2008 Bodegas Raul Perez, Ribera Sacra DO, El Pecado (RT94) Here Raul’s magical practice of the craft is shown with this 100% Mencia bottling made from nearly 100-year-old vines. This wine is hand harvested and foot pressed with indigenous yeasts and aged for one year in oak. Profiling a bouquet of thunderous bass notes built on blackberries, mentholated black cherries, wet rocks and loam, the palate is equally mesmerizing showing its smooth, elegantly sumptuous fruit interwoven with bright acidity and elegant, refined tannins. At age 13 this wine is now in its peak drinking window and should be enjoyed soon to catch it at its best. Drink now-2025
2006 Bodegas Viña Magaña, Navara DO, Calchetas (RT95) A magnificent red blend from the Magaña estate, located a short distance northeast of the Rioja DO, where the grapes are entirely estate grown. This is a tiny production wine – a blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec – with a mere 350 six packs produced annually. The Merlot for this wine is from smuggled cuttings sourced from Chateau Petrus in 1975, while the Cabernet was planted in 1976. Here the vines have prospered in the limestone/river rock soils at 400 meters elevation. Showing a dark, dense russet hue, Bordeaux-ish notes of blueberry compote, dried red cherries, brown tobacco, hints of earthiness and a smattering of minerality. The palate is exceptional refined with clean, smooth fruit, soft acidity, and velvety tannins. Utterly beautiful in every measure. Drink now-2031+
