Bodegas Roda is completely new to New Zealand this year, 2023, and is also a fabulously modern expression of traditional Spanish grape varieties which express themselves in bold red fruit flavours here with the support structure of firm smooth tannins, spicy complex aromas and depth. The blend is 94% Tempranillo,  4% Garnacha and 2% Graciano, all grown on bush vines between 15 to 30 years of age.
Fermentation and ageing was in large French oak vats for 12 months. Stabilisation was natural with egg white used for fining. 

This is a great wine from relatively youthful vines in Spanish terms. It drinks well now and has fabulous structure to age further.

Bodegas Roda produces fabulously modern expressions of traditional Spanish grape varieties which express themselves in bold red fruit flavours with the support structure of firm smooth tannins, spicy complex aromas and depth, in this case that blend is 93% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano and 3% Garnacha.
The grapes are grown on bush vines older than 30 years, mostly in Haro and its surroundings. The yields are low, which produces wines with rich concentration of flavour. The fermentation is in French oak vats equipped with temperature control, followed by a malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels for 14 months. A further ageing of 22 months in bottle enabled the wine to mature before release. 

"High summer temperatures define this vintage. After a mild winter with very little rainfall, spring began with a great deal of rain, which provided favourable conditions for the growth cycle of the vines. During the summer, they experienced very high temperatures and the absence of rain, which resulted in very healthy vines.

As a general result, this was a balanced year, where the final absence of rains led to a good concentration of grapes. This year is noted for a vintage with volume that can be enjoyed as a young wine."

Alc 14%

Bodegas La Horra is the Riebera Del Duero counterpart to Bodegas Roda in Rioja & according to New Zealand Master of Wine Sam Harrop, a prime example of Modernist winemaking.

Produced in the area of DO Ribera del Duero
100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo)
Small plots in La Horra, Roa and neighboring villages (Burgos). Bush vines.
Vines averaging 25 to 30 years old
Spontaneous alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, malolactic fermentation in French oak vats. Spends 14 months in barrel, 80% French oak and 20% American oak.
Egg albumin used for clarification.
14.5% Vol.

Color:
Very good intensity, with a cherry red background and a bluish-red rim.

Nose:
An incredible burst of fruit, with blackberries and fresh plums leaping from the glass. A delicate interplay of fresh aromatic herbs is also present. The oak is perfectly integrated. The wine's fresh and fruity flavor is already evident on the nose.


Mouth:
It's voluminous, full-bodied, long, and delicate, with caressing tannins. Blackberry and plum make their presence felt, leaving a truly pleasant sensation.
It has the unique characteristic of possessing the expected volume of a great Ribera del Duero wine while simultaneously displaying unexpected finesse for a wine of this youth. The mouth is left with a fruity, flavorful, and fresh sensation of a truly exceptional vintage.
It is surely one of the best Corimbos so far.

Tim Atkin:

93/100

Established in 1901 in Haro, Bodegas Bilbaínas is a benchmark for traditional Rioja winemaking.

Vina Pomal, a Rioja icon, sees 18 months in oak.

Single estate, Tempranillo-led, matured in American oak for depth and spice.

100% Graciano

Grapes were selected from the best plots to make this wine. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 25-28 °C, with automated pumpover control to ensure that aromatic and colour compounds were extracted.

Great aromatic complexity and intensity. Outstanding notes of red and dark berries, chocolate and cream, together with toasty and balsamic notes, all of these well-integrated by their passage through barrels.

Tasty in the mouth, well-structured and powerful. The tannins are noble and mature, and the wine has is full bodied, providing a very full mouthfeel. Jammy notes with toasty and cocoa hints.

100% Tempranillo. 

From various vineyards around Rioja, on Chalky Clay, Ferrous Clay, & Alluvial soil's between 350m-550m elevation. 

Cold Macerated prior to fermentation, then fermented 15 days in Temperature controlled stainless steel fermenters with daily pump overs, & aged for 24 months in French & American Oak barrels racking every 6 months. 

Ruby red colour with signs of ageing. Aromas of vanilla, spice, leather and ripe fruit. Silky medium body with good length. A classic Rioja.