ready-keep2007 Artadi, Pagos Viejos, Rioja

Eponymous old vines, some approaching their half century, punctuate the gentle limestone hillsides of Rioja Alavesa. The quality of the Tempranillo grapes is high beyond dispute, but they are still treated to the rigours of six sorting tables in the quest for perfection, an on-going process as they are currently mid-way through their ageing in new Allier barriques. The tasting of the wines pre-assemblage from 6 different sites revealed astonishing differences from the various microclimates; the finished article is greater than the sum of its parts; the truffly notes from the Biurco vineyard, allied to the firm tannins from Valandres and then a perfumed elegance from San Lorenzo....add the genius of Juan Carlos and the wine is complete, very complete in every sense.

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{region}Rioja{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2007{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 95/100        
{ratings}
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