17.5/20 Jancis Robinson "90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha. Each variety and area were fermented separately in stainless-steel tanks, always with the grape’s own yeast and with spontaneous malolactic conversion. Typical fermentation temperatures of 25 °C, with short macerations. Aged for three-and-a-half years in Bordeaux barrels of French oak, half new and half used, with further blending and then further ageing in bottle. Lustrous dark crimson. Complex and utterly echt, with a long life ahead of it. Really serious wine." 17/20 Julia Harding "Extremely mature colour: dark smudgy browning garnet with bricky rim. Evolved yet dark in colour. Lifted and fragrant with some very slightly volatile notes of raisiny fruit but also an inviting herbal, sweet-tobacco freshness. Sweet, senescent red fruits giving a sweet-fresh complexity with leathery flavours. On the palate, the still-definite tannins are smooth and classic Rioja rather than silky burgundy. VGV for such a mature wine. Needs food because of the tannins. Deep, chewy and generous even in its deliciously evolved state. Ready now but no rush. GV for a complex, mature classic. (JH)"

Marqués de Burgos is the Ribera del Duero operation of Bodegas LAN. Established experts in Tempranillo in Rioja, they embarked on a search for prime vineyard sites within the Ribera del Duero region, where this famed grape also thrives. Their thorough search led them to the village of Quintana del Pidio and old bush vine vineyards producing low yields of very intensely flavoured grapes. María Barúa is at the winemaking helm and perfectly marries the exuberant berry fruit aromas of Tempranillo with subtle spiciness from measured use of oak. On the nose, pronounced aromas of wild berries are married with floral notes and hints of vanilla and liquorice. Full bodied on the palate, with firm but ripe tannins and a refreshing acidity, which carries the concentrated flavours onto the lingering finish.

UKAN is the new project of the youngest generation of the famous Eguren family. Ukan is a small winery that follows the Bordeaux model and is focused in producing a great wine in very limited quantities. Founded by Koldo Eguren, fifth generation of the family, with the winemaking collaboration of his cousin Eduardo. Together, they seek to reflect the Rioja Alavesa landscape into a unique wine using knowledge acquired from previous generations and adding a younger, more contemporary vision that both have learned in their international experience. The foundation of the project is in the vineyard, where a sustainable and ecological viticulture is practiced. This care for detail is spread into the elaboration process, fully hand-crafted, that takes place in the winery located in Laguardia. UKAN 2020 is the flagship wine, with an excellent second wine called Senderos being the only other wine made. UKAN is a complex, full-bodied, elegant and well-structured wine. Somehow it manages to be very drinkable but has a lot of ageing potential. Deep violet-red to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of blackberry, dark chocolate and caramel. It is luscious on the palate, offering polished tannins wrapped around black cherry, mocha, anisette, violet and butterscotch flavors that wind down to a licorice-infused finish. Highly recommended and freshly arrived in the UK.

Vibrant Tinta de Toro aged in both French and American oak for 9 months gives a deep, spiced palate of red and black cherries, blackberry and red berries. The extreme climate of Toro brings its challenges, but it also ensures impressive acidity and freshness, and a pleasant texture. Powerful with a long, balanced finish and gentle nuances of liquorice and caramel.

A precise, layered nose that shows excellent purity despite some sweet oak spices. More berry fruit comes out as you give it some time in the glass. Plums, cherries, red berries with dark mushrooms, cured meat, grilled spices, stones, vanilla and iodine. Juicy, spiced berries quickly tighten up on the medium- to full-bodied palate with dusty, powerful tannins, allowing it to expand into the finish. It grows on the palate and the creaminess is already chiselled. This will age beautifully in the next 10-15 years.

