Spain
856. CVNE, Imperial Rioja, 1973
Found in 28-50, and… well… what the hell! Always a gamble, but this 41 year old bottle, though fully mature, had not hollowed out, …
852. Lustau, 3 En Rama Spring 2013 Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda Sherry, NV (2014)
First En Rama bottling I’ve come across of a Manzanilla – definitely adds greater body, colour and complexity – though still has a distinct …
831. Equipo Navazos, La Bota de Manzanilla Pasada No. 39 NO, NV (2014)
Another good aged Sherry from Equipo Navazos, but not out of the top drawer somehow. Whilst it was certainly pretty intense, with a golden …
828. Finca Allende, Aurus Rioja, 1996
The first vintage of Finca Allende’s top wine, I think? Ready to drink now. Elegant. Perhaps not completely top drawer, but certainly a level …
810. CVNE, Viña Real Rioja Gran Reserva, 2004
The exemplar Gran Reserva, and just that: a ripe, deep vintage giving black fruit character, with a careful coating of American oak primarily. Fine …
792. Gaba do Xil, Godello Valdeorras, 2012
Excellent label! Also a pretty good example of a Godello – albeit not as good as Louro do Bolo, for example. Semi-aromatic, but with …
763. Bodegas Riojanas, Viña Albina Reserva, 1975
Saw this in The Sampler and thought why not? In the end, this is past its best – hollowing out and leaving some brisk …
754. Equipo Navazos, La Bota de Fino No. 35 Macharnudo Alto Jerez, NV (2013)
Another visit to Navazos-land, but this time their Macharnudo Alto vineyard Fino bottling. Brine and olive, with a depth of oak & vanilla touches …
749. Lopez de Heredia-Viña Tondonia, Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva, 2001
Fascinating way to start MW study group studies, blind. A much more satisfying old-school Rioja than the 1991 Bosconia. Pale garnet, with a tawny …
747. Bodegas Domecq de Jarauta, Viña Marro Rioja Reserva, 2007
A second vintage of this, from a similar source. And again, a good example of a £10-15, modern-style, attractive Reserva Rioja. A touch jammy, …