016 Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macan

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Macán saw a new vinification by plot with the introduction of their new fermentation room. The Tempranillo came from selected vineyards from their 92 hectares; it fermented in oak vats and matured in 4,000-liter and barriques (50/50) for some 16 months and was kept in bottle for three years before being released. They think this 2016 is finally the style they were looking for, a wine with density and freshness. 2016 was the first year they vinified and aged from start to finish in the new winery, and they believe that gave them better control over the fermentations. 2016 is a year with more freshness than 2015, and they are trying to achieve wines with more tension and less power and oak than in the beginning. This could very well be the finest vintage of Macán so far. The grapes were picked between September 17th and October 3rd. 87,792 bottles, 2,570 magnums and some larger formats were produced. The wine was bottled in September 2018. Drink 2020 - 2028.
  94+ points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Dec 2020)

  Opaque ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes black raspberry, cherry cola, potpourri and exotic spices, and smoky mineral and vanilla nuances build in the glass. Appealingly sweet, palate-coating red and blue fruit preserve, spicecake, mocha and candied lavender flavors show excellent depth as well as energy and back-end lift. Finishes impressively long, smoky and precise, with polished tannins adding framework and closing grip. Drink 2025-2037.
  95 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 94
  • 93

  2015 Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macan Clasico

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $94. 99

  Bottle

  $1139.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The entry level here is the 2015 Macán Clásico, pure Tempranillo from their 92 hectares of vineyards in the villages of Ábalos, Labastida, El Villar and San Vicente de la Sonsierra. It fermented in stainless steel after a cold soak, followed by malolactic partly in barriques and an élevage of 12 to 14 months in new and second use French oak barrels. This is the last vintage that was fermented in the old winery, but it has already finished its élevage in the new winery. They have much better facilities now, and they feel they have more precision from 2016 onward, as they have a great diversity of fermentation vessels; they have introduced 4,000-liter oak vats, and they can also treat the press wine separately. 2015 is a riper and warmer vintage, but they harvested quite early to find balance and avoid over-ripeness. It's clean, modern and balanced, with integrated oak and the classical berry flavors with a spicy twist. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with some grainy tannins and enough elegance to counterbalance the natural power. I would say it's a very successful 2015, a vintage that is overdelivering in many cases.
  93 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (June 2019)

  Youthful purple. Powerful, highly perfumed aromas of primary dark fruits, potpourri and incense, complicated by oak spice, vanilla and woodsmoke nuances. Sweet, seamless and palate-staining, offering densely packed blackberry, cherry-vanilla and violet pastille flavors energized by a spine of juicy acidity and a suggestion of peppery spices. Finishes sweet and quite long, delivering outstanding finishing clarity and harmonious tannins that blend effortlessly with the wine's sappy fruit.
  93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous (Feb 2019)

  The newest project for the Alvaro family, in partnership with Benjamin de Rothschild. This 2015 second wine has an alluring chocolate and cherry nose with impressively integrated spicy oak. The palate has firm tannins in the mid-palate. Very plush, detailed and attractive, long and balanced. Big plum flavor. Very fresh.
  94 points
  JamesSuckling.com (June 2018)

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2014 Beronia Tempranillo

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $33. 99

  Bottle

  $407.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2017-2022)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Lifted ripe black cherry and liquorice aromas intermingle with scorched earth, new leather, toasty oak and spice. Rich succulent black cherry and liquorice flavours swamp the palate over a back drop of toasty oak, earthy leather and spice. Slightly chewy tannins provide some grip for the fruit to cling onto. Long juicy black cherry, liquorice, earthy vanillin oak, toast and spicy old leather aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  2016 Beronia Tempranillo

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $24. 99

  Bottle

  $299.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2019-2023)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Aged for 9 months in mixed oak barrels of American staves and French tops. Deep dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Nosing offers up lifted dark ripe cherry and plum scents followed by hints of liquorice, vanillin oak, light earth and spice. Medium bodied with a soft fleshy feel the palate dishes up juicy dark cherry and ripe plum flavours over a background of vanillin oak, earth and spice. Good fresh finish with velvety tannins and a medium length aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2019 Bideona Laderas Tempranillo

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $26. 99

  Bottle

  $323.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Bideona (formerly Badiola) belongs to Península Vinicultores and produces village and plot wines that reflect the freshness, elegance and depth of aromas of Rioja Alavesa . They manage more than 300 plots of extraordinary vineyards on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria, mainly in the towns of Villabuena de Álava, Leza, Samaniego, Laguardia, Navaridas and Baños de Ebro.
  Approximately a quarter of the wine is aged for 4-6 months in new, high-quality French and American oak barrels , for greater complexity and texture, but without excessive oak input to overpower the fruit.
  Deep dark red black shaded colour with a dark red hue. Attractive black cherry and liquorice scents rise out of the glass trailed by some earth, faint dried meat, leather and spice notes. Rich black cherry and liquorice fruits fill the medium bodied palate. Good flesh with ripe chewy tannins imparting some delicate grip to the finish. Scorched earth, spicy vanillin cedar, dried meats and traces of leather meander through the back half. Impressive depth and refinement with a long slightly rustic conclusion that shows good freshness.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  • Organic

  2020 Biurko Tempranillo

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $27. 99

  Bottle

  $335.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2021-2024)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified Organic. Deep dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Lifted black cherry scents mix with black olive, spicy earth and smoked meat notes. Mid weighted juicy black cherry and dark plum fruits collide with liquorice, scorched earth and spicy dried herb characters. Finishes with bright acidity, fine grained tannins and a well fruited, savoury aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 89

