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El Puntido 2006
NZD $96.95
152383
"Purple coloured, it delivers a fragrant nose of wood smoke, espresso, Asian spices, black cherry and blackberry. Dense, round and smooth textured, this opulent effort is loaded with luscious fruit and has enough structure to evolve for 6-8 years. Drink this lengthy Rioja from 2016 to 2026." 5/5 John Radford, The Wines of Rioja
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Cvne Crianza 2006
NZD $34.95 NZD $32.95
152895
One of the most basic wines from this producer yet delivering some outstanding value for money and still defining what Rioja is all about. Also mostly Tempranillo that when young is very fresh and lively but also capable of aging for a further 3-4 years. Bright cherry colour with some violet nuances. In the nose, red berries aromas remain over the oaky and balsamic notes from its ageing in wood. It shows an elegance in the mouth, yet very lively, with some spice back notes and a very balanced acidity.
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Chanarmuyo Malbec 2009
NZD $19.95 NZD $18.95
152629
Chanarmuyo Estate is a winery that combines both the exclusive resources of a unique terroir and the highest technology in its production processes. Its vineyards extend across the Paimén range foot, at the North of Famatina Department, in La Rioja Province, where height and soil merge into a perfect blend: deserts of cold nights and sunny days. On its own premises, the winery processes the grapes as soon as they are harvested and bottles wines that comply with international quality standards. A malbec of intense, deep red colour with purple tinges. It displays a complex aroma of plums and cherries with notes of raisins and mint. It combines a bouquet of sweet, soft tannins with a buttery sensation. Oak aging contributes hints of vanilla and chocolate to the concentrated body of this great wine.
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Cvne Imperial Gran Reserva 1998
NZD $113.95
152755
One of the true classics from one of the most prestigious Bodegas situated in Rioja. Made from 100% Tempranillo selected from its own vineyards and only on great vintages, aged 24 months in a mixture of American and French oak and a further 3 years in bottle before its release. The 1998 vintage was excellent, the wine even though a little on the young side, has enormous potential. The bouquet is perfumed and scented with tobacco, leather and dry fruits, on the palate it shows incredible depth, structure, total balance and purity but the finish is long and firm lasting well over a minute. If we were to compare it to anything else you would need to go to the Grand Crus of Burgundy, super second growths from Bordeaux or even first growths from Bordeaux, the only difference is that you cannot buy any of those for $95. Outstanding quality.
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Vina Real Reserva 2001
NZD $64.95 NZD $54.95
152897
Another classic vintage in Rioja, the reserva version is aged in oak for a minimum of 2 years with a further 2 years aging in bottle before release, not many vineyards in the world can afford to take this approach, the idea behind it is that once released the wine can be drunk straight away. Full body with an array of Asian spice, wood smoke, leather and saffron yet remaining fresh with assorted black fruits. What I really like about it is the density and enormous middle palate reminiscent of a Grand Cru Burgundy, layers of flavour, ripe supple tannins, concentration and gamey. Drink now or cellar 6-8 years.
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Gran Feudo Reserva 2004
NZD $27.95 NZD $21.95
Out of Stock
11833
Another example of the great search of quality by every Spanish region, this is from Navarra situated to the north of Rioja and made from a blend of Tempranillo with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 2004 vintage is one of the best vintages in the last 25 years and offers an array of smoked meats, leather, tobacco and cigar box with good acidity, depth and purity. A wine that at six years of age is starting to drink magnificently but will also improve with further aging. A wine that at $21.95 equals many others at $50.00
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Pesquera Crianza 2006
NZD $58.95 NZD $54.95
110634A
Very few people can take credit for revolutionising a major wine region. Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Bordeaux, Robert Mondavi in Napa Valley, and now another to add to the list is the young 65 year old Alejandre Fernandez, creator of the world famous 'Pesquera' from Spain's Ribera del Duero area, south-east of the Rioja region.
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Chivite Coleccion 125 Reserva 2001
NZD $89.95
152076
The Senorio de Arinzano estate was made to produce the best Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon parcels to be made under Chivite's Coleccion 125 label. These grapes are twice selected and hand harvested then matured for 17 months in new Allier French oak barriques. Chivite has raised the profile of wines from Navarra which were always considered second to Rioja. This 2001 Reserva is the equivalent of a very good second growth from Bordeaux at half the price. The wine is dense, intensely perfumed with grip and substance. It offers a lush and sweet texture but yet is still remaining full bodied, balanced with an all round velvety feel. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
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Candidato Tempranillo 2006
NZD $18.95 NZD $17.95
Out of Stock
152559
This has to be the deal of the year and our latest shipment has just arrived! Made by the Martinez Bujanda family with a historic pedigree dating back to 1889 in Rioja, this though is made from the upcoming region of La Mancha in Central Spain. La Mancha is a high altitude area with a climate of extremes, the poor soils and sometimes arid conditions are indeed very well suited to Tempranillo that has been growing here for centuries even though under a different name. Candidato is fantastic, modern yet displaying terrific terroir, unmistakeably Tempranillo with its leather and tobacco flavours yet because of the vineyards altitude, it also displays great minerality. As we said, at the price we don't think that there is anything out there that even compares. Ideal with sausages, chorizo and of course queso manchengo (aged cheese from La Mancha). Drink now or cellar for 3-4 years.
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International Red of Mystery Mixed Dozen
NZD $167.40
Mixed06
We have decided to do something a little different. A total random selection of a dozen red wines from around the globe representing excellent growing areas, typical grape varieties and all priced at $13.95 (per bottle). There will be wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Italy, Valencia, Rioja, Australia, Argentina etc etc. We can not disclose anymore information otherwise it would not be a mystery!
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Septima Tempranillo 2010
NZD $19.95 NZD $18.95
153646
We mentioned that some of you will be familiar with Septima for their outstanding Malbec, however we didn’t know that their best wine is not actually the Malbec, but this Tempranillo! We have tried this against some good Spanish Rioja and surprisingly, it was better. Seriously, we couldn’t believe how good it is within its price bracket. Full bodied with aromas of leather, smoke and paprika with a rich and ample middle palate, concentration, depth and balance are all here. Quite remarkable that a wine of this quality could be below the $20 mark, this will also cellar for another 3-4 years.
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St. Nesbit 2007
NZD $74.95 NZD $69.95
110700
The second release of one of the cult wines of New Zealand. This is without doubt one of the most Bordelais styled reds in this country. The 2007 vintage is probably a little young at the moment but as always the case with St. Nesbit, it is capable of ageing extremely well. At the moment it expresses excellent acidity, good fruit with evenly ripe tannins and medium to full bodied it is still a little young but will develop for 7-8 years. The middle palate is almost reminiscent of a Rioja Gran Reserva with excellent offerings of mocca, tobacco, lead pencil and showing perfect balance and harmony. Drink now or cellar for another 8 years plus.
