This wine fits wholly into the region’s idiosyncrasy—it is very typical in its aromas and flavor. A good presence of fruit, expressing itself intensely and cleanly with notes of black berries, perhaps of blackberries themselves, impregnated with a select wood that gives it toasted and spiced notes in acceptable complexity. On the palate, there are solid pillars in addition to the above-mentioned notes: noble structure, sweet tannins and a light, constant acidity—very balanced factors that are integrated into its identity.

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Barrel aged for 18 months. Bottled June 26, 2002.

If La Vicalanda represented a renewal and a qualitative leap within this legendary winery, this new label falls into the same philosophy, going further in concept, grapes and methods of production. It underwent malolactic fermentation new French oak barrels, where it remained for 15 months; it was not subjected to filtration or stabilization of any kind. The Tempranillo (75%) and Graciano (25%), 26 years old and of limited production per hectare, come from the vineyard that gives this wine its name; even the quantity was established as a function of this selection: 20,000 bottles.

It gives its best in the nose, where it shows immense life and complexity: blackberries, cassis, violets, vanilla, cinnamon and toffee. On the palate it is fruity and floral and expresses its minerals, acidity, tannins, warmth, body, smoothness…as well as freshness, exultance, elegance and harmony.

This wine represents an evolution in the style of the winery. Less classical than Viña Arana or other well-known La Rioja Alta labels, it shows, in addition to the quality we expect, fresher and livelier characteristics in the nose as well as on the palate. Its nose is attractive and complex, with notes of fruits in preserves, of recently cut branches and balsamics, with spices imparted by the wood. On the palate the balance and cohesiveness stand out; it combines elegance and potency, shows substance, freshness, light acidity, fine tannins, some sweetness…many facets, all expressed diplomatically.

85% Tempranillo from Montecillo vineyards in Cenicero, and 15% Graciano from Melchorón vineyards in Rodezno. The wine was experimentally aged for two years in new and second wine American oak barrels. 5,760 numbered bottles.

Year after year, this wine is outstanding… If we had to compare it, we would say that it is a small grain Moscatel inspired in a Sauternes, aged in Allier barrels for 6 months and bottled in October 2007. Only 16.538 half bottles and 20 magnums. One of the few artisanal brews found in Spain, reflecting the innovative spirit of a one of a kind Spanish enologist: Fernando Chivite. A brilliant, no, better yet, sparkly gold. It has an exuberant, intoxicating nose, with aromas of Moscatel, producing various sensations: sweet, acidic, bitter and alcoholic, over a vanilla base. On the palate it is extraordinary; it marvelously captures the Moscatel variety, with the complexity imparted by botrytis and aging, once again expressing its olfactory qualities.