  2018 Biurko Tempranillo

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $26. 99

  Bottle

  $323.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2020-2023)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified organic. Opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Spicy dark cherry aromas are trailed by plum, liquorice, earth and dried herb notes. Medium weight ripe cherry and plum fruits overlay earth, dried herbs and spicy vanilla characters. Soft mouthfeel with slightly grainy tannins and a finish that shows moderate length.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 89

  2017 Biurko Tempranillo

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $24. 99

  Bottle

  $299.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2023-2024)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Re-tasted on 15/4/2020

  Certified Organic. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Freshly crushed dark cherry and red liquorice aromas infused with dried herbs are trailed by earth and vanillin spice notes. Light in body with a juicy and very fresh feel the palate sees dark cherry and plum fruits mix with a touch of liquorice, earthy dried herbs and spice. Bright underlying acidity with slightly chewy tannins and a moderate aftertaste.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Certified organic. Deep dark red core with black tinged edges and a vibrant dark red hue. Freshly crushed aromas of red fruits mix with hints of liquorice, incense and fresh herbs. Light, juicy and bright the palate is flavoured with red raspberries and ripe cherries which intermingle with earthy incense like characters and spice. Fresh crunchy like finish with a youthful chalkiness to the tannins. Moderate to medium length aftertaste. A light, vibrant, red fruited quaffer.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  2013 Blau Red

  Catalan, SPAIN

  $24. 99

  Bottle

  $299.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2019-2020)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Made from a blend of Carignan, Garnacha & Syrah. Opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Aromas of black cherry, dark raspberry, liquorice, earth and spicy vanillin cedar arise from the glass. Rich and chewy in the mouth the palate has flavours of black raspberries, liquorice, leather, earth and spice with a dry finish. Firmish tannins and bright acidity. Aftertaste of blackberries, liquorice, earthy leather and spice.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 91

  2016 Bodega Lanzaga LZ

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $27. 99

  Bottle

  $335.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2023-2024)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fabulous black dark red colour with a vibrant dark red hue. Scented black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice aromas overlay notions of crushed rock, subtle earth and peppery herb end notes. Rich inky black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice flavours sit over elements of crushed rock, spice and traces of earth with a peppery finish. Dry chewy tannins provide ample structure and fresh youthful acidity gives the wine some tension. Aftertaste of inky black raspberries, liquorice, faint crush rock and spicy pepper. Will become more open and expressive with some patience.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews…
  The unoaked red 2016 LZ is produced with a blend of head-pruned Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano from the village of Lanciego. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats for 15 days and matured in tank for four to six months. This is super expressive, from an unusual year that delivered quality and quantity, a rare combination. It's a superb, characterful, approachable Rioja with a completely different profile, fruit-driven with notes of licorice and an absence of wood, more in the style of a wine from Marcel Lapierre than what most people expect from a label that says Rioja. Superb value too. Drink 2018-2021.
  91 points
  Luis Gutierrez – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2017 Bodega Lanzaga LZ

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2023-2024)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Inky black purple colour with a bright dark purple hue. Inky black cherry and liquorice aromas infused with incense are trailed by some scorched earth and spicy herb notes. Rich and juicy the palate is awash with black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice flavours with underlying elements of scorched earth, incense infusions and spicy dried herbs. Chewy finish with good fresh acidity and firmish tannins. Concludes with a spicy medium to long aftertaste.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 90

  2017 Bodega Pirineos Principio Moristel

  Somontano, SPAIN

  $26. 99

  Bottle

  $323.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2019-2023)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Opaque black dark red core with a dark red hue. Aromas of dark to black cherries and liquorice meld with earth, fresh herbs and pepper. Bright fruity cherry and fresh plum fruits sit over subtle notions of liquorice, scorched earth and infusions of fresh herbs. Lively acidity keeps things fresh with fine grained tannins and a medium length aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  2013 Bodegas Altun Albiker Rioja

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $22. 99

  Bottle

  $275.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black purple colour with a dark purple red hue. The nose displays youthful scents of black cherries and liquorice over some vanillin cedar and spice. Rich and joosy the palate features almost succulent like flavours of freshly crushed ripe dark cherries and liquorice followed by some vanillin cedar and spice. Dry, slightly chewy, inky like finish with good fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of inky, ripe dark cherries, liquorice, vanillin cedar and spice.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  • Nick's Import

  2012 Bodegas Mas Alta Els Pics

  Priorat, SPAIN

  $24. 99

  Bottle

  $299.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2019-2020)

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Described as the Bodega's "Simple Pleasure" El Pics is a blend of fruit sourced from Mas Alta's younger plantings. It spent twelve months in old & new Allier French oak and is made under the supervision of Rhone legends, Michel Tardieu and Phillippe Cambie.

  The Master of Rhone Varietals Phillipe Cambie has produced a delicious richly textured Priorat

  A blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon the wine displays an opaque black purple colour with a dark purple hue. The nose offers up intense black raspberry aromas followed by some black cherry, liquorice, dried meats and spice. Full and sumptuous the palate features rich succulent flavours of black raspberry, ripe black cherries and liquorice over a background of spiced meatiness, subtle earth and blackpepper. Slightly chewy on the finish with solidly built but fine grained tannins. Long black raspberry, liquorice and meaty spice aftertaste.

