Elegant Rioja wine bottle from Marques De Murrieta 2021 vintage.

2021 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

Marqués De Murrieta

Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2021

Elegant Rioja wine bottle from Marques De Murrieta 2021 vintage.

With double 96-point scores, the 2021 Marqués de Murrieta enters the glass with an assured presence shaped by more than a century and a half of intent. Founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta, the estate helped define Rioja’s identity, translating the discipline of Bordeaux into a distinctly Spanish voice. In this vintage, that legacy feels fully realized, where precision and heritage align to shape a wine of both weight and composure.

At its core is the Finca Ygay estate in Rioja Alta, where elevation, exposure, and soil diversity bring structure and focus to Tempranillo. A climate tempered by Atlantic influence allows the fruit to ripen fully while preserving its natural acidity, establishing the balance that defines the wine from the outset.

Time completes the composition. With aging, the wine gains nuance without losing its line, as fruit, oak, and structure resolve into a seamless whole. Few wines deliver such a complete expression of place, history, and craft, standing not only as a benchmark, but as a lasting reference point for Rioja.

Marqués De Murrieta
Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2021

Your Price: $32

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Even more outstanding than the 2020, the incredibly priced 2021 Reserva is young in boisterous blue fruit, with a generous, full-bodied palate of richness and upfront power. The tannins add length and breadth to the wine, which is tasting great and could go another 10-15 years.”

96 Points

2024 Raig De Raim Garnatxa Blanca Terra Alta, Spain

2024 Raig De Raim Garnatxa Blanca Terra Alta, Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary WhiteSpain

Raig De Raïm

Garnatxa Blanca
Terra Alta, Spain 2024

2024 Raig De Raim Garnatxa Blanca Terra Alta, Spain

From Terra Alta, the widely recognized birthplace of Garnatxa Blanca, Raig de Raïm stands as a definitive expression of what the grape can achieve at its highest level. Precise yet generous, it delivers energy and structure in equal measure, revealing Garnatxa Blanca’s full range with all elements in a steady balance. Its sense of completeness feels earned rather than constructed, the natural result of shaping the variety where it has always belonged.

That precision is rooted firmly in Terra Alta’s soils. Organically farmed vines, aged between 10 and 25 years, are planted in clay-chalky terrain that naturally promotes lift and definition. These conditions sharpen acidity and give the wine its architectural line, allowing fruit and structure to move together rather than with weight.

In the cellar, careful handling completes the picture. Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel preserves aromatic detail and freshness, allowing the wine’s natural energy to remain intact. There is no oak to soften or distract, only a clear, focused expression that carries through to a finish defined by lift, and linear persistence.

Raig De Raïm
Garnatxa Blanca
Terra Alta, Spain 2024

Your Price: $25

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“The color of pale straw in the glass, this blend of Garnatxa blanco and Macabeo deliver fresh, youthful enticement with a combination of citrus blossoms, ripe apples, pear, and a squeeze of fresh pineapple. The acidity is well housed in a succulent palate and crisp finish.”

91 Points

2018 Vina Pomal Organic Reserva Rioja Spain

2018 Vina Pomal Organic Reserva Rioja Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

Viña Pomal

Organic Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2018

2018 Vina Pomal Organic Reserva Rioja Spain

Rooted in Haro, one of Rioja’s most historically charged enclaves, Bodegas Bilbaínas’s Viña Pomal speaks with the authority of place. Founded in 1901, the estate is Rioja’s longest-standing bottling winery, its extensive estate vineyards forming the backbone of a house style guided by continuity rather than reinvention. This classic Rioja Alta subtly resets expectations for what a traditionally framed Reserva can deliver at this level.

The 2018 vintage is built entirely on Tempranillo, a focused expression that allows variety and zone to emerge without dilution. Sourced from certified organic vineyards, the wine favors equilibrium, emphasizing freshness, structure, and natural balance. In a Reserva category often shaped by blending, this purity feels deliberate, sharpening the wine’s connection to place.

In the cellar, tradition completes the picture. A long maceration builds depth and structure before the wine is raised for eighteen months in American oak, a hallmark of classical Rioja élevage. The result is a Reserva defined by polish and drinkability, where savory nuance, measured oak, and fresh fruit move in alignment.

Viña Pomal
Organic Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2018

Your Price: $25

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“All Tempranillo, the 2018 Vina Pomal Reserva is a medium-bodied red aged 18 months in American oak and 18 months more in bottle. Smooth, supple tannins provide a rounded richness of red fruit and a hint of citrus, with light spice, anise, and woody undertones. It has the classic element of balsamic that floats between aromas of violet and vanilla. Drink now through 2030.”

92 Points

2020 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

2020 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

Marqués De Murrieta

Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2020

2020 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

Marqués de Murrieta 2020 Finca Ygay Rioja Reserva is a wine of exceptional quality, setting a benchmark rarely matched in its category. From a historic winery founded by Luciano de Murrieta in 1852, this remarkable Rioja Reserva embodies the visionary spirit that transformed Rioja into one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Rich in tradition yet embracing modern refinement, the wine captures the timeless essence of its origin.

