Rioja Royalty

Bodegas Sierra Cantabria is arguably the greatest Winery in Rioja. They are at the pinnacle of quality in Rioja and have received more 90+pt wines than any other winery in Rioja. Their vineyards are located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the most famous towns in Rioja, known for the quality of its grapes. Yields are kept to a minimum and the soil composition of their vineyard are considered the finest in Rioja. The climate is Continental, with the influence of winds from the Atlantic, but protected from more severe weather by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains. This is a blue chip winery at the very pinnacle of Spanish wine.

I was recently invited to the New York Wine Experience, held by the Wine Spectator once a year in New York. Definitely one of the greatest wine tasting experiences held annually in the US. I was invited to the Rioja Luncheon attended by over a thousand people. (check out the picture of me next to Wine Spectator’s Thomas Mathews) Showcased at the lunch was some of the greatest producers in Rioja including Sierra Cantabria and tasted the wine I bring to you today. The 2010 Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Reserva was one of the stars of the lunch. The wine just received 92pts by Vinous and previously 92pts by Parker’s WA and 91pts Spectator. We can offer the wine with a 29% savings making this a great buy for what’s in the bottle. The 2010 vintage for Rioja is a classic receiving 95pts by Parker. The wine comes from their oldest vineyards and at our price under $25 this is a lot of wine for a little money. While Supplies Last

92pts Parker; 92pts Vinous; 91pts Spectator SAVE 29$

Deep ruby. Bright and energetic on the highly perfumed nose, displaying an array of red fruit and floral scents and suggestions of vanilla and white pepper. Silky, seamless and focused on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors that put on weight as the wine opens up. The floral note returns on a long, juicy finish shaped by smooth tannins. Vinous

The 2010 Reserva from Rioja, again comes from their oldest vineyards and is 100% Tempranillo aged 18 months in equal parts French and American oak. It shows plenty of graphite, blackcurrant, cedar wood and spice box in a complex set of aromatics. The wine hits the palate with loads of sweet, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, spicy oak and finishes the medium-bodied, well-proportioned and long, opulent richness. This is a beauty to drink now and over the next decade. WA