  Delivery Information
• • 98

  • Nick's Import

  2008 Bodegas Mas Alta La Basseta

  Priorat, SPAIN

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 8 Years (2017-2020)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  In some of the more rugged terroirs of Europe, they have an old saying, "Here the vines are Catholic. They love to suffer." Viticulturalists now understand the truth of the adage - in order to maximise flavour, you must reduce yields and maintain an equilibrium of tension in the vines. In Spain, vines go to purgatory in Priorat. Steep staircases of dark slate, shale and thin bands of red clay where machinery is impossible and hand harvests are a health hazard have proven to extricate the most interesting characteristics of indigenous varietals like Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan).

  Since Rene Barbier from Clos Mogador put Priorat back on the map some 15 years ago, many wine writers and collectors have re-enstated it as Spain's most elite wine region with prices now fetching up to $700+ / bottle.Oblivious to such success, almost no one lives here. Yet the costs of working the terrain physically and financially have not deterred outsiders. Enter a new generation of visionary sadists. 'Bodegas Mas Alta' is the culmination of five Belgian partners' common desire to produce great wine. It has matured under the supervision of Rhone legends, Michel Tardieu and Philippe Cambie (Robert Parker's Consultant Winemaker of the Year 2011).

  As direct imports, we offer several very affordable wines to help you get a grip on this amazing terroir, as well as two flagship cuvees for those deep-pocketed wine adventurers with a penchant for excess. Whatever your bent, our allocation of all wines is extremely limited.
  
  

  If it's feminine, it is in an amply curvaceous way.
  Some might consider the Bodega's reference to La Basseta as their most 'feminine' wine as slightly misplaced. Phillipe Cambie's stamp is evident in its liqueur like intensity that's reminscent of reds he's consulted for from Southern France. It is composed of 60% Grenache from the Bodegas' best vineyard, the rest equal proportions of Carignan and Syrah.

  Totally opaque black dark purple colour with dark purple crimson red hue. The nose displays lifted perfumed notes of ripe blackberry, black raspberry and dark chocolate followed by some liquorice and spicy leather like overtones. The palate boasts an amazing level of concentration, richness and power – totally mouthfilling with flavours of liquorice, black raspberry and dark chocolate completely swamping the palate followed by a very spicy back palate & some light earthy like overtones. Velvet smooth tannins. Exceptional depth & very long aftertaste of black raspberry, liquorice, spice & leather.
  Cellar 5-8 years (2017-2020).
  Alc 14.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2014 Bodegas Navarro Lopez Tierracalar Tempranillo

  Castilla, SPAIN

  $13. 99

  Bottle

  $167.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2018-2019)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Opaque bright dark red black colour with a crimson purple hue. Ripe black cherry and black raspberry aromas merge into some liquorice, scorched earth and spice notes. Medium bodied the palate is quite juicy with flavours of black cherries, some liquorice, earthy leather like characters and spice. Slightly chewy finish with fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of black cherries, subtle liquorice, earthy leather and spice.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 13%

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic

  2020 Bodegas Y Vinedos Valderiz Valdehermoso Joven

  Ribera del Duero, SPAIN

  $26. 99

  Bottle

  $323.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2026-2027)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Dense inky black core with a deep dark red black hue. Pronounced ripe black cherry and liquorice aromas jump out of the glass tangling with some dried herb, scorched earth and graphite notes along the way. Juicy black cherry, dark plum and liquorice fruits overlay inky earth, dried herb and spicy tobacco characters on the medium bodied palate. Chewy finish with lively acidity and firmish tannins leading into a robust aftertaste.
  Cellar 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 94
  • 95

  2016 Bodegas y Vinedos Pintia (Vega Sicilia) Toro

  Toro, SPAIN

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Pintia comes from a cooler but drier vintage, and the wine has a little less alcohol and more freshness. It fermented in oak vats and matured in mostly new and mostly French oak, but this year they used a little more American oak with the idea to increase density. 2016 was an atypical year in Toro; they had plenty of time to pick the grapes with lower alcohol and wines with more elegance. This is clearly a more elegant vintage than 2015. The wine has some notes that took me to the Northern Rhône, and the oak is neatly integrated—it seems to get better integrated in cooler years. There is a mix of black and red fruit that denotes good freshness. The palate is medium-bodied, with a distinct lack of rusticity and density, and it's more fluid. It has abundant, chalky and fine-grained tannins and a supple, long and dry finish. 230,032 bottles, 6,517 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in May 2018. Drink 2020 - 2026.
  95 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Jul 2021)

  Saturated ruby. Expansive cherry, black raspberry, potpourri and exotic spice aromas are complemented by subtle licorice and woodsmoke flourishes. Vibrant and sharply focused in the mouth, with a spine of juicy acidity adding focus to palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur, violet pastille, mocha and spicecake flavors. The floral quality resonates emphatically on the clinging finish, which features lingering cherry and smoky mineral notes. There's noteworthy elegance here, a trait that's not exactly common for Toro. Drink 2024 - 2034.
  95 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Blueberry, lavender and some vanilla and cedar character. It’s medium-bodied with round tannins and a flavorful finish. Nice, creamy texture. It finishes reserved, polished and complex. So drinkable now, but one of the cellar as well.
  94 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 94
  • 95
  • 94