A full and complex nose, with aromas of cherry and ripe plum that cover notes of tea leaves, cedar and Mediterranean herbs on a background of dried flowers. Defined and deep in the mouth, with polished tannins and full of nuances; harmonious and long-lived. "Aromas of black berries, black olives, black truffles, autumn leaves and earth. Grilled orange peel. Very complex. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a complex and complete finish. Nicely persistent and focused. 26 months in American oak. Drink or hold." 96 Points. James Suckling October 2023 (JamesSuckling.com)

Ruby red colour with violet tints showing its youth. On the nose it is fresh and elegant with characteristic aromas of cherry and red fruits typical of this variety. Light, harmonic and round on the palate with soft tannins.

The wine is made from three quarters Tempranillo with the balance shared evenly between Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. It has been aged for 6 years in American oak, with racking taking place twice every year. A traditional Rioja par excellence, the 2001, marries fruit and spice, charcuterie, vanillin and earthy richness; a cornucopia of quality in other words and one which will continue to get better and better.

Expert winemaking from Ambrose Vanlancker produces this fantastic Tempranillo from the the exceptional fresh terroir of his La Liviiniere vineyard in Minervois. Aromatic, medium-bodied, rounded red fruits and subtle savoury nuances.

Extremely fruity, it displays aromas of red berries on a subtle yet appealingly spiced background. Structured, elegant and velvety in the mouth. Long, fresh and appealing finish.

Very good Rioja that offers superb value. One year in a mixture of French and American oak barrels, adds texture and flavour to the tempranillo dominant blend from one of Rioja's most consistent producers.

The Wine Advocate 96/100 The 2001 Viña Bosconia Gran Reserva fits the profile of the wine, a little riper (is it Garnacha?) with heady aromas and a touch of rusticity. 2001 saw good yields of very healthy grapes. They started picking the reds the 15th of October, and the last grapes were picked the 29th of October with good weather. The grapes ripened properly and thoroughly, and the wine has great balance for a long aging in bottle. This is 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the rest Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in their 153-year-old oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in used barrels for 10 years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.5 grams of acidity (tartaric). As the wine sat in the glass (even overnight), it became finer and subtler. 5,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2012. The Gran Reserva wines from López de Heredia come back to the market with the heralded 2001 vintage. Otherwise, when I asked them about news, the answer was "We continue making Viña Tondonia as we have always done." Basically, they are against change...

Lopez de Haro Tempranillo is pure young Tempranillo: strawberries, raspberries, flowers and red licorice notes. A pleasure to drink slightly chilled with charcuterie. Refreshing and a real bargain.

Mid-deep ruby. Ripe, red-cherry fruit, with beautifully layered clove and cedar oak spice notes. Lovely integration of oak and fruit. Well crafted, though there’s a good backbone of fine tannins that will carry it through for a decade from now. Such a delicate, nuanced Rioja that's full of red berries, blueberries, grilled pepper, spices and minerals. So transparent and ethereal, with lots of finesse and delicacy. The tannins are fine, with a very silky, elegant center palate. Seamless and long. Drink from 2025.

The Bardos Reserva is an elegant high-altitude expression of Ribera del Duero wine made from low-yielding Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 14 months in oak, it has excellent structure from balanced tannins and acidity, alongside complex notes of dark fruit, chocolate and vanilla spice.

"The 2001 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva is the follow-up of the 1995. There is a sense of harmony and elegance, of nuance and subtleness that wasn't quite the same in the Bosconia, as comparing both wines is inevitable. They started picking the red grapes the 15th of October, and the last grapes were picked the 29th of October with good weather. The grapes ripened properly and thoroughly, and the wine has great balance for a long aging in bottle. This is 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in their 153-year-old oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in used barrels for 10 years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.4 grams of acidity (tartaric). The nose shows young (tasting it blind, you'd guess a 10-year old wine, not a 20-year-old wine!). It has a nose of sweet spices, underbrush and cigar ash, somewhat balsamic, bramble fruit with perfect ripeness, integrated and young but starting to show some tertiary complexity. The palate is velvety and medium-bodied, with fine-grained, chalky tannins denoting a limestone soil that brings finesse and texture and a sapid, tasty, almost salty finish. This is going to make a beautiful bottle of old Rioja in 30 years' time! 25,000 bottles produced. " It was bottled after being fined with egg whites in July 2012. Drink 2021-2040. 98/100. Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate – Oct. 2020

