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Alberto Orte Escalada do Bibei Valdeorras 2016
A blend of Mencia, Merenzao (Trousseau), Brancellao, and splashes of Grau Negro and Garnacha Tintorera grown near the cliffs of the river Bibei in Valdeorras, this unique wine sees extended maceration (4 weeks) and 18 months in French oak. The result is poised between intensity and elegance, with highly complex aromatics of violets and roses, charcuterie and rust, the palate has a vertical and chiseled frame covered with lovely raspberry and strawberry red fruits. The tannins, acid, and wood are all fully integrated and harmonious and the finish is resounding. This is one of my favorite of Alberto Orte’s singular creations. SKU: 19861
Ameztoi Primus Getariako Txakolina 2021
The Ameztoi Primus is sourced from very old vines of Hondarribi Zuri (70 to 120 years old!) and, after fermentation on the indigenous yeasts, it spends six months on the lees with batonage, imparting a pervasively creamy texture and savory chalky mineral richness that is simultaneously lifted by the grape’s naturally intense acidity and retained CO2. Irresistible, it is “next level” Txakolina. SKU: 19918
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino En Rama
The difference between the En Rama bottling and the regular, filtered bottling of Tio Pepe could not be more striking. From the extra layers of dried apricot and pungent levain on the nose to the richer saline and briny textures on the palate, the En Rama has so much more depth. Graceful and well composed throughout, it winds up with a lengthy and savory finish. SKU: 20073
Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa
This Manzanilla is about 5 or 6 years old on average, offering a generous bouquet of sea spray, olive brine, herbs, and citrus and apple on the nose. The palate is expansive and layered, with great definition and persistent savory and umami flavors. Overall, it is on the bolder end of the Manzanilla spectrum, but thoroughly dry. SKU: 19263 Spain
Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego
This single vineyard Amontillado is on average about 18 years old when it’s bottled, producing an Amontillado with a broad and complex bouquet of bread dough, almonds, and dried white fruits. On the palate there is an invigorating, citric crispness that outlines the deep and thorough oxidative characteristics and gives the wine a sense of terrific length and completeness. Once open, this Amontillado improves noticeably for at least a week, after wich it will hold for at least another two to three weeks. SKU: 19268 Spain
Albamar Rías Baixas Albariño 2020
This Albariño was fermented and raised in stainless steel and large (neutral) oak foudres, yielding a particularly expansive wine, with a compelling combination of stone fruits, stony mineral textures, and surprising depth. Savory and expansive, there is a thrilling vinosity here, coupled with good delineation from the acidity, which draws the finish out beautifully. Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate 93 pts SKU: 15683 Spain
CVNE Imperial Rioja Reserva 2017
“Saturated garnet. Ripe cherry, red currant and pungent flowers on the expansive nose, along with vanilla and tobacco nuances that build in the glass. Sweet and broad on the palate, offering oak-spiced red and dark berry and fruitcake flavors and a hint of candied flowers. Slowly building tannins frame the clinging finish, which shows excellent clarity and repeating cherry and vanilla notes.” Josh Raynolds, Vinous 93 pts SKU: 19325 Spain
CVNE Viña Real Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 (1.5L)
“The classical 2012 Viña Real Gran Reserva is produced with 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano, fermented in stainless steel with neutral dry yeasts and aged in new oak barrel for two years. It's very spicy and creamy, with developed aromas, open and expressive. The palate feels very polished, with a fine thread of acidity going through its core. There is good balance between power and elegance. It should develop nicely in bottle, even if it's approachable now.” Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate 93 pts