  2017 Bodegas y Vinedos Alion (Vega Sicilia) Tinto

  Ribera del Duero, SPAIN

  $190. 00

  Bottle

  $2280.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2017 Alión, the only wine produced here, comes from a challenging year marked by spring frost and a warm and dry end of the season, so they reduced the amount of new oak by 8%. It fermented with indigenous yeasts, and 10% of the volume aged in concrete, completely unoaked. The change in the oak regimen helped with the style of the vintage, which was marked by the frost that hit part of the Alión vineyards. Furthermore, the end of the season was warm and dry, and they had to work to control ripeness and power and perhaps the possibility of more aggressive tannins. It's a classical Alión, with some developed aromas, juicy and round but not heavy, with just a tad of earthy rusticity. With time, it develops more balsamic notes and hints of licorice. 230,032 bottles, 7,04 magnums, 614 double magnums and a handful of bigger sizes were produced. It was bottled in June 2019. Drink 2021 - 2026.
  94 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Jul 2021)

  Opaque ruby. Primary dark fruit, floral and vanilla aromas are sharpened by a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper and woodsmoke, and licorice notes build in the glass. Juicy and smooth on the palate, offering densely packed, spice-laced bitter cherry, blackberry and fruitcake flavors that firm up slowly with aeration. Shows superb depth as well as energy on the impressively long finish, which is firmed by youthfully gripping tannins. Drink 2024-2034.
  94 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Lots of chocolate and berry with some coffee-bean and vanilla undertones. It’s full and layered with plenty of fruit, round tannins and pleasing complexity of smoked and toasted wood. Tar undertone. Very drinkable now, but better after 2022.
  95 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 88

  2016 Bodegas Y Vinedos Valdertz Valdehermoso Joven

  Ribera del Duero, SPAIN

  $23. 99

  Bottle

  $287.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2022-2023)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Synthetic Cork

  Dense inky black dark red colour with a deep dark purple red hue. Freshly crushed ripe cherry and raspberry juice aromas intermix with plum juice and spice notes. Juicy black cherry and liquorice flavours fill the mouth over a scorched earth and spicy herb back drop. Dry, slightly grippy finish with firmish tannins playing their part resulting in a modest aftertaste.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2014 Bozeto de Exopto

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $23. 99

  Bottle

  $287.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  A blend of 50% Garnacha, 40% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Very deep dark red black colour with a bright dark purple red hue. Top notes of black raspberries, black cherries and liquorice drift from the glass with infusions of dried herbs, scorched earth and spice also evident. Medium bodied with plenty of spice and juicy fruit the palate is generously flavoured with black raspberries, liquorice and black cherries infused with incense overlaying some scorched earth with a spicy finish. Meaty textural feel with slightly dryish tannins. Good length with a long spicy black raspberry, liquorice, black cherry and scorched earth aftertaste.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 88

  2018 Campo Flores Tinto

  La Tierra de Castilla, SPAIN

  $14. 99

  Bottle

  $179.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2022-2023)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified organic this is an unoaked blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Syrah. Opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Nosing reveals dark to black cherry and liquorice aromas with some inky earth and dried herb notes also evident. Light to medium weight the palate has savoury dark cherry flavours over a back drop of earthy dried herbs, subtle leather and spice. Finishes fresh with drying, slightly chalky tannins and a modest aftertaste.
  Cellar 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 90

  2017 Campo Flores Tinto Tempranillo Syrah

  Castilla, SPAIN

  $14. 99

  Bottle

  $179.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2019-2022)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified organic. Deep dark red at its core with black tinged edges and a bright dark red hue. Aromas of dark to black cherries and liquorice mix with earthy incense and pepper notes. Juicy dark cherry flavours interact with some liquorice on the lighter bodied palate with inky earth, subtle infusions of incense and spice in the background. Vibrant acidity and slightly chewy tannins firm up the finish a touch. Concludes with a youthful, medium length aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Delivery Information
• • 89

  Campo Flores Tinto Tempranillo Syrah

  Castilla, SPAIN

  $14. 99

  Bottle

  $179.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified organic. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a bright purple red hue. Freshly crushed raspberry and red cherry scents are overlaid by violet like notes, subtle inky earth and fresh herbs. Juicy flavours of red cherries and raspberries have a fresh inky feel. A touch of underlying earth and spicy herb infusions are also evident. Finishes dry with crunchy like acidity, chalky tannins and a medium length vibrant red fruited aftertaste.
  Cellar 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  2019 Campos de Luz Garnacha

  Carinena, SPAIN

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2020-2023)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Superb depth of colour featuring a midnight black heart and a deep bright dark red hue. Pronounced black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry scents flow through the nostrils with notions of scorched earth and peppered dried herbs also present. Medium bodied with a plush mouthfeel, the palate is marked with juicy black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits but they don’t have the same level of intensity as the nose. Slightly chewy tannins with some scorched earth and peppered dried herb elements drifting onto the aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 88

  2016 Campos de Luz Old Vine Garnacha

  Carinena, SPAIN

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Opaque black dark red colour with a dark red purple hue. The nose is a little closed with dark raspberry, graphite, herb and pepper aromas emerging. On the palate lush dark to black cherry and liquorice flavours meld into earthy graphite, spicy herb and pepper nuances. Finishes dry with bright acidity and slightly chalky tannins. Modest aftertaste.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 85

