{"title":"May 13: Spanish Finds","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"do-ferreiro-albarino-rias-baixas-spain-2023","title":"Do Ferreiro, Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain, 2023 (Albarino)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview The Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly regarded for crafting world-class white wines from albariño with incredible transparency, flavor, and depth, Do Ferreiro has become a reference point for the variety. They farm over 175 tiny plots of albariño by hand, all located in the heart of the Salnés sub zone of Rías Baixas. The valley’s proximity to the ocean, ideal climate due to the natural protection by mountain ranges, and decomposed granitic soil have gained the reputation for being the ideal region in Rías Baixas for producing profound, \u003ci\u003eterruño\u003c\/i\u003e-driven albariño wines capable of improving in bottle. Do Ferreiro does not blend other grape varieties into their albariño wines, as is common in Rías Baixas. Farming is practicing organic, and fermentations are exclusively carried out by native yeasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA respected producer in Rías Baixas (Galicia) and the third generation of a family of growers, Gerardo Méndez sums up the essence of growing vines in this green, rainy corner of northwestern Spain, where the so called “Casa Grande” houses both the family home and the winemaking facilities. His children Manuel and Encarna are now involved in the business and Manuel is adding new and exciting Albariños to the range of wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGerardo Mendez\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape\/Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlbariño\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRias Baixas, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo Ferreiro Albariño is a blend of the best fruit from different zones and terroirs within the Salnés Valley and it is the wine that defines the winery. It is serious and balanced, complex and very complete with fully developed aromas and flavors, with a long, harmonious palate featuring vibrant acidity and a strong mineral, stony component. Do Ferreiro is a very dry, varietally correct wine that is really representative of the Salnés Valley terruño. Expressive and harmonious,  combining power and freshness; Do Ferreiro Albariño is capable of developing in bottle for 10 years or more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate (2022) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eThe young and tender 2022 Albariño is the blend of the grapes from 165 plots in the Salnés, fermented with a pied de cuve from the old vines, fermented in stainless steel and matured with lees. It has a balsamic nose with notes of grass and bay leaf, a round palate with pungent flavors and good acidity. It's clean and varietal, reflecting a warmer year.\u003c\/span\u003e\" \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avanelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50094687093041,"sku":null,"price":38.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/DoFerreiro_Albarino_RiasBaixas_Spain_2023_bf0a76d8-2b8b-48b6-a714-c5833c942ca5.jpg?v=1729103176"},{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-reserva-rioja-spain-2012","title":"R. Lopez De Heredia, Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial price!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.\u003cbr\u003eDon Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor over a century our emotions have been rooted in our love and passion for this land and its harvest. We cherish our heritage, and this combination of love and the rigorous quality standards we apply, have become our trademark and remains our maxim for today and the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja - DOC (Appellation region).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaría José López de Heredia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe finished wine is a stunner from the first sip. It pours a lucid ruby with very slight bricking at the edges. The nose brings a plethora of red and purple fruits—crushed raspberry, plum skin, black cherry pit, dried cranberry, dried red currant—alongside beguiling tertiary notes like cedar, fresh leather, cigar box, cured tobacco, and baking spice. The texture here is thrilling, the depth of fruit belying its warm-climate origins, but the structure is defined by freshness and delineation above all else. The 2012 is firing on all cylinders, one of the very best “young” Tondonia bottlings we’ve ever had, and we know from first-hand experience that a vintage like this is going to perform well far.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavory berries, plums, iron, minerals, tobacco, ink and blood oranges. Very bright, juicy and structured, with sensational balance, aged savoriness and brightness that are typical of Tondonia reds. Beautiful now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe 2012 Viña Tondonia Reserva comes from a very dry year, with 25% less rain than the average (at the time), resulting in lower yields of very healthy grapes that delivered wines with nice balance between alcohol and polyphenols, making it very apt for the aging in barrel. It had a slightly longer élevage in barrel, six years. The wine is aromatic with a developed profile, spicy and tertiary (forest floor, a touch of brick dust and iodine), complex and nuanced. The palate is full and round, with polished tannins and a long, dry finish. It has a textbook Tondonia nose and profile. 250,000 bottles produced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThe 2012 Viña Tondonia is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, cultivated on the meander of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta. This garnet wine reveals aromas of ash and plum marmalade, with a faintly herbal core and hints of oaky cedar. Dry and lean, the fairly chalky texture lingers long, concluding with a compact, flavorful and lasting finish. The 2012 is a beautiful old-school Rioja.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50443926503729,"sku":null,"price":66.