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Marques de Murrieta "Castillo Ygay" Gran Reserva Especial Blanco 1986
100
James Suckling
100
Wine Advocate
(8/2016) "I have been terribly excited about this wine since I first learned that (part of) it was still in cement waiting to be bottled in September 2013. I consider the rare white Castillo Ygay one of the greatest white wines ever produced in Spain, and the 1986 Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial is a great addition to the portfolio of the winery--an historic wine that is coming back to life. I did a vertical tasting of many of the old, historic vintages of this wine, and they are included in a separate article in this very same issue. This 1986 had seen the light as a limited early release bottled in 1992 and sold around 1995, and some bottles might still be found in the market. But most of it remained unbottled and was kept at the winery, where it stayed in oak for 21 years, followed by some six years in cement vats until it was bottled. It has 13.5% alcohol, an extremely low pH of 2.98 and 6.75 grams of acidity (tartaric). It has a very subtle nose and it's a bit shy, a little closed at first. It was only bottled one and a half years ago, and it's not crazy to say that the wine is showing extremely young. The wine shows more open the day after, when it has developed some nuances of mushrooms and verbena tea. This is mostly Viura with perhaps a pinch of Malvasía Riojana (aka Alarije). The palate is both powerful and elegant, with superb acidity and great length, with volume and sharpness, with a mineral, umami-driven finish. It fills your mouth, tickles your taste buds and makes you salivate. There is nothing negative about the wine; there is no excess oak, nothing blurry, nothing to improve... perhaps the bottle used! I think this is a perfect wine. It seems to be getting younger and younger with time in the glass; it seems to be getting more focused and sharper, and I have no doubt the wine will evolve and last for a very, very, very long time in bottle. I kept the opened bottle for almost one week and the wine didn't move one inch--no oxidation or any signs of fatigue. Having tasted many other vintages, including the also perfect 1919 (which is still going strong at age 97), I have no doubt we're talking about a white for the next 50 years. Looking at the older vintages, I might even be underestimating its life span. The potential next release could be the 1998 in no less than ten years' time."
(8/2016) "I have been terribly excited about this wine since I first learned that (part of) it was still in cement waiting to be bottled in September 2013. I consider the rare white Castillo Ygay one of the greatest white wines ever produced in Spain, and the 1986 Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial is a great addition to the portfolio of the winery--an historic wine that is coming back to life. I did a vertical tasting of many of the old, historic vintages of this wine, and they are included in a separate article in this very same issue. This 1986 had seen the light as a limited early release bottled in 1992 and sold around 1995, and some bottles might still be found in the market. But most of it remained unbottled and was kept at the winery, where it stayed in oak for 21 years, followed by some six years in cement vats until it was bottled. It has 13.5% alcohol, an extremely low pH of 2.98 and 6.75 grams of acidity (tartaric). It has a very subtle nose and it's a bit shy, a little closed at first. It was only bottled one and a half years ago, and it's not crazy to say that the wine is showing extremely young. The wine shows more open the day after, when it has developed some nuances of mushrooms and verbena tea. This is mostly Viura with perhaps a pinch of Malvasía Riojana (aka Alarije). The palate is both powerful and elegant, with superb acidity and great length, with volume and sharpness, with a mineral, umami-driven finish. It fills your mouth, tickles your taste buds and makes you salivate. There is nothing negative about the wine; there is no excess oak, nothing blurry, nothing to improve... perhaps the bottle used! I think this is a perfect wine. It seems to be getting younger and younger with time in the glass; it seems to be getting more focused and sharper, and I have no doubt the wine will evolve and last for a very, very, very long time in bottle. I kept the opened bottle for almost one week and the wine didn't move one inch--no oxidation or any signs of fatigue. Having tasted many other vintages, including the also perfect 1919 (which is still going strong at age 97), I have no doubt we're talking about a white for the next 50 years. Looking at the older vintages, I might even be underestimating its life span. The potential next release could be the 1998 in no less than ten years' time."
