As Wine & Spirits, which rates this superb Gran Reserva “Outstanding,” explains:
This is a project from Vintae, creating a brand based on old bush vines in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Though the label is designed to look classical, there’s nothing old-fashioned about this 2009, a bright Rioja with generous, plummy freshness that lasts for days. The fruit has a cool gaminess and the smoky character of Turkish tobacco. It’s a spicy, sexy wine to pour with braised lamb shank.
Decanter, in a recent tasting of mature Rioja Gran Reservas, rated it “Outstanding,” too:
This is all about freshly picked strawberries and cherries on a full-bodied, fleshy palate. It is showing delightful maturity too, alongside the sweet fruit and well-absorbed tannins.