Wine & Spirits

Wine Advocate As has happened in the last few years, the NV Único Reserva Especial 2021 Release is composed of wines of around 10 years of age, in this case 2009, 2010 and 2011, with 2011 being the Único vintage released at the same time as this non-vintage blend. It's a tribute to the tradition and the past times, a blend of mostly Tinto Fino, the local strain of Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, and a little Cabernet Sauvignon where they look for the balance and house style by blending different vintages of Único. There are many similarities with the 2011, which can represent about one-third of the blend. There's a little more development in the aromas, some of those ripe but herbal aromas and a powerful palate but without the elegance of the 2011 vintage bottling, which has more stuffing in the mid-palate. It finishes dry, with some tannins. It's certainly younger and fresher than the Reserva Especial from yesteryear, and they are now trying to hold onto some wine to again give it some older components like in the recent past. 16,916 bottles and 257 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2017.

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Winemaker Notes Valbuena 5º is the purest expression of red wine at Vega Sicilia. It is aged between barrel and bottle over five years, giving rise to the wine's name. The 2018 bottling is a vertical, zingy, crystalline expression, full of nuances, with a seductive and unctuous texture. Blend: 96% Tinto Fino, 4% Merlot

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WINEMAKERS: Fernando Remírez de Ganuza & Pedro Aibar Sánchez 2016 HARVEST: 2016 was characterized by an unusually mild winter for a continental climate, with a rainy spring that delayed budding. Summer was hot and dry, with high temperatures in June that caused the early onset of flowering. The existing water reserves in the soil allowed optimal ripening. The harvest took place on the morning of October 6, with exceptional grape quality. It was carried out manually in small boxes, and the best clusters were carefully selected by hand. GRAPE CHARACTERISTICS: 100% Tempranillo. Grown in two exclusive vineyards of more than 100 years old, located in the area of Anguix and La Horra, on the moorlands, at an altitude of approximately 1000m. Cultivated in very poor soils of limestone parent rock.

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Winemaker Notes Very covered cherry red color, intense on the nose, highlighting ripe black fruits that gain intensity as the wine evolves in the glass. During the tasting, a fruity base is perceived, nuances of the typical aromas of Tempranillo and spicy notes characteristic of the great vintages of this brand. In the mouth it is voluminous, with ripe and silky tannins. The aftertaste is long and very persistent. Its silkiness and elegance on the palate allow this Malleolus 2020 to pair with any roast or stew, making it one of the Ribera del Duero wines recommended by the public and critics.

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Made with the indigenous Hondarribi Zuri grape variety, this wonderful Txakoli (pronounced cha-co-li) is a brilliantly zesty example of this intriguing wine.  Bodegas Katxina strive to produce the healthiest fruit possible with which to make clean, crisp and enjoyable wine.  The grapes are harvested at optimum ripeness in October and are pressed very gently to protect the delicate fruit characters of the grape.  Following a cool fermentation the wine sits on it’s lees for 3 – 4 months at 4 degrees celsius helping to retain it’s gentle spritz.  Super fresh, with lovely aromatics and crisp, zesty finish, this is a great aperitif style and also perfect for shellfish dishes.

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Critic tasting note: "Deep violet-red to the eye, this wine has aromas of black cherry, blackberry preserves and a hint of mint. Fruit of the wood flavors are joined by notes of freshly ground espresso, dark chocolate and touches of eucalyptus and orange zest. Opulent tannins make their way across the palate and linger for a while."

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Winemaker Notes Deep purple color. Shows fresh and balsamic first notes, with aromas of lavender, basil, freshly-cut grass. Then it turns into a spicy and smoky character, with white pepper, clove and cinnamon. The palate is compact and clean, with notes of red apple, wild strawberry, blood orange, and licorice. Firm, fine-grained tannins keep this wine tightly wound, leading to the great aging potential. Barbaresco is a great food wine. Traditionally served with roasted braised meat such as beef, pork and boar, Barbaresco is actually very versatile: owing to its high acidity and red fruit profile. It pairs well with roasted chicken, veal, game birds and even seafood. Heartier pasta and risotto dishes are other obvious pairings, as are aged Italian cheeses. Critical Acclaim James Suckling Aromas of asphalt and tar that turn to dried strawberries, plums and citrus fruit. Full body, yet agile and very refined with a beautiful balance of fruit, tannins and acidity. Extremely persistent and focused finish. All about harmony and strength. Drink in 2022.

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Dried fruits and gingerbread in your nose, intensive Grenadine garnet with fruity red in your eyes, with plum, chocolate and sweet tobacco notes, tannins and currants balanced with its rather sweety core. Balanced and with smoothly fading finish. Highly recommended. here in Thailand available at Wine Garage. --Christoph Hampel

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Critic tasting note: "Deep violet-red to the eye, this wine has a nose of raspberry, white chocolate and juniper berry. Still youthful on the palate, it offers ever-present tannins supporting flavors of dark plum, black cherry, caramel and violet that slowly fade into a soft cherry-pie finish. Drink through 2042. Mike DeSimone" - 97/100, Wine Enthusiast

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Nice dark red colour. Red/black fruit, spicy and oaky on the nose 👃 Medium bodied, medium tannins and medium+ acidity. Notes, red fruit, strawberry, raspberry, black fruit, plum, oak, vanilla, tobacco, a bit of chocolate, nice spiciness, earthy, smoke and some leather. Quite long finish 🏁🏁 Good and tasty Rioja Crianza, I like this one 👌 Would be a good all-around wine with some meat dishes 🍷-Mikko H

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Assertive dark fruit with ripe plums and mulberries, as well as currants and riper, prune-like notes. The palate delivers earthy flavors in a very rich array of smooth tannins. Drink now.

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