Marqués de Burgos is the Ribera del Duero operation of Bodegas LAN. Established experts in Tempranillo in Rioja, they embarked on a search for prime vineyard sites within the Ribera del Duero region, where this famed grape also thrives. Their thorough search led them to the village of Quintana del Pidio and old bush vine vineyards producing low yields of very intensely flavoured grapes. María Barúa is at the winemaking helm and perfectly marries the exuberant berry fruit aromas of Tempranillo with subtle spiciness from measured use of oak. On the nose, pronounced aromas of wild berries are married with floral notes and hints of vanilla and liquorice. Full bodied on the palate, with firm but ripe tannins and a refreshing acidity, which carries the concentrated flavours onto the lingering finish.

With it's cherry red colour in the glass, you'll get intense black fruit aromas, blackberries and blueberries, and deeper aromas of red fruits, notes of coffee and vanilla peeking through in the back ground. On the palate, it's those black and red fruits, vanilla and mineral chalky notes (from the Tempranillo). A long long finish, slightly dry on the palate. But don't take my word for it ... The Wine Critics say 93 Points Penin Guide - Aromas of ripe fruit, dried herbs, creamy oak, toasty Flavours - powerful, ripe fruit, spicy, round tannins 92 Points James Suckling.com

Extremely fruity, it displays aromas of red berries on a subtle yet appealingly spiced background. Structured, elegant and velvety in the mouth. Long, fresh and appealing finish.

Beronia has blended modern and traditional touches to create a fine gran reserva with spice, vanilla, coconut, tobacco and dried berry aromas. Plump black fruits blend with cacao and cedar notes, finishing with layers of smooth spice. Our Gran Reserva is full-bodied with silky tannins and a long, smooth finish.

Ripe red fruits combine with interwoven oak to give touches of spice, cherries and a hint of licquorice. A beautifully elegant, lasting finish. 12 months in French oak & 6 months in American oak

UKAN is the new project of the youngest generation of the famous Eguren family. We highly recommended them and they are freshly arrived in the UK. UKAN is a small winery that follows the Bordeaux model and is focused in producing a great wine in very limited quantities. Founded by Koldo Eguren, fifth generation of the family, with the winemaking collaboration of his cousin Eduardo. Together, they seek to reflect the Rioja Alavesa landscape into a unique wine using knowledge acquired from previous generations and adding a younger, more contemporary vision that both have learned in their international experience. The foundation of the project is in the vineyard, where a sustainable and ecological viticulture is practiced. This care for detail is spread into the winemaking process, fully hand-crafted, that takes place in the winery located in Laguardia. Senderos de UKAN is the result of a careful selection of Tempranillo vineyards from different villages in Rioja Alavesa, mainly planted on limestone soil. There is great energy, freshness and character here, moreish yet impressive with every taste.

This wine shows that old dogs can be taught new tricks. Murrieta is about as traditional as they come in Rioja yet Dalmau is ultra modern. The nose is defined by deep ripe black fruit with hints of black spices, balsamic and mineral aromas. Full-bodied, juicy tannins and endless spicy finish. Powerful, round and solid. “A Dalmau with strong character, more concentrated and expressive compared to its predecessors” Maria Vargas - Technical Director. To speak about Dalmau is to speak about Canajas, a unique single vineyard within our 741-acre (300-hectare) Ygay Estate. The vines in that vineyard are more than 60 years old and are located at 465 meters altitude. Long maceration during fermentation, ageing in new French oak barrels and very limited production characterize the wine. This modern Rioja wine made from Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano perfectly reflects the innovations taking place at Marqués de Murrieta. The Cebrián-Sagarriga family, who in 1983 acquired the winery, established in 1852, has a distinct winemaking philosophy that is founded in the pursuit of quality and excellence through tradition and innovation. Scores: GUÍA GOURMETS (SPA): 99 POINTS. GUÍA PROENSA (SPA): 99 POINTS. WINE ENTHUSIAST (USA): 98 POINTS. JAMES SUCKLING (USA): 97 POINTS. TIM ATKIN (UK): 97 POINTS. GUÍA PEÑIN (SPA): 96 POINTS. GUÍA ABC (SPA): 95 POINTS. ROBERT PARKER (USA): 95 POINTS. WINE SPECTATOR (USA): 93 POINTS.

