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SKU 1012364
$1,153.20/case
$192.20/bottle
Tariffs included
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The 2003 was declassified and blended into the Allende, so moving swiftly on, the 2004 Aurus has a classy bouquet of dark plum, lavender, dried herbs and spice box that is very complex and satisfying. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins and impressive purity: dark cherry and dark plum infused with marmalade and white pepper. The finish is dense and backward, suggesting that it requires four to five years bottle age. Drink 2015-2025+
There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.
Country
Spain
Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.
Region
La Rioja
La Rioja is by far the most famous wine region of Spain, and remains one of the world's great wine producing regions, consistently offering deep, complex red wines of character and distinction, partly due to the fact that La Rioja benefits from excellent soils, rich in minerals and nutrients, and plenty of sunshine. The climatic conditions allow the fine grape varietals to reach full ripeness and express plenty of the best features of their terroir, making La Rioja wines some of the most interesting to have ever come out of Europe. The Cantabrian mountains to the north provide the perfect shelter from the colder, wetter influences of the Atlantic oceans, and in the beloved vineyards of La Rioja, wineries have been cultivating exceedingly flavorful Tempranillo grapes for generations for the inclusion in their fine single variety and blended wines.
Appellation
Rioja
Rioja, a renowned wine appellation in Spain, stands as an emblem of the country's winemaking heritage and innovation. What makes Rioja unique is its commitment to blending traditional and modern winemaking methods. Primarily crafted from Tempranillo, with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo as supporting players, Rioja wines showcase a remarkable balance of fruit, oak, and complex aging.
Rioja's classification system, featuring Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, delineates the aging periods, highlighting the region's dedication to quality. The use of American oak barrels imparts distinctive vanilla and coconut notes, contributing to Rioja's recognizable profile. The diverse terroir, from the high-altitude vineyards of Rioja Alta to the warmer Rioja Baja, adds depth and complexity to the wines.
Exploring Rioja allows enthusiasts to savor the rich tapestry of Spanish winemaking, where historic bodegas coexist with modern practices, resulting in wines that seamlessly marry tradition and innovation, offering a glimpse into the soul of Spanish viticulture.
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
The 2003 was declassified and blended into the Allende, so moving swiftly on, the 2004 Aurus has a classy bouquet of dark plum, lavender, dried herbs and spice box that is very complex and satisfying. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins and impressive purity: dark cherry and dark plum infused with marmalade and white pepper. The finish is dense and backward, suggesting that it requires four to five years bottle age. Drink 2015-2025+
VM94pts
Vinous Media
Opaque violet. Smoky cherry and cassis on the nose, with complicating licorice, cinnamon, rose and black tea qualities. Tangy, finely etched red and dark berry flavors display impressive depth and clarity, picking up a zesty cracked pepper character with air. A very fresh Rioja with outstanding finishing sweetness and length. Here's another wine from Allende that has uncanny finesse allied to power.
WE94pts
Wine Enthusiast
One half of the wine is lush and opulent, the other juicy, fresh and pulsing with the essence of old-vines Rioja fruit. So for every note of molasses, burnt toast, chocolate or baked berry pie, there's a twinge of acidity, a spike of tannin and a dollop of earthy terroir. Tempranillo with 15% Graciano. 500 cases made.
WS92pts
Wine Spectator
Luscious blueberry and black plum flavors mingle with espresso and anise notes in this expressive red. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, balanced by lively acidity. Drink now through 2016. 125 cases imported.
Winery Notes
An intense red-purple colour. Potent and elegant on the nose with a great complexity of aromas (jams, minerals, menthol, spices, wild herbs, toffee and cacao). Great harmony in the mouth with very marked sweet tannins, very complex and full of flavours of black fruits, raisins, liquorice, coffee, ink and aromatic herbs. Persistent lingering finish. Excellent wine for aging.