  2015 Campos de Risca Organic Monastrell Syrah

  Jumilla, SPAIN

  $23. 99

  Bottle

  $287.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2019-2021)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  A blend of 90% Monastrell and 10% Syrah. Deep slightly cloudy dark red colour with a tawny brick red hue. Ripe Morello and dried cherry aromas intermingle with earthy leather, a hint of prune and spice. Soft palate entry with Morello cherry, dried fruits and liquorice flavours overlaying earthy prune and spicy leather elements. Firms up on the finish with dry grippy tannins and a short conclusion.
  Drink over the next 1-2 years.
  Alc. 14.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2015 Capa Tempranillo

  Castilla, SPAIN

  $22. 99

  Bottle

  $275.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Aged for 6 months in oak barrels. Totally opaque black dark purple colour with a bright purple hue. Ripe black cherry and liquorice scents are to the fore underpinned by toasty oak, earth and spice. The palate dishes up a big mouthful of flavour with juicy black cherry and liquorice leading the charge over lightly toasted oak and earth with a very spicy finish. Fine grained, slightly chewy tannins. Aftertaste of juicy black cherries, liquorice, earth and spicy oak. A juicy Tempranillo laden with fruit and plenty of spice.
  Alc 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 100
  • 98

  • Organic

  2020 Casa Castillo Pie Franco Monastrell

  Jumilla, SPAIN

  $330. 00

  Bottle

  $3960.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  I had tasted the 2020 Pie Franco during its upbringing in barrel and couldn't wait to taste the bottled version. The wine comes from the ungrafted Monastrell vines planted in 1942 by the current generation's grandfather on a south-facing slope rich in limestone and gravels. In this dream vintage, they achieved a wine with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.47 and almost five grams of tartaric acid per liter of wine. The wine matured in 500-liter oak barrels for 16 months. There is precision; it's like laser cut, with symmetry and nuance, and it feels ethereal with lots of inner strength. It has the aromatic herbal notes but they are a lot subtler, and the wine is a lot more elegant and floral. The 2020s are wines of texture, silky, fine and elegant. This is the essence of the Mediterranean. Truly outstanding, world class, the best wine produced in the Mediterranean and the best wine from Casa Castillo ever. I was trying to find reminiscences with previous vintages, and it's different from 2017 and 2018, maybe a mixture of the two, but overall the 2020s are unique and have a combination of Mediterranean character and freshness more intense than any other previous vintage. José María Vicente told me the only vintage that could be compared a little with the 2020 could be 2010. I've seen this wine evolve every year since the initial vintage of 1998 to reach world class. Bravo! 7,800 bottles were filled in February 2022. Drink 2022 - 2040.
  100 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Apr 30, 2022)

  Pie Franco means ‘on its own roots’ – part of Jumilla’s old vine heritage. This 2020 is surely the best yet – though José María Vicente says the 2021 is looking as though it will prove to be the really great vintage. The vines were planted by Vicente’s grandfather in 1942 on gravel and limestone soils. The oak handling is, as ever, judicious: 16 months in 500L barrels. Very refined, a true Monastrell; long, powerful, but carefully controlled, with very fine tannin. A keeper. Organic. Drink 2022 - 2040.
  98 points
  Sarah Jane Evans MW - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 88

  2015 Casa Lluch Rosado

  Valencia, SPAIN

  $16. 99

  Bottle

  $203.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now (2017)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Translucent crimson salmon pink colour. Nosing reveals aromas of ripe red cherries, strawberries and cranberry juice with subtle stony mineral end notes. Fruity with a soft rounded mouthfeel the palate has flavours of ripe cherries, strawberries and musk over delicate stony mineral infusions. Clean dry finish with an aftertaste of ripe cherries, strawberries and musk.
  Drink now.
  Alc 12.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 88

  2013 Casa Lluch Tempranillo

  Valencia, SPAIN

  $16. 99

  Bottle

  $203.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2017-2018)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Re-tasted on 05/03/2015
  Deep dark red colour with a crimson red hue. The nose displays aromas of fresh dark cherries, lightly scorched earth and spice. Light and simple the palate has flavours of dark cherries, earth and spice finishing dry. Soft fine grained tannins with an aftertaste of spicy dark cherries and earth.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 13.5%
  
  Deep dark red purple tinged colour with a crimson purple hue. Inky dark cherry aromas are overlaid by some earthiness followed by spice end notes. Medium bodied the palate presents a savoury profile of dark cherries, earth, a touch of dried meats and spice. Dry finish with soft fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of dark cherries, meaty earth like characters and spice.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  2015 Casa Lluch Tempranillo

  Valencia, SPAIN

  $16. 99

  Bottle

  $203.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2018-2019)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Deep dark purple black colour with a bright crimson purple hue. Youthful aromas of freshly crushed dark cherries and dark raspberries are followed by some incense and faint inky spice notes. Medium bodied, plump and juicy the palate has flavours of freshly crushed ripe dark cherries and dark raspberries over some incense infusions and inky earth characters. Dryish finish with bright acidity and slightly chalky tannins. Aftertaste of juicy ripe dark cherries, raspberries, inky earth and spice. A very youthful but flavoursome Tempranillo.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 89

  2017 Casa Lluch Tempranillo

  Valencia, SPAIN

  $16. 99

  Bottle

  $203.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified organic. Opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Ripe dark cherry and dark chocolate aromas are overlaid with fresh herb notes and light spicy earth. Light to medium bodied the palate has flavours of dark berries and a touch of liquorice with subtle earth and dried herb infusions also present. Spicy finish with slightly dryish tannins and a medium length aftertaste.
  Cellar 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 89