The arrival of Gonzalo Iturriaga de Juan to Vega Sicilia in 2016 marked a subtle but important evolution in the estate’s approach, with a clear focus on precision, vineyard expression and balance. The 2016 has already been recognised as an outstanding release, receiving 98 points in Tim Atkin MW’s Ribera del Duero Report (2025). Its stature reflects both the quality of the year and the direction set under new technical leadership, establishing it as an instantclassic within the recent history of the estate. Unico sits at the top of the Vega Sicilia range and is produced only from the estate’s most revered plots. It follows one of the longest ageing regimes of any Spanish wine, progressing through a sequence of oak barrels, large wooden vats and extended bottle ageing before release. During its first year, the wine is assessed for structure and firmness to determine whether it will continue as Unico or be directed towards Valbuena. Wines that remain in the Unico line move through several years of slow maturation in large wooden vats. A small proportion of wine from other harvests may be used to fine-tune balance, but the identity of the principal vintage remains central. This measured approach, shaped by time and careful selection, defines the character of Unico and underpins the longevity for which it is known. Unico 2016 is a fragrant, understated and elegant expression of its vintage. The nose reveals a complex character that blossoms in the glass, gradually unfolding its subtleties. The Vintage 2016 began with light frosts and a mild winter. A cool spring delayed budbreak. Intense August heat slowed vine growth until cooler nights arrived. Harvest ran from 22nd September to 11th October.

Valbuena 5º 2021 is shaped through a five year ageing regime that progresses from oak barrels to large wooden vats, into stainless steel and then finally aging in bottle. This sequence is designed to develop structure and balance, allowing the wine to evolve gradually and with precision. The final wine shows the composure and harmony expected of an outstanding year, carrying the depth and focus that signal strong potential for long development. The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as one of Ribera del Duero’s strongest in recent years. A long, cooler growing cycle encouraged slow, even ripening, producing wines noted for their precision. Independent assessments place 2021 among the standout vintages of the decade, and Valbuena 2021reflects this quality, highlighted by the winery as “a wine we will never forget”. The Vintage The 2021 growing season began with a mild autumn and early winter. Storm Filomena brought snow and very low temperatures in January. Spring brought timely rainfall, leading to optimal timing for budbreak in early April. A cool summer encouraged steady ripening and September remained dry. Harvest took place from 30th September to10th October.

Alión holds a distinct place within the Vega Sicilia family, representing a modern, uncompromising expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) since its inaugural 1991vintage. This wine embodies the diversity of Ribera del Duero, a mosaic of personalities harvested from select vineyards stretching from the eastern border in Soria to the western end at the Vega Sicilia estate. As noted by Tim Atkin MW, while in Ribera del Duero there is a trend towards village and parcel-specific wines, some of the best Ribera del Dueros are blends across regions. Alión is very much a pan-Ribera red, sourced predominantly from Moradillo, with other vital components from Padilla, Pesquera, Peñaranda, Villálvaro, and the Vega Sicilia estate itself. One of the warmest, driest seasons in recent years. Spring was warm and frost free. Summer brought several heatwaves requiring careful canopy management. Cooler nights in late August balanced ripening. Harvest began in early September..

