The Bodegas Bhilar Phinca Abejera Rioja Alavesa 2012 embodies the rich terroir of Spain's prestigious Rioja Alavesa region. Nestled in the alluring Basque Country, the acclaimed Bodegas Bhilar demonstrates artisanal winemaking acuity renowned worldwide. The Phinca Abejera Rioja Alavesa is a boutique production, cultivated from old-vine Tempranillo grapes imparting distinct notes of blackberries, liquorice and wild herbs.

Striking a balance between modern winemaking techniques and steadfast tradition, the vintners use indigenous yeast for fermentation in large French oak casks, lending the wine an understated elegance and complexity. Ageing for 36 months in neutral oak promotes the wine's finesse, culminating in a superbly structured palate featuring deep fruits, earthy minerality, and a long, velvety finish.

As a biodynamic and organic estate, Bodegas Bhilar's commitment to sustainable viticulture ensures the continued quality and character of the Phinca Abejera Rioja Alavesa. The 2012 vintage possesses an enviable cellaring potential, inviting discerning connoisseurs to savour its evolution.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

This comes from vineyards in Villalba, Briones and Torremontalbo and is another brilliant release from María Larrea. Savoury, sweet and well balanced, with 15% Graciano adding extra backbone and the zest that you expect from this special red

Decanter (97)

This dark, relatively tight-knit Rioja proves that the Gran Reserva category doesn't just indicate the supremely well-aged, relaxed and reposeful style of Rioja, but can also serve to draw drinkers' attention to outstanding wines of density and tenacity which still have a way to run along their potential ageing trajectories. Look out for dark, urgent fruits here sweetened and back-lit by cunningly angled oak, with intense, deep, fresh and searching flavours in which the 10% of Graciano seems to be working overtime. A Rioja of innate drama.

Vinous (93)

Dark ruby. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes spice-tinged dark fruit preserves, potpourri, vanilla and incense, and a smoky mineral overtone builds as the wine opens up. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering weighty blackberry, cherry-vanilla and spicecake flavors that turn spicier with air. Shows excellent precision on the persistent finish, which features sweet dark fruit liqueur and floral elements and harmonious tannins.

James Suckling (100)

So much dried flower, mushroom, iron, rust, sweet berry, and grilled orange. Full-bodied with very elegant and refined tannins that melt in the mouth and give a real sense of place and integrity. Balanced and harmonious. The finesse and finish is endless. Production was 30% less than in 2011. Already so drinkable. A wonderful future. This is the new 1934 or 1964, two legends. Drink or hold.

Experience the epitome of Spanish viniculture with the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Gran Reserva 2012. Hailing from Alava in the celebrated Rioja Alavesa wine region, this renowned vintage boasts an extensive ageing - spending 27 months in French oak barrels and further maturing in the bottle. The exceptional craftsmanship of master vintner, Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, is palpable in each sip. Praised for his innovative winemaking methods, he meticulously selects only the finest Tempranillo and Graciano grapes for this prestigious blend.

The Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 captivates with its intense ruby hue, beguiling aroma of ripe fruits and spices and velvety, full-bodied palate. Acclaimed by critics, this well-structured wine demonstrates extraordinary finesse and complexity, its ripe tannins and integrated oak nuances produce a long and elegant finish. Immerse yourself in a unique taste sensation that embodies the sublime sophistication of Spanish winemaking.

Admired for its masterful blend and sophisticated depth, the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Reserva 2012 hails from the esteemed vineyards in Rioja Alavesa. Produced by the renowned vintner Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, the wine represents his innovative passion towards achieving superior quality by pushing boundaries of traditional winemaking. A meticulously handpicked selection of Tempranillo and Graciano grapes forms the heart of this premium red, ensuring the highest quality clusters are utilised.

After destemming by the patented Remirez system, the berries are fermented in small 7hl French oak vats before ageing for 22 months, creating truly distinctive aromas and deep complexity. On the palate, one is treated to luscious layers of blackcurrant, damson, sweet spice, and toasted oak, resonating in a profound finish. Revolutionising Rioja with each vintage and captivating globally, the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Reserva 2012 offers a distinguished, polished expression of contemporary Spanish winemaking.