Region
Region
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Vinous (90)
(100% garnacha) Ruby-red. Nose dominated by nutty oak. Fat and sweet in the mouth, with highly concentrated flavors of red fruits and nuts. A tad dry on the end, though the tannins are not especially pronounced. I'd like to have seen a bit more nuance and length here. Perhaps best suited for drinking over the next few years. (European Cellars, Charlotte NC$155.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The perfect Mediterranean vintage produced an outstanding Garnacha. The 2020 El Molar fermented with 35% full clusters and matured in a combination of 500-liter barrels and 5,000-liter foudres for one year. The wine is very young and tender; it feels more delicate despite having a little more alcohol than the 2019 (it's 15%) and with a slightly lower pH (3.49). It's super aromatic, extroverted and expressive, floral, elegant and complex. There is great balance, and the wine feels fresher and less ripe; it's refreshing and has a core of minerality and super fine tannins with pungent flavors. There is precision, elegance and balance, the three words that define the vintage. All the wines are very good value, but this is a steal. 40,000 bottles were filled in March 2022.$156.00 -
Vinous (94)
Vivid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes red and blue fruit liqueur, candied flowers and exotic spices, along with a smoky mineral topnote. Impressively concentrated yet energetic in style, offering sweet, mineral- and spice-tinged boysenberry, cherry, candied lavender and spicecake flavors that open up steadily with air. Sappy, focused and seamless in texture, finishing with harmonious tannins and impressive, floral-driven persistence.$216.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2018 Las Gravas is a blend of 90% Monastrell from limestone gravel soils and 10% Garnacha also planted in the same gravel soils, but it's obviously much younger than the Monastrell. It fermented in underground pools with 25% to 30% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in 5,000-liter oak foudres and 500-liter oak barrels for 16 months. It's an incredibly elegant and delicate Las Gravas, nuanced and with a discrete profile, a little shy at first. The palate is also super elegant and balanced, with refined tannins, a velvety texture and very fine chalky minerality. The north-facing vineyard, the backbone of this wine in a challenging and cooler year, is now 40 years old and has vigor and balance, which has resulted in an incredible wine through a lot of work in the vineyard. This has to be the finest vintage to date, a real triumph over the adverse conditions of the year that transcends the quality of the vintage. They used a lower percentage of Garnacha to avoid too much florality in the blend, and the wine is more serious. It's less explosive than the 2017, but I'd say, more gravelly... Bravo! 34,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2020.$301.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021Experience the richness of Mediterranean vineyards with Casa Castillo Jumilla Las Gravas 2021. This exquisite wine hails from Murcia, Spain, renowned for its unique Monastrell grape varieties. The proprietor, José María Vicente, is committed to traditional winemaking methods, ensuring natural, unforced, and expressive produce. Each cluster of grapes is naturally fermented in the century-old underground cellar, creating a captivatingly complex blend. Casa Castillo Jumilla Las Gravas 2021 encapsulates the very essence of its terruño with its robust, dark-fruited palate painted with shades of spice and botanical nuances. This full-bodied wine, matured in French oak barrels, delivers a beautifully balanced structure with fine, integrated tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Best paired with hearty dishes, bring the authentic taste of Jumilla to your table with Casa Castillo Jumilla Las Gravas 2021, revealing the artistry of one of Spain’s most distinguished family-run wineries.
$435.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
As I saw with Las Gravas, the only problem with the 2016 Pie Franco is that I tasted it next to the superb 2017. Surprisingly enough, it feels riper than the 2017, when the year was colder and wetter. It has persistent and pungent flavors and is juicy within the dry and stony character of the texture.$540.00 -
Casa Castillo Jumilla Pie Franco 2019 epitomises the rich heritage of the Jumilla region in Murcia, Spain. Crafted by the esteemed Casa Castillo, this vintage primarily showcases the robust Monastrell grape, carefully handpicked from their premier vineyards. The winemaking process involves meticulous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the fruit's integrity before ageing gracefully for 12 months in French oak barrels. This technique imparts a harmonious balance of depth and complexity to the wine. The 2019 Pie Franco displays a deep garnet colour, with an intricate bouquet of ripe dark berries, plums, and nuanced notes of spice and chocolate. On the palate, it reveals firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent, elegant finish. Perfectly suited to complement hearty Mediterranean cuisine, Casa Castillo Jumilla Pie Franco 2019 stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the distinguished quality of fine Spanish wines.
