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“Rodriguez is convinced his unique creations represent the true character of Rioja wines and are a throwback to the origins of the winemaking history and traditions of the region, and also offer a glimpse of the future.” James Suckling
Legendary among Spanish wine lovers for his highly acclaimed, site-specific wines, pioneering winemaker Telmo Rodriguez crafts the impressive 94 pt. 2018 Remelluri Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de Labastida from old vine Tempranillo with the same meticulous care, a benchmark Rioja Alavesa boasting energetic, juicy dark fruit and balanced acidity, priced to deliver exceptional value.
Located in the shadow of the Sierra de Tolono mountains, Remelluri’s stratospheric rise in quality began with the return of Telmo Rodriguez to his idyllic family estate in Labastida in 2009 after an 11-year absence, his drive to champion sustainable viticulture while identifying the uniqueness of each vineyard earning him the title of “poster boy for Rioja terroir driven wines” from Decanter. Sourcing the fruit for the Labastida blend from local contract growers as a separate line called “Lindes” (or borders), the 28 distinctive Labastida vineyards are located close to the mountains at altitudes from 450 to 780 meters and away from the Ebro River, planted in a combination of limestone and calcareous clay that enhances aromatics and contributes a backbone of energetic minerality. Blending mostly Tempranillo with 5% Garnacha, the vines for the 2018 Lindes de Remelluri Labastida range to over 80 years of age, enjoying a unique microclimate protected from Atlantic winds with warm days and cooler nights that favor extended ripening and build structure. Fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts and then aged in French oak of various ages and sizes for 12 months, the richly concentrated 2018 Remelluri Labastida boasts smooth tannins and well-integrated oak, described as “beautifully textured” and “the finest vintage of this wine so far” by the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez.
An elegant old vine Tempranillo with velvet, silky tannins, the outstanding 94 pt. 2018 Remelluri Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Labastida Rioja is uniquely expressive of its high-altitude origins with layered fresh fruit and nuances of wild mountain herbs and crushed stone, an exceptional Rioja crafted by the iconic Telmo Rodriguez that’s value priced for stocking up and enjoying often. |