  2015 Castillo Labastida

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $17. 99

  Bottle

  $215.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Screw Cap

  Opaque black dark red colour with a bright dark red hue. Inky black raspberry and liquorice aromas are followed by earthy vanillin cedar and spice. Dry earthy palate with flavours of black raspberry and liquorice running into earthy vanilln cedar with a spicy finish. Dry and inky on the back palate with chalky tannins. Aftertaste of spicy black raspberry, liquorice, inky earth like characters and toasty vanillin cedar.
  Cellar 4-5 years.
  Alc 14.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 89

  2012 Castillo Labastida

  Rioja, SPAIN

  $17. 99

  Bottle

  $215.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2017-2018)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Deep dark purple red colour with a tinge of black on the edges and a dark purple hue. Aromas of fresh dark cherries and plum are intermixed with a hint of liquorice, earth and spice. Medium weight with a soft mouth feel initial dark cherry and subtle liquorice flavours are over ran by smoky vanillin oak with some spice on the finish. Soft fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of smoky vanillin oak, subtle liquorice and spicy earth.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc 13%

  Delivery Information
• 2016 Cecilio Negre

  Priorat, SPAIN

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes from the Importer….
  

  60% Garnatxa Roja, 20% each Caranyena and Syrah, upto 40 years old. Hand-harvested, natural vineyard yeasts, a long, relatively cool fermentation in stainless steel, 24 day maceration, clarified, unfiltered. Loaded with balsalm underscored by rocket llicorella, this has pristine dark fruit, which is gentle and soft, nicely structured, with twiggy balsalm in fruit tannins through stony earth.

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2013 Celler del Roure Setze Gallets 16

  Valencia, SPAIN

  $22. 99

  Bottle

  $275.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2018-2019)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Aromas of black cherries and black raspberries are followed by subtle liquorice, some scorched earth and spice. Light to medium weight the palate has flavours of ripe black cherries, black raspberries and liquorice with an earth and spice finish. Good generosity with fine grained slightly chewy tannins. Aftertaste of ripe black cherries, black raspberries, liquorice and spicy earth.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  2021 Cesar Marquez Perez Sufreiral Mencia

  Bierzo, SPAIN

  $82. 99

  Bottle

  $995.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Cesar Marquez has Bierzo running through his veins, and is the latest generation of the Perez family to own the leading Castro Ventosa winery in north-western Spain. Growing up around surrounded by the region's leading exponents, including a lengthy apprenticeship with one of the world's greatest winemakers, his uncle Raul Perez, has shaped much of what Cesar values in wine. While he still manages the family estate, Cezar started his own venture in 2015, and is already one of the most exciting young prospects in Spain.

  Having a deep understanding and access to some of the best vineyards Bierzo has to offer, Cezar focuses on preserving purity and freshness, highlighting the promise Mencia has in the right place when made with attention to detail. Cezar is structuring his line-up of wines in Burgundian fashion, making a broader appellation wine, a village wine, along with several single vineyard offerings. Winemaking is similar on all wines, with grapes partially destemmed and fermented in open barriques, before spending 12 months in old barrels without any racking or top ups before bottling the following winter. These are wines that are not just great examples of Bierzo Mencia, but wines that truly stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest from any region or country.

  Sufreiral is a high elevation south-west facing vineyard, close to Pico Ferreira yet on the other side of the slope. Unusually the soils here are limestone leading to a more unique and elegant expression of Mencia.

  Other Reviews....
  A particular favorite of mine, the 2021 Sufreiral comes from one of the few limestone-based soils in Bierzo, in the village of Toral de los Vados, the other, southwest-facing side of Pico Ferreira. It fermented in 1,000-liter vats, as he has different small plots that are vinified separately, with some 35% full clusters and indigenous yeasts (like all his wines). It matured in 500- and 600-liter oak barrels for 12 months. The wine has a moderate 12.73% alcohol and very good and integrated acidity. It has chalky minerality, great elegance, a tender palate with very fine tannins and a super tasty, almost salty finish. This is open, delicate and amazingly elegant, a little à a Ribeira Sacra. 1,702 bottles were filled in December 2022. Drink 2023-2033.
  97+ points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Aug 11, 2023)

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  2021 Cesar Marquez Perez El Rapolao Mencia

  Bierzo, SPAIN

  $82. 99

  Bottle

  $995.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Cesar Marquez has Bierzo running through his veins, and is the latest generation of the Perez family to own the leading Castro Ventosa winery in north-western Spain. Growing up around surrounded by the region's leading exponents, including a lengthy apprenticeship with one of the world's greatest winemakers, his uncle Raul Perez, has shaped much of what Cesar values in wine. While he still manages the family estate, Cezar started his own venture in 2015, and is already one of the most exciting young prospects in Spain.

  Having a deep understanding and access to some of the best vineyards Bierzo has to offer, Cezar focuses on preserving purity and freshness, highlighting the promise Mencia has in the right place when made with attention to detail. Cezar is structuring his line-up of wines in Burgundian fashion, making a broader appellation wine, a village wine, along with several single vineyard offerings. Winemaking is similar on all wines, with grapes partially destemmed and fermented in open barriques, before spending 12 months in old barrels without any racking or top ups before bottling the following winter. These are wines that are not just great examples of Bierzo Mencia, but wines that truly stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest from any region or country.

  Rapolao is the coolest of the single vineyard wines, located in the village of Valtuille and is certainly the most famous vineyard in Bierzo.

