We’re throwing down the gauntlet today.

Remember the Pepsi challenge? We’re urging you to take the Cava challenge today. We’re betting it all on black - or in this case, a prime example from one of the best Cava producers in the world.

We all think of Champagne as the undisputed champion of world-class bubbles. But this prime vintage of Mestres’ Clos Nostre Senyor Gran Reserva Brut Nature might rearrange your entire worldview.

It’s the stuff legends are made of. Impossible to find, and possibly the greatest Cava ever put together.

This Wine Spies Exclusive is our very first (of many more to come soon!) offering recommended by our good friend, the brilliant Master of Wine Martin Reyes of WineWise feature, no doubt he knows his stuff.

The Mestres family is on their 30th generation for starters. Going back to 1312, they boast over 7 centuries of history as growers and negociants.

Wine Advocate highlights that “Mestres, a family winery, has a long history producing Cava in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, as their roots go back to 1312 …a very traditional Cava producer, one of the few quality producers that remain in the appellation, a kind of López de Heredia of Cava… aiming for the upper level of the market, mainly in restaurants and high gastronomy.”

Like that’s not enough, they were the first to register and use the term ‘Cava’ on a label in 1959 and first to bottle a ‘no dosage’ style back in 1945. They use traditional Champagne corks and cages TWICE in the process, both under extended tirage (like 100+ months on the lees in this case!) and once again when riddled and disgorged, by hand. Their impeccable vineyards are the highest elevation ones around…

This ‘10-years-young’ 2013 has yet to be reviewed, while for the 2012 Wine Advocate found exactly what we did in the glass: “very creamy, elegant and persistent, with evolved aromas and hints of caramel. It’s perfect for current drinking but will last for a few more years. This has the complexity and elegance of a good Champagne with a mellow palate, integrated acidity, a dry finish and superb, tasty flavors… They want the wines they release to be ready for drinking and to also have potential to evolve at home, gaining in complexity.”

Oh, last but not least, roughly one hundred bottles were all we could get, so ready, set, GO.