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Cvne Crianza 2006
NZD $34.95 NZD $32.95
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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Cvne Imperial Gran Reserva 1999
NZD $97.95 NZD $89.95
One of the true aristocratic Rioja’s from a great vintage that with 11 years of age is still relatively young. Made from 100% Tempranillo and only in excellent vintages, this wine displays an array of leather, saffron and dry herbs but yet remaining extremely fresh, clear and focused. We have compared this to some super second growths and even Grand Cru Burgundy and at the price, it delivers unbeatable value. One of the keys to great Rioja’s such as this are the great vinerous flavours, enormous middle palate and great texture. If you haven’t tried any great Rioja before, you should definately give this a go.
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San Vincente 2006
NZD $96.95
"A glass-coating purple/black colour, it offers up a brooding bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, liquorice, plum and blackberry. Opulent and rich on the palate with layers of succulent fruit, it should be at its best from 2016 to 2026."
93/100 Robert Parker – Wine Advocate
"This generous red offers cherry, currant and cranberry fruit, liquorice and spice accents. Full bodied and firm but not heavy."
93/100 – Wine Spectator
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CVNE Vina Real Gran Reserva 1998
NZD $114.95 NZD $109.95
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Contino Gran Reserva 1996
NZD $129.95 NZD $119.95
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CVNE Real de Asua 2001
NZD $179.95 NZD $174.95
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Contino Vina del Olivio 2004
NZD $228.95
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Contino Graciano 2004
NZD $228.95
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Sierra Cantabria Gran Reserva 1998
NZD $86.95 NZD $82.95
Another leading bodega that has gone from strength to strength in the last 20 years, they make the normal Crianza the Reserva and the Gran Reserva.
This is the Gran Reserva which is made from mainly Tempranillo and a little Mazuelo, at 11 years of age it is drinking fantastic but will also cellar for another 4-5 years. At the moment it shows loads of tobacco, spice and leather with ample middle palate and the concentration that you would come to expect from a Burgundy Grand Cru or top flight Bordeaux. It is not often that you come across a beautifully aged wine of this quality at this price. Very, very limited.
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Vina Real Reserva 2001
NZD $64.95 NZD $54.95
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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Contino Reserva 2004
NZD $94.95 NZD $86.95
Not many vineyards in the world can boast the special terroir that Contino has, high above sea level with a very continental climate, very little humidity and a perfect ripening season. This is a wine that oozes power, elegance and finesse, made mainly from Tempranillo old vines from selected plots, it offers Saffron, soft leather, violets and mocha. Just incredibly full bodied, expressive and dense with an alluring perfume of lavender, minerals, opulent with an incipient complexity and persistence. This is for the cellar. Drink between 2010-2020....
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Vina Real Crianza 2005
NZD $34.95 NZD $32.95
Mainly made from Tempranillo and a little Mazuelo, it offers an array of smoked paprika, lavender, espresso and mocha. Full body with an incredible middle palate, lovely ripe black fruits, racy acidity, terrific complexity, clean, focused and perfect purity. Although you can drink it now it will also develop for 3-5 years at the price it is hard to pass, when you think that they would be many Pinot noir and Bordeaux blends around at double the price that generally speaking don’t go with food either, this is just a steal. Drink now or cellar 3-4 years.
