Wine Spectator – Black cherry, boysenberry, cola and mineral flavors mingle in this ripe, lively red. The muscular tannins are well-integrated, and citrusy acidity keeps this fresh. Expressive. Drink now through 2025.
World Wine – The Cillar de Silos Crianza is produced with the fruit from different old-vine plots (40 to 50 years of age) on sand and lime soils, feels quite classical, with aromas of ripe black fruit, spicy oak and an herbal side that adds freshness. The palate is remarkably fresh for the vintage, with polished, fine tannins and enough acidity. A very good crianza.
James Suckling – A very cool wine. Made from almost all garnacha, it has a depth and intensity with a minerality and saltiness. Plenty of strawberries and flowers. Medium body. Vivid and focused. Lovely finish already. Made from organic grapes.
World Wine – “Unusually for a new wave producer, Tom Payaubert still favours the traditional style of pan-regional blending: 50% Garnacha from Monte Agudo in the Rioja Baja and 40% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from Ábalos in the Rioja Alta. Aged in old foudres, it’s a subtle, raspberry and redcurrant-perfumed red with appealing texture.” 91 points, Tim Atkin MW
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – I was really looking forward to the 2016 Pingus in bottle, as the sample I tasted last time promised to be one of the best (if not the best!) Pinguses to date. Few (if any) vintages of Pingus have shown such integration of the oak, especially considering the wine is so extremely young. It has precision and symmetry, elegance and austerity à la Audrey Hepburn. This 2016 is like an updated version of the 1996, produced with a lot more knowledge that helped them find this purity, freshness and elegance. Peter Sisseck described it as seamless, and I could only agree. He also said that this is probably his ideal of what the wine from Ribera del Duero should be. The wine was kept in barrel for an extra couple of months and was finally bottled in August 2018; there were 8,100 bottles produced. It delivered all the sample promised, and perhaps a bit more...
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The higher-altitude vineyards like some of the ones used for the 2017 El Velado resisted the spring frost of the year better, and despite being riper, the wine has managed to keep its poise and balance. This comes from a plot at 600 meters altitude planted 80+ years ago. Like the rest, it fermented in open 3,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in barriques and foudres for some 15 months. They have kept the Burgundian bottle here because there is more Garnacha. This is a little more straightforward, with less complexity compared with the other single-vineyard bottlings, a lactic touch and a chalky tannins. 1,524 bottles were filled in May 2019.
Wine Spectator – Lively flavors of red cherry, leaf, black olive and smoke weave through this bright red, whose light, firm tannins provide backbone, while assertive balsamic acidity imparts energy. Drink now through 2023.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – "The 2019 Matallana is a blend of 85% Tinto Fino with some 15% other varieties such as Valenciano (Bobal), Navarro (Garnacha) and even white Albillo. 2019 was a very classical vintage with power, concentration and plenty of tannin, and the wine should develop and benefit from extended time in bottle. The wine feels very young and primary, with integrated spices from the élevage in oak, a medium to full-bodied palate, powerful and concentrated but very balanced. As I said in previous years, it's a Ribera like the ones from yesteryear! 18,676 produced with the selected grapes from 21 hectares of vineyards. It was bottled in July 2021."
Tempranillo, often referred to as Spain's noble grape, thrives in various regions across the country, each producing wines with unique character and nuance. In its homeland of Rioja, it benefits from a continental climate and varying altitudes, leading to wines that are elegant, with age-worthy potential. Here, the intricate dance of aging in oak barrels imparts notes of vanilla and leather to the already fruit-forward profile of the grape.
Over in Ribera del Duero, the grape adopts a slightly more robust persona, characterized by darker fruit profiles and a firmer structure. The variety's adaptability is also showcased in regions like La Mancha and Navarra, where innovative winemakers experiment with modern techniques to produce vibrant, contemporary styles.
Yet, regardless of the region or style, what remains consistent is Tempranillo's embodiment of Spanish heritage. Its ability to convey a sense of place, history, and tradition in every sip makes it a cherished varietal among enthusiasts and novices alike.
Tempranillo is a prominent red grape variety that finds its roots in Spain and plays a starring role in some of the country's most celebrated wines. The name "Tempranillo" is derived from the Spanish word 'temprano', meaning early, which alludes to the grape's tendency to ripen earlier than most Spanish reds. In the glass, Tempranillo wines often exhibit a ruby-red hue with flavors ranging from red fruits like strawberries and cherries to deeper notes of plum, leather, and tobacco. These wines can be enjoyed young, but the finest examples age gracefully, developing more complex, earthy undertones over time.
Spain's wine regions have championed the Tempranillo grape, with Rioja and Ribera del Duero being its most acclaimed appellations. Within these regions, wines such as Marqués de Riscal, Vega Sicilia, and La Rioja Alta are just a few of the iconic labels that wine aficionados associate with top-quality Tempranillo. These wines, characterized by their depth, elegance, and aging potential, have elevated Tempranillo's global status, making it synonymous with Spanish viniculture's prowess.
Tempranillo is a versatile grape and, as such, is crafted into various wine styles. While many are familiar with the full-bodied, oak-aged reds from regions like Rioja, there are also joven (young) Tempranillos which see little to no oak and are meant for early consumption. Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva are classifications based on aging criteria, with Gran Reservas often aged for several years, acquiring sophisticated nuances. Rosado (rosé) versions of Tempranillo are also produced, offering a lighter and fruitier take on this classic grape.
In Rioja, wines such as the Gran Reserva 904 from La Rioja Alta and Marqués de Riscal's Gran Reserva stand out. In Ribera del Duero, the Unico from Vega Sicilia remains an enduring benchmark. These wines epitomize the potential of Tempranillo, showcasing balance, depth, and the ability to evolve gracefully over the years.
Tempranillo's rich and varied flavor profile makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes. Traditional Spanish cuisine, such as lamb chops, chorizo, and Manchego cheese, harmonize beautifully with its flavors. For those craving international flair, Tempranillo pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and even certain pasta dishes. Its versatility at the table ensures that whether you're indulging in tapas or a gourmet meal, Tempranillo enhances every culinary experience.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.