Splendor in the Glass

The Basque region of Spain is fascinating in its geography, political independence and rich culture of food and wine. Located at its southernmost point, Valserrano is a 133-year-old winery, located in Villabuena de Alava, part of the Rioja Alavesa region. Today’s wine is a single vineyard bottling, whose vines average 60 years of age. The fermented juice spends 18 months in 100% new French oak barriques. The result is a fascinating amalgam of old and new technologies, producing a powerful wine of impact.

2007 Valserrano Finca Monteviejo, Bodegas De La Marques, Rioja Alavesa $42 srp

Lovely garnet color with a beautiful corona and an already lightening outer rim. An overt, roasted nose of cherry and fig, with coffee, tar, beef and vanilla accents. Flavors are direct and power-packed, with lively fruit sensations and chewy, mouth-cleansing tannins. Flavorful but restrained, it needs more bottle time to open and unlock – but well worth the wait. Drink 2016-22.

91/100 points