Compare at $35/bottle elsewhere

As testified previously, you'll find no more a rockstar and defining figure in Spanish winemaking than El Pionero Manuel Quintano (1756-1818). Having translated modern Bordelaise winemaking techniques to the Rioja region, he unleashed the revolution largely responsible for the region's global prestige and recognition today.

On offer today is the Old Vines Garnacha (Grenache), or Cepas Viejas, from the Labistida family's Manuel Quintano homage. A spare no expense wine comprised of 100% Garnacha hand-harvested from gnarly 70- to 120-year-old vines then aged for 10 months in new French oak before bottle resting in the cellar for an additional year.

This vintage boasts an impressive 92-points from the very conservatively scoring Guía Peñín with previous vintages racking up 91- to 94-points from Peñín, Suckling, Wine Review Online, and Decanter!

Still shaking off the baby fat, black fruit and leather brushed florals weave into fresh-sliced raspberries bolstered by oak-influenced, chocolate-covered dark cherries surrounded by a mineral-saline-kissed halo. Fleshy on the palate with juicy notes, mouthwatering tannins take center stage amongst further raspberries and terroir-driven earthiness framed by medium acidity. The finish Is dry, showing great balance and length, while the red fruit and earth umami complexity (to be expected in spades) is just beginning to emerge on the backend. I’d recommend laying a few of these down and revisiting over time, if you can.

Only 100 cases were imported, so I'd recommend getting some for your collection!

100% 70- to 120-year-old vine Garnacha (Grenache)
10 months in new French oak
12 additional months of bottle conditioning before release
14% alc.
100 cases imported