$153.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021Assert your refined palate with the Casa Castillo Jumilla Pie Franco 2021, a truly exquisite offering from the fertile vineyards of Murcia, Spain. Savour a bevy of rich, ripe fruit aromas, including plum, blackcurrant, and cherry, harmoniously interlacing with an undercurrent of minerally graphite and sweet spice.
Grown within stony, limestone-rich soils, this Monastrell varietal yields concentrated wine with a powerful, elegant edge. The Pie Franco vineyard's ungrafted vines, untouched by phylloxera, ensure the truest expression of terroir. As the pinnacle of the Casa Castillo estate, the Pie Franco is feted for its depth, structure, and longevity.
Produced with a careful, traditional approach, meticulous selection process and slow fermentation in underground cellars, achieving exceptional balance and complexity. Matured in French oak, producing a textured, lasting finish. The Casa Castillo Jumilla Pie Franco 2021 is the epitome of grace and intensity, an experience that lingers beautifully on the palate.
$846.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Casa de la Ermita Jumilla Crianza 2020 is a distinguished expression from the illustrious Jumilla region, meticulously crafted by the esteemed Casa de la Ermita. This Crianza is predominantly made from the robust Monastrell grape, handpicked from sun-drenched vineyards benefiting from the area’s unique calcareous soils and continental climate. The wine undergoes careful vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve its vibrant fruit character, followed by ageing for eighteen months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla and spice while maintaining the varietal's inherent purity. On the palate, it reveals a harmonious balance of dark berry fruits, refined tannins, and a lingering finish, reflecting the producer’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Casa de la Ermita Jumilla Crianza 2020 is a quintessential choice for connoisseurs seeking depth and elegance in a fine Spanish wine.
$138.00 -
(2x500cl) 2023Castano Monastrell 2023 exemplifies the rich heritage of Jumilla, where sun-drenched vineyards cultivate the finest Monastrell grapes. Crafted by the esteemed Castano family, renowned for their commitment to traditional winemaking balanced with innovative techniques, this vintage showcases their expertise. Handpicked grapes undergo meticulous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, enhancing the varietal’s natural fruitiness and structural integrity. Matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, the wine develops complex aromas of dark berries, plum, and subtle spices, complemented by velvety tannins and a lingering finish. The Castano Monastrell 2023 boasts a deep ruby hue, reflecting its robust character and elegance. Ideal for pairing with hearty dishes such as grilled lamb or aged cheeses, this wine is a testament to Castano’s dedication to quality and the distinctive expression of the Monastrell grape. Discover the unparalleled depth and sophistication that makes Castano Monastrell 2023 a standout choice for discerning palates.
$93.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021The Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas 2021 exemplifies the pinnacle of viticultural mastery, meticulously crafted in the esteemed Rioja region. Handpicked from the venerable Viñas Viejas vineyards, this vintage benefits from the sun-drenched terroir and optimal microclimate. Employing the solera ageing technique, Castano ensures a harmonious blend, allowing each component to mature gracefully in oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes. Castano, renowned for its dedication to traditional methods combined with modern precision, oversees every step from harvest to bottling. The result is a wine of exceptional complexity and depth, with rich aromas of dark berries, tobacco, and cedar, complemented by a velvety texture and a lingering finish. Ideal for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated and well-balanced wine, the Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas 2021 stands as a testament to the producer's unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.
$113.00 -
(6x150cl) 2021Discover the elegance of Castano Yecla Monastrell Hecula 2021, a distinguished wine crafted in the renowned Yecla region of Spain. This exceptional Monastrell variety is nurtured in the Hecula vineyards, where optimal climate and terroir contribute to its superb character. Castano, a producer celebrated for its commitment to traditional winemaking combined with modern techniques, meticulously hand-selects ripe grapes to ensure superior quality. Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant fruit flavours, the wine undergoes a careful ageing process in French oak barrels, imparting subtle spice and complexity. The 2021 vintage exhibits a deep ruby hue, with aromas of dark cherries, plums, and hints of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of lush fruit, fine tannins, and a lingering finish, making it a perfect accompaniment to hearty dishes or a refined addition to your fine wine collection. Experience the exceptional craftsmanship of Castano Yecla Monastrell Hecula 2021.