$
52900
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for Marques de Murrieta "Castillo Ygay" Gran Reserva Especial Blanco 1986
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | Out of stock | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | 2 | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | Out of stock | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
R. Lopez de Heredia "Vina Tondonia" Reserva Rioja 2005
94
James Suckling
93
Wine Advocate
94
Vinous, Josh Raynolds
(2/2019) "(aged for six years in American oak barrels and four years in bottle) Bright red. Vibrant, spice-tinged red currant and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of pipe tobacco, vanilla and incense, and a spicy nuance gains volume with air. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering energetic red fruit and spicecake flavors that pick up a hint of smokiness on the back half. Concentrated yet lively, showing impressive delineation and a sexy floral quality on the extremely long, seamless finish. While this wine is quite seductive right now, I've little doubt that it will cruise along nicely for at least another decade or more, and probably quite a bit longer"
(2/2019) "(aged for six years in American oak barrels and four years in bottle) Bright red. Vibrant, spice-tinged red currant and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of pipe tobacco, vanilla and incense, and a spicy nuance gains volume with air. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering energetic red fruit and spicecake flavors that pick up a hint of smokiness on the back half. Concentrated yet lively, showing impressive delineation and a sexy floral quality on the extremely long, seamless finish. While this wine is quite seductive right now, I've little doubt that it will cruise along nicely for at least another decade or more, and probably quite a bit longer"
$
8899
Discount:
1.5 LT
Local availability for R. Lopez de Heredia "Vina Tondonia" Reserva Rioja 2005
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | Out of stock | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | Out of stock | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | Out of stock | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
Cune "Imperial" Gran Reserva Rioja 2010
94
Vinous, Josh Raynolds
93
John Gilman
95
Wine Enthusiast
94
Wine Advocate
(8/30/2016) "We're in for a treat with the 2010 Imperial Gran Reserva, a classic among classics in a classic vintage. It's very spicy and still slightly oaky, with ripe fruit without any excess; it is a serious, somehow Bordeaux-like, less-perfumed red. The palate shows that seriousness, with some dusty tannins and a dry finish. The texture is a little earthy, very good for food. This could be drunk now, but I'd give it some time in the bottle. The oak feels very nicely integrated, less noticeable than in warmer vintages like 2009. A very good vintage for this bottling. The category that was close to disappearing ten years ago seems to be alive and kicking with 50,000 bottles produced in 2010.
(8/30/2016) "We're in for a treat with the 2010 Imperial Gran Reserva, a classic among classics in a classic vintage. It's very spicy and still slightly oaky, with ripe fruit without any excess; it is a serious, somehow Bordeaux-like, less-perfumed red. The palate shows that seriousness, with some dusty tannins and a dry finish. The texture is a little earthy, very good for food. This could be drunk now, but I'd give it some time in the bottle. The oak feels very nicely integrated, less noticeable than in warmer vintages like 2009. A very good vintage for this bottling. The category that was close to disappearing ten years ago seems to be alive and kicking with 50,000 bottles produced in 2010.
$
5979
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for Cune "Imperial" Gran Reserva Rioja 2010
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | 14 | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | Out of stock | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | Out of stock | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
Bodegas Bhilar "Phinca Lali" Rioja 2013
New low price! Regular Vin Chicago retail - $49.99!
A mere 990 bottles (about 83 cases) were produced of this stunning "new school" Rioja!
93
Decanter
92
Wine Advocate
92+
Our Score
(8/2018) This powerful single-vineyard red is one of the most unique examples of Rioja you will find. The fruit comes from a tiny (.54-hectare) vineyard planted back in 1910. Today, these old bush vines are farmed naturally using biodynamic practices and yield a wine of deep concentration with hauntingly wonderful aromatics. Blending 90% Tempranillo with 10% Viura (a white varietal that contributes additional freshness and aromatics), the 2013 Phinca Lali sings of beautiful dark fruits of black cherry, black berry and dark raspberry that are layered with aromatic floral and herbal tones including violets and spearmint , deep nuances of rocky earth, and a potpourri of exotic spice notes. This full-bodied and full-flavored wine is still youthful, so make sure to decant for a couple of hours. Even better, throw a few bottles in the cellar and let it develop even further over the next decade or longer.
