Instant cellar upgrade anyone?!

Aged Rioja!! Savvy collectors will be ALL OVER this one. Sixteen years of age, virtually impossible to find anywhere, boasting 95 points, for a crazy discount? Great aged Rioja just starts peaking around 10-20 years of age and this is no exception. We somehow secured, direct from the winery, a small stock of this pristine, limited library release treasure for about HALF the price it should be going for.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate explains this project well, “Bodegas Ollauri is the name given to the part of Paternina bought from the Murúa family. They are releasing new wines under the brand Conde de los Andes, which they also acquired, as well as limited quantities of library releases going back to 1970. Ironically, this wine could be purchased for next to nothing some ten years ago and now goes for $350…”

Only Rioja can deliver this kind of value proposition. What might be worth $350 one day is yours for a steal of a deal at $49 while it lasts. They are worlds apart yet cut of the same cloth. Once you secure much as you can, the choice to tell your friends is yours. Don’t get us wrong, we want the word to get out, but when savvy collectors all flock to an undercover source, these small lots don’t last long.

What to expect here? Off the charts complexity for starters. Fascinating notes of cigar box, old leather couch and dried plums. Some soy, espresso and tobacco and a touch of vanilla, too. A modern styled Rioja with a touch of traditionalism in the form of American oak’s sweet spicy notes. If you are familiar with, and enjoy wines from Artadi, or Muga, this is your jam. A best of both worlds red, with age bringing the palate and depth to a level only time and patience can achieve.

A well-aged, well-built, world-class red can get costly. You could get a similar vintage, 95 point R. Lopez de Heredia or Muga Reserva for $100+. Or you could pocket the extra $50 and get this. The Wine Spies has your back again.Indulge your senses without wrecking your pocketbook. You’re welcome.

95 Points – James Suckling

“Wow. This is a pretty, old wine with crushed-berry, chocolate, walnut and spice character. Some cigar-box flavors as well. Medium to full body. Creamy and polished tannins at the end. Lovely old wine. Drink now.”

91 Points – Wine Spectator

“This red features a solid structure and balanced flavors. Plum, dried fig, orange peel, licorice, forest floor and spice notes mingle over tangy acidity. Drink now through 2026. 50 cases imported.”