$280.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022```html
Castano Yecla Monastrell Hecula 2022 epitomises the rich heritage of Spain’s Yecla region. Crafted from hand-selected Monastrell grapes, this exquisite wine undergoes a meticulous vinification process, including fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve its vibrant fruit character. Matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, it develops a harmonious balance between robust tannins and elegant structure. The terroir of Hecula, with its sun-drenched vineyards and calcareous soils, imparts distinctive notes of dark berries, plum, and subtle spices. Castano, a venerable producer renowned for their commitment to quality and sustainable practices, ensures each vintage reflects the unique expression of its origin. On the palate, the 2022 vintage reveals layers of complexity, with a lingering, silky finish that showcases its impeccable craftsmanship. Ideal for pairing with hearty stews or aged cheeses, Castano Yecla Monastrell Hecula 2022 is a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking depth and character.
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Wine Advocate (96)
Following the subtle, elegant and floral profile of the vintage, the 2014 Valtuille Cepas Centenarias is always sourced from a south-facing vineyard in the Villegas zone of the village of Valtuille de Abajo, where the soils have a sandy texture and provide for fine, elegant wines. They used 100% full clusters for the fermentation in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and then matured the wine in used 228-liter oak barrels. The oak does not have an aromatic role in any of the reds. This combines the floral with some characteristics, earthy and developing notes of cypress, smoked meat and a Rhôneish twist. It has some earthy tannins too, coupled with moderate alcohol and great freshness. This is one of the first vineyards to be harvested, as it ripens early, and has contained alcohol. This is a very regular wine, vintage after vintage. This has to be the finest vintage for this bottle. 3,500 bottles were filled in November 2016.$304.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Valtuille Cepas Centenarias comes from a single plot of ancient vines that could qualify as Vino de Paraje and in the future as Vino de Viña, but they are never going to do it because it's their traditional name and label and one of the most consistent wines from the winery. It is made with field blend with lots of different grapes on clay and sand soils. It fermented with full clusters and indigenous yeasts with a long 60-day maceration and matured in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels (but, in the future, they might move to oval oak foudres) for one year. It has the violets and the perfume from the 2018 vintage but with more dimension, more layers and depth. A stellar performance in 2019 (again!). 3,500 bottles produced, what the plot delivered. It was bottled in June 2021.$305.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
The 2018 Valtuille El Rapolao, like the rest of the single-vineyard wines, has not been bottled separately since 2015. This comes from the coolest paraje of Valtuille, as it gets the sun for one full hour after the rest of vineyards of the village. This was harvested early and matured exclusively in 500-liter oak barrels; it has lower alcohol and is more elegant than the 2014 and 2015. This was a little closed at first and needed some time in the glass to open up. It's a more floral and refined version of Villegas, with more layers, more depth and complexity. There's no rusticity here, which was in the character of the 2014 and 2015. Impressive! 1,700 bottles were filled in May 2020.$256.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2019 Valtuille El Rapolao, now a Vino de Paraje, fermented with 100% full clusters with a long maceration and matured in well-seasoned, neutral 500-liter oak barrels (which might be eight years old now), the modus operandi for all of the single-vineyard reds. It's perfumed and heady, as it comes from a plot that also has some fruit trees, in a v-shape, planted along with some 8% Malvasía grapes that have been added since 2018 and have given it finesse. It's more exuberant on the nose, something that seems to define this wine that is quite unique and different from its siblings. It's medium-bodied with around 13% alcohol; winemaker César Márquez feels that when these wines are riper than 13.5% they are too rustic. 1,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2020.$245.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Wine Advocate (94)
If the range was not wide and confusing enough, there is a new 2018 Valtuille Vino de Villa to fulfill the new official category of village wines in the DO Bierzo. It's a blend of different plots from the village, fermented separately, all old vines with a Mencía-based field blend that also contains some Garnacha Tintorera, Bastardo and even white varieties, mostly from the plots that are bottled separately. It fermented with 100% full clusters in 5,000-liter oak vat and matured in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels for one year. This is serious, subtle and perfumed, refined, expressive and floral, with great finesse. It has a medium body with terrific balance and great freshness (some of the early harvested plots were part of the blend), purity and finesse that showcase the style of the year. The tannins are very fine and silky. This is a very impressive first effort. It feels like the blend of different places has given it an extra dimension. To give you an idea, all the 2018s have lower alcohol, and this is 13.4% alcohol with 6.11 grams of acidity (in tartaric). 4,900 bottles were filled in May 2020.$156.00 -
Emanating from the fertile vineyards of Priorat, Spain, Celler del Pont Lo Givot 2006 is a beguiling vintage exuding finesse and character. An exquisite blend of Garnacha, Cariñena, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is a masterclass in ripe fruit finesse and tannin integration, handcrafted by the esteemed Celler del Pont. The 2006 vintage is a testament to the winery's commitment to traditional viticulture techniques.