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/R.LopezDeHeredia_VinaTondoniaReserva_Rioja_Spain_2012.jpg?v=1733967194"},{"product_id":"ameztoi-getariako-txakolina-spain-2024","title":"Ameztoi Txakoli, Getariako Txakolina, Spain, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Ameztoi Winery is pleased to offer you an authentic wine with total warranty and knowledge by five generations of winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince 1820 making and producing Txakoli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld barrels, wood smell, bottle and laugh noises. This was the old Ameztoi and used to welcome many people. In fact, the Ameztoi family is widely known with the nickname \"Criquet\", symbol of joy, happiness and pride.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver time they have grown and improved their product to achieve their own expression, an authentic txakoli to the delight of the most demanding palates. Always maintaining the indigenous varieties Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza as the basis of their products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmeztoi are five generations with the family tradition in the elaboration of Txakoli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIgnacio Ameztoi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e90% Hondarrabi Zuri and 10% Hondarrabi Beltza\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGetariako Txakolina, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Txakoli that bears the seal of the family. 5 generations making Txakoli Ameztoi. A Txakoli that captivates you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA classic txakoli. Fresh and easy to drink that brightens any day of the year. Pale white with greenish, the bright tone has fine and elegant bubbles. Fine and sophisticated fragrance, reminiscent of green apples and grapes, with a minty note. Taste is dry in the beginning, harmonious in the mouth, has a wide and aromatic final, and cheerful by their bubbles. A vibrant and refreshing wine that pairs perfectly with fish and white meat on the grill. Excellent with oysters, sushi, or tempura fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avanelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51242332520753,"sku":null,"price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Ameztoi_Getariako_Txakolina_White_Blend_Spain_2024.jpg?v=1744310391"},{"product_id":"bodegas-naia-naia-rueda-spain-2023","title":"Bodegas Naia, 'Naia,' Rueda, Spain, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe history of the Rueda DO is inextricably linked to the Verdejo variety. It was awarded Designation of Origin status in 1980, bringing much-deserved recognition to the work that had been carried out in favour of this variety in the area over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBodegas Naia was set up in 2002 in the iconic Camino de San Martín, nestling within the triangle made up of the towns of La Seca, Serrada and Rueda. The winery’s mission is to harness the full benefits of the original Verdejo clone. Since then, work has centred on a selection of old gobelet-trained vines of the autochthonous Verdejo variety. The result are wines that possess all the authenticity that comes from rigorous and dedicated work with the vines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRapidly positioned as a hallmark for the defence of the Verdejo variety, Naia has followed in the footsteps of the world’s great whites, producing fresh wines that are also expansive, flavourful and rich in character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLaura Sanz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVerdejo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRueda, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFruitiness combined with tactile and silky sensations, leaving a lasting impression. Naia is the result of a meticulous selection of grapes and the extensive winemaking tradition of La Seca, part of the Rueda DO. This elegant and balanced wine is always an excellent choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for pairing with Asian cuisine, oily fish and white meats. Equally pleasant with rice dishes and light stews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 Naia is a Verdejo from La Seca, Rueda. It was aged four months on the lees. Aromas of stewed green apple, fennel, lemon pie and pastry emerge on the nose. The palate is dry, broad and creamy, with a vibrant flow that gives the wine volume and precision. A textbook Verdejo with excellent value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grapex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51574288580913,"sku":null,"price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bodegas_Naia_Naia_Rueda_Spain_2023.jpg?v=1750959958"},{"product_id":"alto-moncayo-moncayo-garnacha-campo-de-borja-spain-2021","title":"Alto Moncayo, 'Moncayo', Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/products\/alto-moncayo-moncayo-campo-de-borja-spain-2020?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=Alto+Moncayo%2C+%27Moncayo%27%2C+Garnacha%2C+Campo+de+Borja%2C+Spain%2C+2020\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eThe 2020 vintage is still available here - click here.\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBodegas Alto Moncayo is a winery located in the Campo de Borja D.O. It was founded in 2002 with the aim of turning it into a world reference for Garnacha wines of the highest quality, crafted from some of the oldest native vine clones in the area.The garnacha grape is one of the varieties that best expresses its terroir. Thus, the Garnacha of Alto Moncayo is different from the rest of the Campo de Borja D.O area. This is due to the very strict selection made from the vineyards, the type of soil in which it is grown, the microclimate, and the age of the vines. Located in Borja- the heart of the Campo de Borja DO . Vines are planted at the foothills of El Moncayo which is the highest point in the Iberian Mountain Range (2,315 m) and the winery's namesake. The region experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Vineyards are planted on very unique soils of red clay (indicative of being rich in iron) mixed with red slate, and because of the hillside location are shallow and nutrient-deficient. The Garnacha grapes of Alto Moncayo undergo very strict vineyard selection, from vines planted as far back as the early 1900's through the 1970's. Only the most perfectly mature clusters are selected and carried in small crates to prevent crushing, where they are further sorted and selected at triage tables. Wines undergo malolactic fermentation in both French \u0026amp; American oak, and aged in new barrels between anywhere from 16-24 months. These practices, in combination with the unique microclimate of the area ensure superior quality Garnacha that is distinct from any other in the Campo de Borja D.O.