INCREDIBLE : Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta 2015 Campeador (Spain)

First created in 1916, this Tempranillo-Grenache is a stellar wine 

even at almost 9 years from vintage - 

let me tell you what I mean as I talk about the 

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta 2015 Campeador

Bodegas Valoria 2014 Rioja Reserva (Spanish Wine)

A modern take on an old wine, this is a lovely reserva that shows how this style can be modernized

 

Bodegas Valoria 2014 Rioja Reserva

 

 

 

 

--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---

 

Bodegas Valoria 2014 Rioja Reserva

 

A winery that began in 1860 but one that also seems to be moving with the times. This is an elegant, Rioja Reserva that saw 30 months in American oak barrels, then spends another six in bottle before release to the public. Soft yet with a smokey edge; there's also a toasty note and some vanilla (especially on the finish - totally expected based on that US oak); but still fruit comes through with baked black cherry and strawberry notes coming into the mix. The oak does not overwhelm. In fact, it's well integrated, making more of a seasoning statement than an intrusive part of the wine.  (****)