(8/2018) This powerful single-vineyard red is one of the most unique examples of Rioja you will find. The fruit comes from a tiny (.54-hectare) vineyard planted back in 1910. Today, these old bush vines are farmed naturally using biodynamic practices and yield a wine of deep concentration with hauntingly wonderful aromatics. Blending 90% Tempranillo with 10% Viura (a white varietal that contributes additional freshness and aromatics), the 2013 Phinca Lali sings of beautiful dark fruits of black cherry, black berry and dark raspberry that are layered with aromatic floral and herbal tones including violets and spearmint , deep nuances of rocky earth, and a potpourri of exotic spice notes. This full-bodied and full-flavored wine is still youthful, so make sure to decant for a couple of hours. Even better, throw a few bottles in the cellar and let it develop even further over the next decade or longer.
$
3999
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for Bodegas Bhilar "Phinca Lali" Rioja 2013
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | 1 | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | 9 | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | Out of stock | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
R. Lopez de Heredia "Vina Tondonia" Reserva Rioja 2006
95
Wine Advocate
(2/28/2018) "The red flagship 2006 Vina Tondonia Reserva was inspired by the vineyards of the Medoc but produced with local grapes, 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, which achieved 13% alcohol in 2006. It always matures in used American oak barriques for some six years. The oldest of all the reds I tasted, it was also the one with more freshness, which speaks to the quality of the vineyard. Drink 2018 - 2028."
(2/28/2018) "The red flagship 2006 Vina Tondonia Reserva was inspired by the vineyards of the Medoc but produced with local grapes, 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, which achieved 13% alcohol in 2006. It always matures in used American oak barriques for some six years. The oldest of all the reds I tasted, it was also the one with more freshness, which speaks to the quality of the vineyard. Drink 2018 - 2028."
$
3499
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for R. Lopez de Heredia "Vina Tondonia" Reserva Rioja 2006
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | Out of stock | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | Out of stock | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | Out of stock | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
Bodegas Bhilar "Terca" Rioja Blanco 2010
New low price! Regular Vin Chicago retail - $29.99!
Cool closeout opportunity on a truly esoteric, decade-old traditional white Rioja.
93
Wine Advocate
(4/29/2015) "The classically proportioned 2010 Terca is sourced from two clay-rich old vineyards from the Elvillar village in the Rioja Alavesa subzone, mostly Viura with some 10% Malvasía Riojana (aka Alarije) produced with Sampedro's unusual modus operandi for these low-quantity whites: the grapes are hand-harvested into 400-liter containers and on arrival at the winery the whole bunches are foot trodden and they stay there macerating with the stems and skins for a week until fermentation starts. Then they are pressed, and finish fermenting in used 500-liter oak barrels where the wine ages for two years. It feels a little neutral with quite an imprint from the elevage, in the style of the white Riojas form yesteryear. It is evolving slowly with shy aromas of chamomile and aromatic herbs, hints of beeswax and honey, all of it in a subtle way. It has a solid palate showing good balance, which should secure it a nice evolution in bottle. Drink Date: 2015 - 2022."
(4/29/2015) "The classically proportioned 2010 Terca is sourced from two clay-rich old vineyards from the Elvillar village in the Rioja Alavesa subzone, mostly Viura with some 10% Malvasía Riojana (aka Alarije) produced with Sampedro's unusual modus operandi for these low-quantity whites: the grapes are hand-harvested into 400-liter containers and on arrival at the winery the whole bunches are foot trodden and they stay there macerating with the stems and skins for a week until fermentation starts. Then they are pressed, and finish fermenting in used 500-liter oak barrels where the wine ages for two years. It feels a little neutral with quite an imprint from the elevage, in the style of the white Riojas form yesteryear. It is evolving slowly with shy aromas of chamomile and aromatic herbs, hints of beeswax and honey, all of it in a subtle way. It has a solid palate showing good balance, which should secure it a nice evolution in bottle. Drink Date: 2015 - 2022."
$
2999
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for Bodegas Bhilar "Terca" Rioja Blanco 2010
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | 14 | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | Out of stock | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | Out of stock | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
Orben Rioja 2015
93
Wine Spectator
(10/15/2018) "This big red has a plush texture that wraps around muscular tannins. Plum and currant flavors mingle with licorice, cola and forest floor notes, with balsamic acidity for freshness. A burly wine, but harmonious. Best from 2020 through 2035."