Pintia is focused on producing a modern, highly expressive Tinta de Toro(Tempranillo). The wine’s foundation lies in the challenging Toro terroir: vines rooted in poor, stony, sandy soils, enduring low rainfall and pronounced temperature contrasts. This challenging environment concentrates the fruit and demands meticulous vineyard management to achieve optimal balance and finesse. The 2021 vintage is defined by a distinct fresh, vertical expression resulting from an exceptional and well-balanced growing season. Precision is central to the Pintia process. Harvest is conducted strictly by hand, with fruit immediately transferred to acold chamber for 12 hours to preserve aromatic intensity. Quality control is rigorous, featuring a double sorting table to ensure only the finest berries are used. The subsequent process includes five days of cold maceration prior to fermentation in oakwood vats. Both primary fermentation and malolactic fermentation take place 100% in wood. The wine is subsequently aged for 11 months in a combination of oak and amphorae, followed by 30 months of maturation in bottle before release. The Vintage An exceptional year at Pintia, thanks to evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, and absence of adverse weather. A mild winter, a warm spring and ideal conditions during flowering. Gentle summer temperatures and sufficient water reserves kept the vines fresh throughout the season. The harvest took place between 11thSeptember and 4th October.

Macán represents a historic union of the Rothschild and Álvarez families, founded in 2009 to develop a modern classic from Rioja Alavesa. The winery’s ethos is deeply connected to its environment; the name pays homage to the local people of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, known as ‘macanés’. The grapes for Macán are sourced from select parcels at an average altitude of 500 metres, including the finest sites in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, Ábalos, and El Villar. The 2021 vintage stands out as a memorable achievement, offering a refined expression that is both fresh and profoundly deep. Macán 2021 matured for a total of 18 months in barrels, extra fine and fine grain French wood, the majority in new barrels and the rest in second-use barrels, and casks, followed by six months in oak vats, then has28 months of bottle ageing before release. The Vintage The 2021 vintage was marked by above average rainfall, which helped replenish the vineyard's water reserves. A mild spring supported smooth budbreak. On 16 June, heavy storms - with hail in some plots -affected around seven hectares of vineyard. Summer was cool and steady. Harvest took place from 19th September to 7th October.

Macán Clásico is a wine firmly rooted in the Sonsierra in La Rioja. Drawing its character from the slopes of the Sierra de Cantabria, the wine has inherent freshness, fruitiness, and vibrancy. The Macán Clásico is vinified in stainless-steel tanks to maximise fruit purity. The winemaking team was attentive to integrating the oak seamlessly during the subsequent maturation. The wine is aged for10 months in barrels (new and second-use French extra-fine grained oak). Maturation is completed with 18 months in bottle before release. The Vintage. Spring was mild with ideal flowering. A hailstorm on 16 June affected 7 hectares. Harvest occurred in stable weather 19thSeptember to 7th October.

Delicious everyday red- no further discounts

2012 Vintage Report 2012 was rated as a ‘very good’ vintage in Rioja. The year was defined by the lack of rain which was 25% lower than normal for the region with over a third of the rainfall falling after the harvest. High spring and summer temperatures resulted in picking starting early. The rain finally began to fall on 11th October, extending the harvest by an extra week but all grapes were in by 18th October, which is still early for Haro. Given the dry conditions, yields were down as grapes were small. However, they were also very healthy and López de Heredia are very happy with the quality of the vintage, saying that the wines, ‘continue to develop favourably in terms of freshness and fineness’ and that they have a long ageing potential. The 2012 is a blend of 70% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacho with the remaining 10% a mix of Graciano and Mazuelo. The wine was aged in barrel for 6 years, being racked twice per year and fined with fresh egg whites. Overall, the wine has spent 10 years maturing in the perfect, cool conditions of López de Heredia’s incredible underground cellars and was bottled in January 2022. Tasting Notes The nose of the 2012 Tondonia Tinto Reserva is gloriously open, perfumed and fine. Gentle aromas of jamón and cured leather mingle with subtle notes of raspberry tea and a touch of musky, cedar spice. A sweet red cherry compote top note comes through but, above all, this is remarkably scented, floral and mineral-pure Tondonia. The palate is incredibly fresh with well-defined red fruit and a vibrating hint of orange zest at the back. This is a more accessible and less dense style than the previous two vintages but that is more than compensated for by its superb poise and sense of energy. Reminiscent of the lovely 2009 in its charm, the wine dances on the palate towards the focused, pure finish. Delicious. Drink 2024 (decanted) to 2042. Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer BBR “2012 López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Tinto Reserva (13%)

