We've got a hard-to-beat value on a bold Tempranillo from Spain's iconic La Rioja Alta wine group! They're best known for finely-crafted, crowd-pleasing reds like the everyday Vina Alberdi and the iconic '904' Gran Reserva. But since 1995, they've also been making modernly-styled gems from their property, Torre de Oña, in Rioja's higher-altitude Alavesa region. Their 2021 Finca San Martin is supercharged with the distinctive intensity and minerality from this part of Rioja, and the seductive concentration and balance of the vintage. The price we're offering it at seals the deal, even before taking into account our Spanish wine sale that's going on through March!
The 2021 Finca San Martin impresses out of the gate with generous, sunny red fruit set against a crisp, stony foundation. The 16 months it spent in American and French oak was expertly managed for subtle creamy and woodsy accents that support - rather than fight with - the character from the grapes themselves. It brings out a rich, roasted character like coffee, along with spice hints of vanilla and clove, which are finely woven into the fruit and its tinges of savory herb and floral violet. Boldly flavored, warming, and dry on the finish, it's a perfect wine for cheese boards, hearty tapas, or grilled/roasted meats and veggies... it doesn't hurt to grab an extra bottle to share!
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "The 2021 Finca San Martín is a varietal Tempranillo from the younger vines. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in 60% American oak barrels and 40% second-use French oak barrels for 16 months, during which time it was racked three times. It's a typical modern red from Rioja Alavesa with the depth and completeness of the year. It's fleshy and fruit driven, ripe without excess at 14.5% alcohol, with very good freshness and balancing acidity, glossy tannins and a gentle mouthfeel. The wine has less impact from the oak and shows more of the vineyard and the zone. It's very good value for money—and it's the finest vintage to date!"
The 2021 Finca San Martin impresses out of the gate with generous, sunny red fruit set against a crisp, stony foundation. The 16 months it spent in American and French oak was expertly managed for subtle creamy and woodsy accents that support - rather than fight with - the character from the grapes themselves. It brings out a rich, roasted character like coffee, along with spice hints of vanilla and clove, which are finely woven into the fruit and its tinges of savory herb and floral violet. Boldly flavored, warming, and dry on the finish, it's a perfect wine for cheese boards, hearty tapas, or grilled/roasted meats and veggies... it doesn't hurt to grab an extra bottle to share!
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "The 2021 Finca San Martín is a varietal Tempranillo from the younger vines. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in 60% American oak barrels and 40% second-use French oak barrels for 16 months, during which time it was racked three times. It's a typical modern red from Rioja Alavesa with the depth and completeness of the year. It's fleshy and fruit driven, ripe without excess at 14.5% alcohol, with very good freshness and balancing acidity, glossy tannins and a gentle mouthfeel. The wine has less impact from the oak and shows more of the vineyard and the zone. It's very good value for money—and it's the finest vintage to date!"