(10/15/2018) "This big red has a plush texture that wraps around muscular tannins. Plum and currant flavors mingle with licorice, cola and forest floor notes, with balsamic acidity for freshness. A burly wine, but harmonious. Best from 2020 through 2035."
$
2499
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for Orben Rioja 2015
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | Out of stock | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | 12 | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | 9 | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
Sierra Cantabria Rioja Reserva 2012
91
Our Score
93
Jeb Dunnuck
91
Vinous, Josh Raynolds
(9/2018) "(raised in a 50/50 combination of new and used French and American oak barrels, 20% new, for 18 months) Deep, bright-rimmed ruby color. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits and fresh flowers, along with vanilla, mocha and pipe tobacco flourishes. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering supple raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a hint of smokiness that builds as the wine opens up. Finishes supple and very long, with slow-building tannins and resonating florality. Drinking Window: 2020 - 2026."
(9/2018) "(raised in a 50/50 combination of new and used French and American oak barrels, 20% new, for 18 months) Deep, bright-rimmed ruby color. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits and fresh flowers, along with vanilla, mocha and pipe tobacco flourishes. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering supple raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a hint of smokiness that builds as the wine opens up. Finishes supple and very long, with slow-building tannins and resonating florality. Drinking Window: 2020 - 2026."
$
2499
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for Sierra Cantabria Rioja Reserva 2012
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | 10 | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | 13 | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | 17 | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
Carlos Serres Rioja Gran Reserva 2010
92
Our Score
93
Wine Enthusiast
(2/1/2018) "Editors' Choice - The 2010 harvest will go down as one of Rioja's greats, and that means wines like this $25 Gran Reserva can be excellent and affordable. It has a nose of mocha, smoke and earthy berry fruits. The palate is layered and texturally complex, while flavors of root beer, baking spice, dried cherry and plum spread out on a smooth finish that is just right in terms of residual tannins and acid. Drink through 2030."
(2/1/2018) "Editors' Choice - The 2010 harvest will go down as one of Rioja's greats, and that means wines like this $25 Gran Reserva can be excellent and affordable. It has a nose of mocha, smoke and earthy berry fruits. The palate is layered and texturally complex, while flavors of root beer, baking spice, dried cherry and plum spread out on a smooth finish that is just right in terms of residual tannins and acid. Drink through 2030."
$
2299
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for Carlos Serres Rioja Gran Reserva 2010
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | 23 | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | 16 | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | 31 | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
R. Lopez de Heredia "Vina Cubillo" Crianza Rioja 2010
93
Wine Advocate
95
James Suckling
(7/4/2019) "Cubillo is a very focused and quite crisp style of red that has spent three years in barrique and then in larger cask to wait for bottling, which happens two years before the expected release. The richness and depth of complex dried wood and spice here is seamlessly sewn into the dried red and dark cherries. The palate is pinned around a fresh-blackberry core that marries still sweet fruit to more savory style. Long and balanced. The tannins are fine yet assertive. It freshens into the finish nicely. Drink or hold."
(7/4/2019) "Cubillo is a very focused and quite crisp style of red that has spent three years in barrique and then in larger cask to wait for bottling, which happens two years before the expected release. The richness and depth of complex dried wood and spice here is seamlessly sewn into the dried red and dark cherries. The palate is pinned around a fresh-blackberry core that marries still sweet fruit to more savory style. Long and balanced. The tannins are fine yet assertive. It freshens into the finish nicely. Drink or hold."
$
2299
Discount:
750 ML
Local availability for R. Lopez de Heredia "Vina Cubillo" Crianza Rioja 2010
| Location | Approximate Bottles | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington | 23 | (847) 277-0033 |
Store Details |
| Chicago | Out of stock | (773) 489-3454 |
Store Details |
| Highland Park | 5 | (847) 831-1049 |
Store Details |
We do our best to provide accurate inventory information on the products we offer. However, items that are in high demand will occasionally sell out before the inventory can be updated.