Matured in French oak barrels for 12 months, Celler del Pont Lo Givot 2006 offers a sophisticated harmony of bold red fruit, woody notes, and earthy undertones. Its profound depth, coupled with a well-balanced acidity, ensures every sip is an exploration of the distinctively rich Priorat terroir. Highly lauded by renowned sommeliers, Celler del Pont Lo Givot 2006 will certainly satiate the palate of the most discerning wine aficionados. A harmonious embodiment of artisanal winemaking, this vintage is a compelling addition to any fine wine collection.
$340.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023Vinous (93)
The 2023 Cullerot, based on Macabeo with Malvasía, Verdil, Pedro Ximénez and others from Moixent, Valencia, is aged in tinajas. It opens with herbal and floral notes alongside fennel and subtle white fruit. Delicate with chalk and moderate acidity, it shows a clay-like texture and a light white fruit finish. A style apart from the Mediterranean norm.$115.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022Vinous (95)
The 2022 Parotet, aged in tinajas for about a year, opens with spice, intense balsamic herbs and dried flowers. Light-footed on the palate with fine lines and delicate tannins, it leaves a subtle yet deep impression. Herbal, savory and layered, it reaches another level of depth for the region.$406.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022Celler Del Roure, Safra, Valencia 2022 exemplifies the pinnacle of Valencian viticulture. Crafted by the renowned Celler Del Roure, this vintage draws its character from meticulously tended vineyards in the fertile Valencia region. Primarily composed of [specific grape varieties, e.g., Tempranillo and Syrah], the grapes are hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness and flavour integrity. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving the wine’s vibrant fruit notes and inherent acidity. Following fermentation, Safra undergoes ageing in French oak barrels for twelve months, imparting subtle hints of vanilla and spice while maintaining its elegant structure. The 2022 harvest benefits from a balanced climate, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and complexity. On the palate, Celler Del Roure, Safra, Valencia 2022 reveals layers of ripe red berries, delicate floral undertones, and a refined tannic backbone, culminating in a smooth, lingering finish. An exceptional addition to any fine wine collection, this vintage epitomises sophistication and craftsmanship.
$284.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2018 El Rapolao was produced with the grapes from the adjacent plot to the one from Castro Ventosa. It has maybe 5% white grapes and a faint reductive character—a flinty or gun powder note, turning into sesame seeds á la Coche-Dury with time—that the vineyard can have, with a lot less alcohol (13%) and is lighter and more ethereal and elegant. This is floral, clean and fresh, fulfilling the fresher and more elegant style of the 2018s. It follows the style of 2016, perhaps with a touch more depth and complexity, and it is more elegant, with more refined tannins and a chalky sensation. 984 bottles were filled in December 2019.$180.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2018 Sufreiral is one of the very few reds from limestone soils from Bierzo. This year, it comes from a higher-altitude plot (he now works with five separate plots in the paraje, but the rest go to the Parajes bottling) and in a vineyard with some white grapes. It fermented with full clusters and a longer maceration, resulting in a wine with less color and more tension. If Bierzo is somewhere between the Northern Rhône and Burgundy, this one gravitates more toward Burgundy. It's floral and textured, with a fine thread, very fine tannins and the sapidity of the limestone, very tasty. It's a more ethereal version of 2017. It matured in a well-seasoned, neutral 600-liter oak vat for one year. Only 721 bottles were filled in December 2019.$335.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021Cien y Pico Doble Pasta 2021 epitomises the artistry of fine Spanish winemaking. Crafted in the esteemed Ribera del Duero region, this exceptional red wine is a harmonious blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, meticulously handpicked from the estate’s premier vineyards. The fermentation process unfolds in stainless steel tanks, preserving the vibrant fruit character before transitioning to French oak barrels for 18 months, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. Renowned producer Miguel Ángel Sánchez leverages generations of expertise, ensuring each bottle reflects unparalleled quality and depth. On the palate, Cien y Pico Doble Pasta 2021 unveils layers of ripe blackberry, cherry, and a hint of tobacco, culminating in a velvety finish with well-integrated tannins. Perfect for discerning connoisseurs, this vintage offers both elegance and complexity, making it an exquisite addition to any fine wine collection.
