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As a pioneer at the forefront of transforming the region, Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi has continued to produce exceptional terroir-driven Tempranillo after its dramatic departure from the official Rioja DOC in 2015. From its entry level 93pt 2018 Artadi Viñas de Gain to the limited release 99pt 2018 Artadi El Pison, Artadi has risen from its origins as a local co-op to produce an impeccable range of highly rated Tempranillo wines founded on the uniqueness of its individual vineyards, under the groundbreaking leadership of Juan Carlos López de Lacalle.
After taking the reins at the coop vineyards in Rioja Alavesa in the early 1990s, the visionary Juan Carlos set about converting the estate's 85 hectares to sustainable viticulture, vinifying each plot separately and leading to the Bodegas' first 100pt Robert Parker review in 2004. Sourced from 20-30 year old vines, the sensational 2018 Artadi Viñas de Gaín faithfully reflects the unique landscape of Laguardia at an exceptional value, exhibiting Alavesa's characteristic vibrant red fruit and its signature dusty minerality. Artadi's single vineyard offerings also include the 94pt 2018 Valdeginés, sourced from 7 hectares of east-facing old vine vineyards in Laguardia and exhibiting rich, concentrated fruit and elegant velvet tannins, and the 97pt 2018 El Carretil, a southwest-facing 5.3 hectare plot 500 meters above sea level, with vines averaging over 60 years and limestone soils contributing a backbone of minerality layered with rich, bold fruit. Sourced from a 2.4 hectare site at 480 meters, planted in 1945 in deep calcareous clay soils, the magnificent 2018 Artadi El Pison offers an impeccable balance of dark fruit, spice and acidity with a powerful, never-ending finish, aged for 15 months in French oak and promising longevity for decades to come.
Now run by Juan Carlos López de Lacalle's son Carlos, Artadi continues the upward trajectory of its revolutionary founder, producing this range of impeccably produced Tempranillos that offer "superb energy" according to Vinous critic Josh Raynolds while fully expressing their site-specific origins. Although they may not bear the official Rioja designation on their labels, the outstanding pedigree of these 2018 Artadi wines cannot be denied, making them worthy of a place on the table and in the cellar, and now offered at the best prices on the market. | 
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