Situated in northern central Spain, the Ribera region now challenges the supremacy of Rioja as the leading red wine producing area. It was not until 1982 that DO status was awarded and many private wineries have since been established. The path was forged by Alejandro Fernández, who recognised the region's potential and was a key figure in the development during the 80s. Pesquera, the flagship wine of Alejandro, was released early in the decade to international acclaim. The region's primary grape variety is the local variant of Tempranillo, namely Tinto Fino, which responds well to the terroir and climatic extremes....
Another cracker was the Aster, Finca El Otero 2014 from Burgos, the central chunk of Ribera where most of the best wines comes from. This big wine (14.5% above but well-balanced) was notably complex with well-meshed tannins and a long finish. Clearly, it will age well.Geoffrey Dean, The Buyer
moreBottle 75cl £36.00
Bottle 75cl £21.00
Rioja Alta’s Gran Reserva 904 stands out for its remarkable complexity and outstanding ageing potential. It is a classic Rioja which is released in exceptional vintage. The 2009 reveals a bouquet of great aromatic complexity. Cassis and wild berry characters give way to delicate spices and sweet balsamic notes. The palate builds on the expansive aromas with concentrated sweet cherry...
moreWorldwide Exclusive ReleaseMedium-intensity, dark cherry-red; clean and bright. To the nose it stands out for its fresh, spicy character, with hints of sweet cherries and blackcurrant chocolate, assembled with notes of black pepper, tobacco, nutmeg, coffee, mocha and cinnamon. Pleasant and well-balanced in the mouth. Tasty, with a soft freshness, nice structure, and delicately elegant tannins. Silky finish, with a...
moreBottle 75cl £29.00
Yellow with green hues; clean and bright. Outstandingly intense aromas, with hints of stone fruit (peaches), white fruit (pears and ripe apples) and quince, in addition to a remarkable lemon leaf citrus background. A flavoursome mouth is accompanied by an enjoyable breadth and freshness, together with a very well-integrated acidity. Very persistent, fruit-forward finish. Perfect to enjoy with any appetiser....
moreBottle 75cl £15.00
An extremely elegant reserva with an enveloping bouquet of crushed red cherries and subtle spices with just a hint of lavender. On the palate, smooth textures and bright red berry fruits are balanced by a refined mineral character which leads to a long and refreshing finish. Beautifully defined and supple, and almost Burgundian in style, this wine will age well...
moreBottle 75cl £28.00
Bottle 75cl £19.00
Bottle 75cl £9.60
“The Viña Arana 2009 is a wine with that smooth, polished red colour typical of classic Riojas. Clean and bright in the glass, with light orange notes on the rim. Outstandingly intense nose, with light balsamic tertiary aromas of tobacco, caramel, incense and spices against a background of ripe fruit. Consistent and well-balanced in the mouth, with fine, elegant tannins....
moreBottle 75cl £24.00
Case of 6 x 75cl £207.60
This wine is strong, mature and lush to the mouth. It has an excellent tannin structure and yet remains smooth with time. It reveals itself to be very balanced and has a long-lasting finish. It has a refined and complex bouquet. Aromas of well-seasoned fruit, spicy wood, toasted whiffs, hints of minerals and a slightly musky background all stand out.
moreBottle 75cl £34.60
Bottle 75cl £36.00
Case of 6 £216.00
Another cracker was the Aster, Finca El Otero 2014 from Burgos, the central chunk of Ribera where most of the best wines comes from. This big wine (14.5% above but well-balanced) was notably complex with well-meshed tannins and a long finish. Clearly, it will age well.Geoffrey Dean, The Buyer
moreBottle 75cl £36.00
Bottle 75cl £21.00
Bottle 75cl £21.00
Case of 6 x 75cl £447.60
Bottle 75cl £74.60
