The 2010 La Nieta is a 4,000-bottle cuvee of pure Tempranillo sourced from a single vineyard in Paganos (Laguardia). The first vintage of this wine was 2004. The nose starts with a beautiful reductive note (yes, that’s possible!) underneath which the violets, blueberries and cherries explode with a little bit of time, complemented by delicate spicy and earthy aromas. The palate shows silky, velvety tannins, a weight of fruit that coats your mouth and a pungent, clean acidity. Delicate, subtle, very fine and complex with a Burgundian character, extremely elegant. A world class wine! Drink 2014-2030. Vinedos de Paganos is a small winery belonging to the Eguren family in the Alavesa part of Rioja, in the village of Paganos, Laguardia, where they had family vineyards. They built a small winery excavating new caves, some of them underneath the vineyards. They produce two single vineyard wines there, El Puntido and La Nieta, but the news is that since 2005 there are two version of El Puntido as in that vintage they started producing a Gran Reserva versions of it. Did I mention that tradition and modernity seem to be converging? Imported by Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Smoky, toasty and espresso flavors dominate in this big, assertive red, framing a core of plum, licorice and mineral. The full tannins are well-integrated and balanced with lively acidity. A full, modern style that remains graceful and distinctive. Best from 2014 through 2024.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add