The Bardos Reserva is an elegant high-altitude expression of Ribera del Duero wine made from low-yielding Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 14 months in oak, it has excellent structure from balanced tannins and acidity, alongside complex notes of dark fruit, chocolate and vanilla spice.

UKAN is the new project of the youngest generation of the famous Eguren family. Ukan is a small winery that follows the Bordeaux model and is focused in producing a great wine in very limited quantities. Founded by Koldo Eguren, fifth generation of the family, with the winemaking collaboration of his cousin Eduardo. Together, they seek to reflect the Rioja Alavesa landscape into a unique wine using knowledge acquired from previous generations and adding a younger, more contemporary vision that both have learned in their international experience. The foundation of the project is in the vineyard, where a sustainable and ecological viticulture is practiced. This care for detail is spread into the elaboration process, fully hand-crafted, that takes place in the winery located in Laguardia. UKAN 2020 is the flagship wine, with an excellent second wine called Senderos being the only other wine made. UKAN is a complex, full-bodied, elegant and well-structured wine. Somehow it manages to be very drinkable but has a lot of ageing potential. Deep violet-red to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of blackberry, dark chocolate and caramel. It is luscious on the palate, offering polished tannins wrapped around black cherry, mocha, anisette, violet and butterscotch flavors that wind down to a licorice-infused finish. Highly recommended and freshly arrived in the UK.

Cherry red colour with a garnet rim, intense aromas of black fruit, blackberries and blueberries, accompanied by deep aromas of fresh red fruit, together with creamy notes of green coffee and a background of vanilla and spices. On the palate it is intense, round. and silky with flavours of ripe red berries of the forest, vanilla and mineral notes of chalk and silky silica sandstone, in the retronasal notes of very ripe red berries appear, with a very long finish, the texture of the calcareous soil is also appreciated and the sand that gives us freshness and persistence in the mouth.

90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano and 5% Garnacha from Rioja, Spain. The wine spends 20 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. Inviting aromas of ripe black cherry, nice vanilla notes and a touch of balsamic. The wine tastes smooth and round in the mouth with lots of tart black cherry fruit, sweet spice notes, liquorice and more vanilla.

The high-altitude region of Ribera del Duero is known for its robust and deeply fruity red wines. Bodegas Bardos works in one of the region's most challenging areas, located in Quintanilla de Onésimo, with great mesoclimate and soil conditions. That helps to capture the signature style at its very best. Aged 14 months in oak, it’s beautifully aromatic and has notes of ripe cherry and blackberry, velvety tannins and a complex, spicy finish. The intensity of fruit and fresh acidity make it an excellent pairing for grilled lamb.

100% Tempranillo. The Celeste begins with a really lovely and expressive nose of dark fruit (blackberry, black cherry, black currant) as well as some vanilla. This medium to full-bodied wine wine tastes simply succulent with lots of juicy fruit and a smooth texture.

Ruby red colour with violet tints showing its youth. On the nose it is fresh and elegant with characteristic aromas of cherry and red fruits typical of this variety. Light, harmonic and round on the palate with soft tannins.

Elegant and round. It is well balanced with a velvety attack followed by a pleasant acidity and a silky and full-bodied aftertaste resulting from its noble and ripe tannin. Its long aftertaste has spicy and balsamic hints, resulting from its long and peaceful ageing, as well as confit fruit nuances that uncover its personality.