Oxer Bastegieta, Kalamity, Rioja, Spain, 2023

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Overview of the Wine
Oxer always wanted to make wines in La Rioja Alavesa and in 2005 he moved to Laguardia convinced of the uniqueness of the area. In 2009 he makes his first wine with grapes purchased from the growers in the area (grapes from old vineyards). The experiment succeeds. He falls in love with this  region and its stunning vineyards. Oxer then decides this is the place where he wants to settle and further express the art of winemaking. Relatively new to the region, but already enjoying national and international recognition.

Grape / Blend
48% Tempranillo, 48% Garnacha, 2% Viura, 2% and Garnacha Blanca

Origin
Rioja, Spain

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Kalamity shows an array of aroma’s, ranging from soft black forest fruit to animal notes and from floral (violets) to herbal (thyme) and spicy, peppery aroma’s, which will develop into even more complexity in the coming years. A wine with enormous length and minerality. One to keep!

99 Points - Wine Advocate
The red 2023 Kalamity is stunning, in line with the wine produced in 2021. It's a wine first produced in 2014 from a field blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura and Garnacha Blanca from very old vines in Elvillar, Laguardia and Camprovín harvested relatively early to avoid excess alcohol and to keep the acidity. The grapes were part destemmed, part crushed and part fermented with full clusters in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in 600-liter oak barrels for 10 months. Like most 2023s, it has contained ripeness and lowish alcohol, 13.5%, and a balanced pH of 3.5. Tartalo has been getting close, but I still believe this is the most complex, nuanced and complete of the reds here, perfumed and elegant. It's still young but already very harmonious, with a medium-bodied palate, super fine tannins and superb balance. This could very well be the finest Kalamity to date. It's approachable even at this young age, but it should also develop and get even better with time in bottle. 3,200 bottles were filled in September 2024.

96 Points - James Suckling
This wine boasts a deep nose of crushed dark fruit and violets complemented by hints of coffee and mushrooms. Luxurious on the palate, yet it remains elegant and well structured, featuring creamy tannins and a long, persistent finish. This is made up of 48% tempranillo, 48% garnacha, 2% viura and 2% garnacha blanca. Multidimensional and layered, this wine is already impressive and has a promising future ahead. This will improve with age, but already delicious. Why wait?

Product size: 750ml