Vintage Spanish Wines

Few red wines are as long lived as those produced by the famed Château of Bordeaux. One thinks of regions such as Barolo in Northern Italy – perhaps Aglianico del Vulture in Southern Italy – or in this case the legendary Tempranillos from Rioja in Spain

70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, and 10% Mazuelo. After fermentation this was aged 15 years in old vats, then another 4 years in steel tanks, the remainder in bottle. Recorked & topped up on release, the 1973 Viña Valoria reveals its age in its light ruby, slightly rust-colored appearance. It gives off sweet notes of cedar, tobacco, damp earth, mushroom, and candied red currants which are followed by an elegant wine with a supple texture and no hard edges. 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep, oaky nose and some flowery, tobacco tones against the solid wall of very old American vats. Medium bodied in the mouth, with fruit that is still fresh, delicate tertiary smoke and tobacco, and a fine, harmonious finish. Very elegant and completely true to type. A taste of the past, of the time-honoured tradition of building everlasting wines by stabilizing them in old vats. rinks now but will keep for ages, no hurry. 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The designation ‘Crianza’ means that the wine spent less than one year in barrel, allowing it to maintain its fresh, fruity character. This wine has an attractive cherry red color, with garnet tones. There are aromas of red fruit compote, spicy and toasted. It is elegant and balanced on the palate, where ripe fruit and spicy notes from the barrel aging are present.

Tinto Figuero’s Four Months In Barrel has a dark red color with blue reflections, confirming the wine’s youth; an intense robe for a bright wine. The nose displays full red-fruit aromas, including cherries and strawberries, and is reminiscent of black licorice and ripe blackberries, integrated with elegant, clean oak notes. There is a strong, balanced mouth feel, showing good structure and a rounded wine, with hints of berries on the palate and a persistent, lingering finish. Give it a little chill for the warm summer months.

Still full of fruit and berry driven, but bigger and chewier than their entry level Rioja. Dark to the eye, with bacon, ham, spice and savory fruit aromas. The palate is extracted and rich, with dark berry, herb, pepper, smoke and barrel resin flavors. Spicy on the end, with a blast of clove and cardamom. Long, long finish.

Muriel Rioja Reserva 2005 is made with 100% Tempranillo from Rioja Alavesa. (Rioja’s best subregion) Aged 24 months in French and American Oak barrels and futher ageing of 24 months in bottle. Medium-bodied with aromas of roasted coffee, spice, cloves and dried herbs with hints of leather and earth in the background. Superbly textured with an enticing mouth-feel. All the components blend magically to create an incredible drinking experience. A great compliment to stews and roasted meats such as lamb and pork.