  Other Reviews....
  Márquez's version of El Rapolao in 2021, the 2021 El Rapolao is from the coldest part of the village where the soils are rich in iron and organic matter, and it was micro-fermented by plot in small 1,000-liter vats with a maceration of 17 days and an élevage in used 500-liter oak barrels. It has 12.81% alcohol and nice balance with freshness and acidity coupled with fine tannins. It's super elegant, with lots of finesse, very harmonious, floral and perfumed. It has an austere mouthfeel and is nicely textured, with very fine, chalky tannins. It's more relaxed than previous vintages, when the wine felt tighter. 1,611 bottles were filled in December 2022. Drink 2024-2032.
  97 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Aug 11, 2023)

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2016 Cillar Tempranillo

  Ribera del Duero, SPAIN

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Produced from old vines this is the unwooded young Tempranillo from Cillar de Silos highlighting Ribera del Duero’s rich fruit. Totally opaque black dark red core with a dark red black tinged hue. Exuding from the glass are scents of ripe dark to black cherries and liquorice shaded by some blackcurrant with subtle earthy incense and spicy herb notes picking up on the finish. Medium to full bodied the palate is flooded with rich black cherry and liquorice flavours sitting above an undercurrent of vanillin characters, scorched earth, infusions of incense and spicy dried herbs. Fleshy textural feel with ripe, slightly chewy tannins providing structure. Excellent depth with a long juicy black cherry, liquorice, earthy incense and spicy vanilla aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2017 Cillar Tempranillo

  Ribera del Duero, SPAIN

  $37. 99

  Bottle

  $455.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2025-2026)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Aromas of black cherries and liquorice overlaid with dried clove are followed by some dried meats, smoky earth and spicy tobacco. Medium to full bodied black cherry and liquorice flavours have a strong overlay of dried clove and earthy tobacco with some spicy dried meat characters also apparent. The sturdy tannin structure shows some muscle and leads into a chewy medium length finish.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  2015 Cillar D Silos Crianza

  Ribera del Duero, SPAIN

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2024-2025)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  A 100% Tempranillo matured for 13 months in French oak. Impenetrable pitch black in colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Intense ripe black cherry, liquorice and black plum aromas dominate the nose with earthy vanillin cedar and spicy incense notes ensuing. Full in body, rich and fleshy yet structured, luscious black cherry and liquorice flavours engulf the mouth underpinned by vanillin oak, earthy incense characters and spice. Ripe chewy mouthfeel with a robust tannin structure carrying the lavish fruit. Very powerful with a long ripe chewy black fruited aftertaste of earth and spice.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 95
  • 95

  2020 Comando G Rozas 1er Garnacha

  Sierra de Gredos, SPAIN

  $125. 00

  Bottle

  $1500.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  It’s time to leave your preconceptions at the door, as Comando G produce Garnacha (Grenache) unlike anyone else in Spain. Comando G’s Daniel Landi and Fernando Garcia craft Garnacha up in the near inaccessible hills of the Sierra de Gredos mountains which are miles away (figuratively and literally) from the dark, powerful, brooding wines of Priorat that hit the scene 20 years or so ago. These are a different breed of Garnacha, light, ethereal, built on tension and finesse. There’s no lack of concentration however, and they have much more in common with high-end Burgundy than what you would normally associate with Spain. Word is well and truly out on these special wines, with demand far outstripping supply and prices skyrocketing on the secondary market.

  Other Reviews....
  There's one vineyard in the 2020 Rozas 1er Cru that does not make it to the final blend in warmer years (2019, 2017, 2022) but does in cooler ones (2021, 2020), so there's a little bit more wine of this vineyard blend from the village of Rozas de Puerto Real that follows the work in previous years. Due to COVID-19, there were no events or travels, so they focused on their vineyard work like never before in their lives, and this wine combines the floral character (rose petals) with the austerity of the granite. It's a little more generous than in 2018 and 2016 due to the last few days before the harvest when the weather got very warm. The texture shows the silt and iron from Rozas, which makes it tight. 13,186 bottles and 150 magnums produced. It was bottled in January 2022. Drink 2023 - 2032.
  95 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Jun 01, 2023)

  A savory herbal touch to the fresh, airy red berry fruit. Some white pepper, wild strawberries, game and licorice, too. Racy and bright with grapefruit zest and pomegranate to the palate. Firm tannins but remains very silky and bright on the palate, showing great drinkability here. Drink now.
  95 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Gorgeous nose, exuding rose petals, violets, wood smoke and pine needles. Light-to medium-bodied, with very fine, almost imperceptible tannins, and vibrant acidity, leading to a tight, tense finish. Great finesse and balance, this is highly distinctive. It has intensity, but it’s light on its feet. Pure Grenache grown as bush vines on granite soils at 900m altitude. Drink 2023 - 2028.
  95 points
  Matt Walls - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 96

  2020 Comando G La Brena 1er Garnacha

  Sierra de Gredos, SPAIN

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  It’s time to leave your preconceptions at the door, as Comando G produce Garnacha (Grenache) unlike anyone else in Spain. Comando G’s Daniel Landi and Fernando Garcia craft Garnacha up in the near inaccessible hills of the Sierra de Gredos mountains which are miles away (figuratively and literally) from the dark, powerful, brooding wines of Priorat that hit the scene 20 years or so ago. These are a different breed of Garnacha, light, ethereal, built on tension and finesse. There’s no lack of concentration however, and they have much more in common with high-end Burgundy than what you would normally associate with Spain. Word is well and truly out on these special wines, with demand far outstripping supply and prices skyrocketing on the secondary market.

