B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as undergoing a “change of paradigm” by the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez, Rioja is being transformed by a new generation of passionate winemakers, this elite group of “princes” moving a region steeped in traditional winemaking methods towards vineyard expressive wines, these expertly crafted, age worthy 97 plus pt. Rioja gems all overdelivering value and worthy of mixing a case to enjoy over the next decade and beyond.
Sourced exclusively from its 2.37-hectare high altitude Carromaza vineyard near Haro, the elegant 97 pt. 2020 CVNE Real de Asua was aged for 12 months in new French oak, revealing “vibrant with plush but well defined fruit” according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle and declared “superb” by Wine Advocate critic Gutierrez, describing the fresh and energetic Tempranillo as expressing “the naked essence of Rioja.” Naming it to both his Top 100 Wines of 2022 and ranked #21 on his Top 100 Spanish Wines, James Suckling calls the muscular 98 pt. 2019 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal “delicious now” with “great aging potential” ahead, sourced from the estate’s oldest Tempranillo clones planted on natural terraces in ferrous-rich clay and limestone soils that contribute a distinct Bordeaux-like minerality, the acclaimed inaugural release also available as 750 ml. and magnum in original wooden cases of one certain to be a focal point in any collection and a perfect gift for Spanish wine lovers. Ranked #42 on James Suckling’s Top 100 Spanish Wines of 2023, the thrilling 98 pt. 2020 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal also from the estate’s organically farmed 2.8-hectare old vine parcel in the Finca Las Tapias vineyard was aged in 50% new French oak to yield “superb energy” according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle with “a long and lingering spicy, fresh finish,” its well-defined tannins promising to evolve gracefully over the next decades. An inaugural release from superstar 100 pt. winemaker Benjamin Romeo formerly of Artadi, the powerful 97 pt. 2020 Benjamin Romeo Alma Contador is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha sourced from meticulously selected old vine fruit grown at three different altitudes and aged in a range of custom made new French oak barrels, a ripe and concentrated Rioja that’s both “powerful and elegant” according to the Wine Advocate’s Gutierrez available at a fraction of the Bodega’s flagship cult favorite wine. Described as “utterly gorgeous” by critic Jane Anson, the plush and refined 100 pt. 2019 Yjar is a field blend of mostly old vine Tempranillo and Garnacha with other indigenous varietals from 3.8 hectares of select plots from Remelluri’s vineyards and aged in a mix of large French oak foudres and barrels for 30 months yielding rich, juicy fruit perfectly balanced by integrated fine tannins, described as terroir-evangelist Telmo Rodriguez’s answer to world-class Bordeaux and earning the #5 spot on James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of Spain 2023.
Boasting age worthy complexity that’s legendary among collectors and rightfully so, these top scoring vineyard-driven Riojas are meticulously crafted by the region’s new winemaking royalty to deliver a decade or more of enjoyment, all top values promising years of delicious drinking for Rioja aficionados who stock the cellar. | 
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