Description
Alvaro Palacios is one of the “rock stars” of modern Spanish wine making best known for his work in revitalising the region of Priorat and his prestigious “Grand Cru”, L’Ermita (he was also named 2015 Decanter wine man of the year!). This though is from his family property in Rioja, where he has worked his magic in reinvigorating the old vineyards and bringing the winemaking up to the state of the art. It’s the star property of Rioja Baja, quite high up, devoted to Garnacha-led blends and all about the smell, taste and texture of the red clay dirt and local herb influence. Predominantly Garnacha, then Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo.
‘La Vendimia’ in espanol simply means vintage or harvest. Unfiltered, biodynamic Rioja, 50% Garnacha from below Rio Ebro and 50% Tempranillo form river’s north shore. Mid-weight, round complete, ravishingly spiced and with gorgeous harmony of tannin, acid and perfume. Alvaro’s precise-yet-barely-tutored wines always speak gently but unfailingly of the earth in which they grow, and this hallmark’s in spades here. Red-black fruits in red dirt bespeak this, the jewel vineyard of Rioja Baja. Awesome, softly gloving fruit tannin is the heart from which ever-so-pleasant fruit radiates a warm glow. Do not miss out on this… It’s juicy, classy, more-ish, delicious. Viva Espana!
Review of 2015 … 90 points, Luis Guitterrez, eRobertParker.com, August 2016 ...“Álvaro Palacios keeps improving the reds from the family winery in Rioja; it took some time, but the wines are finally reaching the expected level and playing in the first league of Rioja. All of the vineyards are organically farmed, even the external grapes used for Vendimia are registered in the organic vineyard registry. The wines are gaining in precision and purity by the vintage.
RRP $50 Our Price $38.99 when you buy 6 or more. .. More stock arriving May 2024