$421.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021Discover the exquisite Cien y Pico En Vaso 2021, a testament to artisanal craftsmanship and heritage. Produced in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico, this premium spirit is crafted from 100% blue Weber agave, meticulously harvested from age-old plantations. Distilled using traditional copper pot stills, the 2021 vintage undergoes a double distillation process, ensuring a smooth and refined profile. The master distillers at Cien y Pico leverage generations of expertise, infusing each batch with rich flavours of honey, citrus, and subtle oak undertones. Aged for 18 months in American oak barrels, the En Vaso 2021 exhibits a harmonious balance of complexity and elegance, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs. Whether savoured neat or paired with fine cuisine, Cien y Pico En Vaso 2021 delivers an unparalleled tasting experience that embodies passion and excellence.
$381.00 -
The Cillar Silos Ribera Duero Flor Silos 2019 is a distinguished expression from the prestigious Flor Silos estate, situated in the renowned Ribera del Duero region. Crafted by the esteemed Cillar family, this vintage is made exclusively from handpicked Tempranillo grapes, cultivated in meticulously maintained vineyards that benefit from the region’s unique terroir. The grapes undergo a precise fermentation process in stainless steel tanks, followed by maturation in French and American oak barrels, enhancing the wine’s depth and complexity. This careful ageing process imparts elegant tannins and a harmonious balance of dark cherry, plum, and subtle spice notes, complemented by a refined mineral finish. The 2019 vintage exemplifies Cillar Silos’ commitment to quality and tradition, resulting in a sophisticated wine that showcases the true character of Ribera del Duero. Perfect for discerning palates, Cillar Silos Ribera Duero Flor Silos 2019 is an exceptional choice for fine wine enthusiasts seeking elegance and structure.
$126.00 -
Immerse yourself in the luxuriance of Cillar de Silos Ribera del Duero Torresilo 2018. This contemporary Spanish gem originates from the distinguished Ribera del Duero region, famous for its thriving vineyards and world-class terroir. It is nurtured by the dedicated Aragon family at the esteemed Cillar de Silos estate, boasting a lineage of award-winning varietals. Enticing aromas of blackberries and leather unfold on the nose, paving way for a profusion of ruby red fruit notes on the palate, gracefully interwoven with traces of violets, liquorice and subtle hints of smoky oak. Impeccably crafted, this robust vintage experienced 16 months of maturation in French oak barrels, augmenting its depth of flavour. A connoisseur's choice, Cillar de Silos Ribera del Duero Torresilo 2018 is a wine of substance that exemplifies Spanish viticulture at its zenith. Delight in its impeccable balance and opulent finish for a truly unforgettable sensory experience.
$451.00 -
As an astonishing representation of Spanish viticulture, the Cillar Silos Vina Amalio 2018 personifies excellence. Named after the vineyard's patriarch, Amalio Aragón, this flagship offering hails from Ribera del Duero, a region renowned for its adept blending of tradition and innovation. Displaying remarkable artisan craftsmanship, this celestial varietal of 100% Tempranillo is meticulously hand-harvested from 60-year-old vines, ensuring an enchanting complexity and aromatic depth. Exquisitely matured in French oak barrels for 24 months, this intense ruby-red delight presents a sophisticated palette embossed with red fruit accents and hints of chocolate and tobacco for an eternally memorable finish. Unquestionably, Cillar Silos Vina Amalio 2018 reveals itself as a seductive symphony of harmonious flavours, reflecting the passion and skill of the small, family-run Cillar de Silos winery devotedly dedicated to creating wine of supreme class. Embrace the alluring call of the Cillar Silos Vina Amalio 2018 - an iconic emblem of pure indulgence.
$317.00 -
(1x75cl) 2004Vinous (95)
(65% garnacha, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 15% syrah) Saturated ruby. Remarkably fresh, heady aromas of raspberry, cherry, graphite and rose petal, lifted by incisive spice and pepper accents. Fleshy, velvety and impressively sweet, with the red berry and cherry flavors displaying uncanny depth; an exotic note of fruitcake adds dimension. This broad, luscious wine offers serious weight and terrific vibrancy, finishing impressively long, with tannins buried beneath the rich, concentrated fruit. The best version of this wine I've had, and I've had them all.$1,145.00
