2021 Alion, Tempos Vega Sicilia, D.O. Ribera del Duero

Tempranillo

The vintage released in 2025 is the 2021 Alión, a year to remember, one of the best in recent times; it was relaxed and textbook in all senses, with snow in the beginning of the year, a mild spring disturbed only by frost in Pesquera that didn't affect other villages, a relatively cool summer that slowed things down, and the grapes ripened to perfection without rain after September. They used grapes from 13 different villages throughout the Ribera del Duero, 130 hectares. The grapes are cooled down for 24 hours, and once destemmed, they are put in the oak and stainless steel vats, where they undergo a five-day cold soak and then native fermentation through a "pied de cuve." It has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.81 and 4.8 grams of acidity (tartaric). It's very fresh and fruit-driven, with the balance and elegance of the cooler years, a little austere, with very elegant and polished tannins and a different quality, when the grapes ripen slowly. They believe 2024 has the potential to be like 2021, after the 2022 and 2023 vintages were a lot more challenging. It was bottled in June 2023. Drink 2025-2040.

£95.00

2022 Rioja Crianza, Palacio Camino Real, DOCa Rioja

Tempranillo

The colour is a deep, dark and velvety red cherry, with a complex nose showing aromas of ripe dark fruits mixed with coffee, vanilla, balsamic and woody notes. On the palate it is a typically smooth and fruity wine with gentle tannins. Great persistence and structure make it extremely enjoyable and easy to drink.

£13.95

2022 Rioja Crianza, Bodegas Luis Canas

Tempranillo

The Luis Canas Rioja Crianza is a lovely ruby red colour and shows a clean nose with notes of balsamic and fine nuances of redcurrants, strawberries and raspberries with clean oak. Smooth, fruit and spice flavours with toasted oak, velvety cherry fruit and a slight hint of liquorice. Lasting rich fruit flavours with smooth round tannins. Complex and structured. A pleasant finish with red fruits and hints of eucalyptus.

£21.00

2021 Loidana, Marco Abella, Priorat

Grenache/Garnacha

The Marco Abella Loidana offers intense aromas of fruits (strawberry, cherry, raspberry and black cherries) with hints of blue flowers, cedar and spices. Smooth and velvety on the palate, it remains harmonious to the finish, and very fresh.

£23.00