  Other Reviews....
  The vino de paraje (lieu-dit) 2020 La Breña 1er, which they consider a premier cru within their internal classification of wines, is from a slightly younger vineyard (60 years old) and some nearby small plots that they started working in 2018. It has seen a progression toward finesse and complexity but without reaching the level of Rumbo al Norte, which is only a few hundred meters away. In 2020, they aged this subtler version exclusively in concrete, equalizing the ripeness down. It has 13.5% alcohol and very fine minerality, like very fine-grained chalky granite. 3,826 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in March 2022. Drink 2023 - 2030.
  96 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Jun 01, 2023)

  A thin, fine gauze of minerality shades the grilled herbs, burnt blood oranges, tea leaves, and grapefruit. Wet stones and subtle red berries. Juicy and expressive on the palate, with stone-firm and minerally-textured tannins before a long, effusive finish. Subtle but very long. Irresistible now, but will hold.
  96 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 98

  2020 Comando G Las Iruelas Garnacha

  Sierra de Gredos, SPAIN

  $375. 00

  Bottle

  $4500.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  It’s time to leave your preconceptions at the door, as Comando G produce Garnacha (Grenache) unlike anyone else in Spain. Comando G’s Daniel Landi and Fernando Garcia craft Garnacha up in the near inaccessible hills of the Sierra de Gredos mountains which are miles away (figuratively and literally) from the dark, powerful, brooding wines of Priorat that hit the scene 20 years or so ago. These are a different breed of Garnacha, light, ethereal, built on tension and finesse. There’s no lack of concentration however, and they have much more in common with high-end Burgundy than what you would normally associate with Spain. Word is well and truly out on these special wines, with demand far outstripping supply and prices skyrocketing on the secondary market.

  Other Reviews....
  Like the El Reventón, the 2020 Las Iruelas is now a wine from Comando G and no longer a Dani Landi wine, whose personal project came to an end with the 2019 vintage. As with El Reventón, this is still exactly the same wine from the same vineyard in El Tiemblo on slate soils, produced in exactly the same way, matured 50% in oak foudre and the other 50% in concrete. Since 2016, they harvest three times here, as they have three terroir units that behave quite differently. Since then, the wine has gained in precision, subtleness and elegance, combining more Mediterranean and Atlantic characteristics: floral, aromatic, herbal, honey, resin, a sensation of sweetness without being sweet, ethereal but with lots of energy, grip, depth and complexity. It's among the finest vintages for this wine, and the vineyard is slowly revealing itself as one of their finest. 3,401 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled a little later than the others, in May 2022. Drink 2023 - 2033.
  98 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Jun 01, 2023)

  A spicier and more savory expression from Comando G with lots of dried Mediterranean herbs, rosemary, thyme, dried oranges, wild raspberries, white pepper and a hint of mothball. Tangy bitter herbs on the palate with dusty tannins that meld into the dried herb and citrus flavors. The fine, herbal bitterness makes it unique and characterful. Drink or hold.
  97 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 99
  • 99

  2020 Comando G Tumba del Rey Moro Garnacha

  Sierra de Gredos, SPAIN

  $415. 00

  Bottle

  $4980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  It’s time to leave your preconceptions at the door, as Comando G produce Garnacha (Grenache) unlike anyone else in Spain. Comando G’s Daniel Landi and Fernando Garcia craft Garnacha up in the near inaccessible hills of the Sierra de Gredos mountains which are miles away (figuratively and literally) from the dark, powerful, brooding wines of Priorat that hit the scene 20 years or so ago. These are a different breed of Garnacha, light, ethereal, built on tension and finesse. There’s no lack of concentration however, and they have much more in common with high-end Burgundy than what you would normally associate with Spain. Word is well and truly out on these special wines, with demand far outstripping supply and prices skyrocketing on the secondary market.

  Other Reviews....
  One of the more ethereal, paler, elegant and complex versions of this ungrafted vineyard in the village of Villanueva de Ávila is the 2020 Tumba del Rey Moro. This is closer to the elegant style of Umbrías than their own Umbrías this year. It was a good-yielding year; the vines were very balanced after many years of working them organically and biodynamically (but they're not yet certified). The wine is aromatic and floral, nuanced and fine-boned, mineral and vertical, with a texture of fine sand and light, energy and inner strength to the point where it's impossible to reflect it in a score. It has a faint bitter twist in the finish that is reminiscent of blood orange peel, which drove me crazy. This has to be the finest version of Tumba del Rey Moro to date. Bravo! 1,967 bottles and 50 magnums were filled in May 2022. Drink 2023 - 2032.
  99 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Jun 01, 2023)

  One of the palest and most orangey in color of Comando G’s wines. A nose that blows your mind with its zingy grapefruit, crushed raspberries, mineral, lots of tangy white pepper and agave, akin to a lightly herbal and smoky mezcal. Provocative! So fresh, incisive and ethereal, yet so unique. There is intensity and depth here, despite the pale color, with a subtle, bone-dry and lightly reductive palate. Structured tannins, very Barolo-like, with delicious austerity and some bitter herbs and grapefruit in the finish. Long and firm. Goes on and on. One to ponder. A little more austere and not as well-rounded as Rumbo Al Norte, but its’ personality provokes and haunts you. Drink or hold.
  99 points
  James Suckling

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