Luciano Murrieta’s pioneering journey, inspired by his studies in Bordeaux, gave rise to a style of Rioja that gained global acclaim for its power, complexity, and elegance. The Rioja Reserva is crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes grown in the distinguished vineyards of Rioja Alta, an area where history meets innovation to produce fruit of remarkable purity and depth.

With its graceful aging and clarity of expression, this Reserva speaks fluently in the language of Rioja: balanced, timeless, and resonant with place. At its price, few wines offer such pedigree, making it a compelling invitation to experience the soul of Rioja.

Marqués De Murrieta
Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2020

Your Price: $29.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Subtle rusticity paired with assertive elegance, in a wine that marries subtle minerality with chalky tannins and poised, crunchy fruit. It’s vibrant throughout, with acid verve holding the rich, robust black fruit at the core. Long finish, with a spicy lining.”

95 Points

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

Covila

Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

Bodegas Covila’s 2016 Gran Reserva Rioja is a masterpiece of careful aging and tradition, a wine that whispers tales of the Rioja Alavesa region with each sip. Our tasting panel was captivated by its exceptional fruit concentration, layered textures, and the elegant dance of sweet spices, cocoa, and dark fruits.

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Covila is a boutique winery born from the vision of 22 local families. United by their love for the land and its wines, they have formed a cooperative dedicated to sustainable farming and traditional practices that honor their Basque heritage.

The 2016 Gran Reserva is crafted from grapes meticulously handpicked from vineyards surrounding Laguardia and Lapuebla de Labarca. Following careful vinification, the wine matures gracefully in a curated blend of American and French oak barrels, imparting depth of flavor and structure. It then rests patiently in the cellar for the required five years, followed by an additional four years in the bottle, allowing its complexity to fully unfold.

The 2016 Covila Gran Reserva Rioja is a vibrant expression of the artistry and heritage of Rioja Alavesa, offering a journey through time and tradition with every sip.

Covila
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

Your Price: $38

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“This dark garnet wine offers a nose of pomegranate, olive tapenade and orange zest. Opulent tannins support flavors of cherry, purple fig, cocoa butter, citrus zest and aniseed that evaporate into an enduring finish.”

95 Points

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

with No Comment $30 and underAlbarinoKevin VogtSpain

Desconcierto

Albariño 2023
Rias Baixas, Spain

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

Cambados Urban’s Desconcierto Albariño embodies the Albariño grape’s soul with remarkable vitality and precision. This wine dances on the palate, showcasing intricate detail, vibrant acidity, and a harmonious interplay of fruit and minerality. It exemplifies the pinnacle of Albariño—an expression of pure varietal character, deeply rooted in tradition yet imbued with modern finesse.

Nestled within Galicia’s renowned Rías Baixas region, Cambados Urban Winery crafts wines as a tribute to heritage and innovation. Their artisanal approach draws inspiration from local traditions, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Their Albariño serves as an ambassador of the region, bringing the essence of Rías Baixas to life in every sip.

The 95-point 2023 vintage continues this legacy, with grapes cultivated on granitic soils near the Arousa Estuary, where the Atlantic Ocean’s salty breezes leave an enduring imprint. Meticulously hand-harvested, the fruit undergoes a vinification process designed to preserve its aromatic brilliance. This wine is as vibrant and captivating as the coastal landscape it hails from, a true testament to the artistry of the dedicated team at Cambados Urban.

Desconcierto
Albariño 2023
Rias Baixas, Spain

Your Price: $29.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Cambados Urban Winery is a very exciting project run by the passionate Antonio Galiñanes. This deftly wooded Albariño uses grapes from different old-vine parcels in the village and handles the hot year well. Kelp, fennel and green herb aromas are an enticing prelude to a palate of subtle vanilla and nutmeg spice, lime and waxed lemon fruit and a bitter twist. 2025-30.”

95 Points

2021 Petricor By Pinea Ribera Del Duero Spain

2021 Petricor By Pinea Ribera Del Duero Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtSpainTempranillo

PETRICOR

by PINEA
RIBERA DEL DUERO
SPAIN 2021

2021 Petricor By Pinea Ribera Del Duero Spain

A force in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, Pinea Winery produces high-scoring Tempranillos ranging from $65-$175, and they’re the makers of “17”, one of our most popular Spanish wines over the years. The winery has a well-established reputation for 100% varietal Tempranillo, locally called Tinto Fino.

Now entering the value market, Pinea released a new wine, Petricor, named after the enchanting aroma that frequently arises following a rainstorm, particularly after long dry spells, which the Ribera del Duero commonly experiences.

Crafted with meticulous attention to the region’s terroir, the 2021 Petricor captures the essence of the vines with an average age of over 30 years and the rich, sun-soaked soils. This wine presents itself at a price point that delivers remarkable value compared to wines of similar caliber, especially if you’re already a fan of Pinea’s remarkable quality and style.