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan data-term=\"goog_1457658080\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/qJXTL2Ibufg\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video with the winemaker!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eChris Ringland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGrenache\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCampo de Borja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Note\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRemarkably complex on the nose, with black fruit and balsamic aromas pleasantly toasted and with a certain rustic character. Well-structured in the mouth, succulent, with pleasant tannins which are emphasized by the contribution of quality wood. Powerful and silky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eDeep garnet in the glass, this wine has an enticing nose of black currant, cocoa powder and coffee bean. It offers gorgeous layers of fruit and spice dotted with flecks of chocolate. Powerful tannins gradually mellow out and leave behind touches of cherry and chocolate.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA sleek, harmonious red, with a rich undertow of sweet smoke, fig jam and mocha notes, plus generous flavors of blackberry paste, crushed black cherry and grilled thyme. Long and silky, with lots of fragrant spices on the finish\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51892663451953,"sku":null,"price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Alto_Moncayo_Moncayo_Garnacha_Campo_de_Borja_Spain_2021_8a2a03a7-f5ac-4cfa-8c9e-2d41f661ad02.jpg?v=1759363532"},{"product_id":"perliss-estate-mythical-moura-albarino-napa-valley-california-2023","title":"Perliss Estate, 'Mythical - Moura', Albarino, California, 2023 (Special Buy)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe essence of our Calistoga landscape is expressed in The Ravens Vineyard - a 2.6 acre volcanic knoll, surrounded by forest. The streaming coastal wind \u0026amp; fog, the radiant days and dark, chilly nights, the spectrum of volcanic soil, from tuff to obsidian, combine to yield fruit of complex nature and alluring balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ravens Vineyard, Calistoga AVA, is set on our family property at the northern-most end of Napa Valley, where the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges converge. Mount St. Helena looms behind the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, planted on a knoll surrounded by forest of oaks, manzanita and madrone. Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and Ravens circle in the warm air currents above the property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVineyard rows mount a slope comprised of volcanic, rocky and loamy soil with excellent drainage. Calistoga's temperature shifts are the most extreme in Napa: 24-hour temperatures can range over forty degrees, as cool nights and foggy mornings are followed by dry, sunny days. The vineyard's natural orientation allows for even fruit ripening throughout the growing season and shaded projection when the sun is at its most intense. Cooling breezes and fog from the Sonoma Coast stream into the property through the Chalk Hill Gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow-vigor rootstock was planted in 2008 with the See clone grafted the following year. The closely-planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines are organically farmed and cane-pruned. Birds, bats, and ladybugs help keep the vineyard pest-free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMYTHICAL, the new project created with our winemaker, Aaron Pott, is now offering its second release - Moura. A stunning, luminous expression of Albariño, a grape native to Galicia and Portugal, Moura is inspired by a myth from the same region: The Enchanted Moura, a seductive, supernatural creature living under a spell.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to legend, the Moura would guard urns filled with gold, rewarded to whomever lifted her spell. Fittingly, this golden wine was created in Tuscan terracotta amphorae, allowing purity of fruit to shine forth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAaron Pott\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAlbarino\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRedolent of pear and tropical fruits, an alluring marine note also courses through Moura, resonating ideally with seafood, but adaptable to a wide range of dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular liquid tale from Aaron Pott began in a vineyard influenced by the nearby riparian landscape, the Uptown Ranch, in Lodi. Native yeast fermentation captures the essence of the site and imparts a trace of wildness. The 2023 vintage is indeed of fairytale quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - The Wine Palate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2023 Moura Albarino is made entirely in Tuscan terracotta. It comes tearing out of the glass with bright, pure notes of fresh pears and persimmons, followed by hints of aniseed and honeysuckle with a touch of chalk dust. The medium-bodied palate is lively and silky with wonderfully defined orchard fruit flavors and a honey-kissed finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAromas of peaches, Asian pears, honeysuckle and fresh herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with a textural mouthfeel and balanced acidity, giving flavors of nectarines, orange sherbet, baking spices and grapefruit rind. There is lovely weight to the wine, with a slight phenolic grip that adds to the structure. Drink or hold.\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2023 Moura, 100% Albarino from Lodi, is bright and focused with lovely phenolic grip. This is very nicely done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e90 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePicked at relatively low sugar levels to preserve acidity and made in a combination of clay and stainless steel vessels, Mythical's 2023 Albariño boasts bold melon, pear and lime aromas. It's medium to full-bodied, rather rich and fleshy, ripe and peachy, with notes of lime and brine on the finish.\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52337918214449,"sku":null,"price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Perliss_Estate_Mythical_-_Moura_Albarino_Napa_Valley_California_2023.jpg?v=1768005458"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/may-13-spanish-finds.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}