Author: Dirk Chan
Spain is fashioning some incredible values these days, and our feature wines this week come from Hacienda Lopez de Haro in Rioja in North Central Spain. Both are home-runs for the bargain hunter, coming in at under $20 and both scoring outstanding (90+) scores from wine critic Neal Martin of The Wine Advocate magazine.
Located in the historic village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, the winery is excavated into the side of the mountain, providing excellent year-round temperature control. The grapes enter the winery with the aid of gravity, this being the least harsh method of moving the grapes. The soils in this region are mostly calcareous clay delivering great acidity to the wine.
The two wines featured here have a modern twist, a fair amount of barrel treatment that gives them a creamy, vanilla character alongside the nice raspberry fruit. Even though they already having aging in the bottle, decanting prior to consumption will bring forth its best showing. Pair with a nice winter beef and tomato stew to balance out the acidity.
– 2008 Hacienda Lopez de Haro Crianza – $16.99 – this one is in our March Case of the Month.
– 2005 Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva – $18.49 – this one already flying out of the store and has limited availability, decanting for 2 hours recommended. Most Reserva’s sell in the $30 range so this is a great value.
Enjoy everyone!