PETRICOR
by PINEA
RIBERA DEL DUERO
SPAIN 2021

Your Price: $23

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“The Petricor 2021 Ribera del Duero by Pinea is fresh and bright with notes of red cherry, plum, black raspberry, and black tea leaves. On the palate, the wine has soft tannins and flavors of bright, ripe black and red fruits, dark chocolate, and earthy undertones. This wine was vinified in a lighter style than some of the more robust examples in the region and provides a delightful, easy-drinking Tempranillo with an impressive intensity of flavor.”

93 Points

2018 Marquesw De Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Spain

2018 Marques De Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA

RIOJA RESERVA
FINCA YGAY
RIOJA SPAIN 2018

2018 Marquesw De Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Spain

Luciano Murrieta was one of the first winemakers to establish a winery in Rioja after his studies in Bordeaux in 1852. He achieved worldwide recognition for his signature style of producing powerful, complex, and elegant wines. The Marqués de Murrieta Reserva is a traditional Riojan wine that embodies Luciano’s passion and pays tribute to one of Rioja’s pioneers.

The vineyards are located in Rioja Alta at 320 to 485 meters above sea level and are rooted in a traditional, iconic history with modern innovation. 

The 2018 Reserva combines 82% Tempranillo, with Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha aged 16 months in a mixture of new and used American oak with a year and a half in the bottle before release for a balanced integration and sophisticated drinkability.

MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA
RIOJA RESERVA
FINCA YGAY
RIOJA SPAIN 2018

Your Price: $29.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“The flagship red 2018 Rioja Reserva was produced with a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano, 4% Mazuelo (a.k.a. Cariñena) and 2% Garnacha selected from their 300 hectares of vineyards that exemplifies the character of the vintage and the place… Each variety and plot fermented separately in stainless steel. and the wines aged separately in American oak barrels for 21 months and then settled in concrete until bottling. It follows the path of the 2016, where I noticed a change that is taken further in this, controlling the power and increasing the freshness. It’s very aromatic, a year completely different from the 2017; it has less structure and more freshness and subtler balance and enough oomph, concentration and power neatly compensated by freshness… It’s perfumed, fresh, elegant and medium-bodied, with a velvety texture. Superb!”

94 Points

2015 Altanza Rioja Reserva Rioja Spain

2015 Altanza Rioja Reserva Rioja Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

ALTANZA

RIOJA RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 2015

2015 Altanza Rioja Reserva Rioja Spain
Founded in 1998 by close friends who shared the dreams and ambitions of making classic Riojan wines, Bodegas Altanza’s state-of-the-art winery is located in Rioja Alta, where many of the region’s oldest wineries thrive. The winery combines tradition with modernity to offer sensibly priced wines of the utmost quality.
 
Tempranillo is Rioja’s most predominant and highly praised red grape variety and has influenced the region’s style for over a century and a half. This 2015 Reserva is one hundred percent Tempranillo that was fermented with natural yeasts and matured in French oak barrels renewed every five years to provide an array of complexity without overwhelming the fruit. 
 
ALTANZA
RIOJA RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 2015
 
 
 
“A fruity red with toasted oak and some chocolate and spice. It’s medium-bodied with medium round tannins and a lightly chewy, fruity finish. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
2018 Proelio Vinedos Viejos Rioja Garnacha

2018 Proelio Vinedos Viejos Rioja Garnacha

with No Comment $30 and underGrenacheKevin VogtRiojaSpain

PROELIO

VINEDOS VIEJOS RIOJA
GARNACHA 2018

2018 Proelio Vinedos Viejos Rioja Garnacha
Palacios Vinos de Finca owns three wineries in Spain, and Proelio is their Riojan winery dedicated to expressing high-altitude vineyard terroirs within the region. Proelio’s small plots of old vine Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Graciano contribute distinctive Riojan characteristics to each wine produced.
 
The high-density vineyards where the grapes for the Viñedos Viejos Garnacha are grown thrive in the Alto Najerilla subzone with calcareous clay soils thrusting forth an array of complex aromas and flavors. The 2018 release is 100% varietal and fermented with native yeasts in wooden vats, with 30% stem inclusion, giving a fuller body with vibrant aromas and a silky texture for an unbelievable value.
 
PROELIO
VINEDOS VIEJOS RIOJA
GARNACHA 2018
 
 
 
“A fragrant garnacha with aromas of redcurrants, pomegranate, wild strawberries, thyme, lavender and lemon grass. Some oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with sleek tannins and bright acidity. Silky and vibrant with a long, fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
 
“The red 2018 Viñedos Viejos is a perfumed and elegant Garnacha from Cárdenas in the Najerilla zone on red clay and sandstone soils aged in large oak vats for one year. It has 14.5% alcohol but with great balance, and the wine doesn’t come through as ripe or hot at all. In fact, it feels quite fresh, reflecting a cooler vintage. It’s varietal, clean, with integrated oak and with a vibrant and tasty palate…”
92 Points