2014 Viña Pomal Crianza
$17.60 btl / $211.20 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)
The 2014 Viña Pomal Crianza has been produced in Rioja, Spain for over 100 years and is the flagship wine of Bodegas Bilbaínas. The winery had a bottling plant near London’s Charing Cross in the 1940’s, and Viña Pomal was reputed to be a favourite of Winston Churchill. The wine is ruby with violet hues with an intense nose dominated by floral, black fruity, liquorice, vanilla and toasted aromas. The palate is balanced, soft and fresh. Shows good structure and soft tannins.
The Bilbaínas Bodegas winery was founded in 1901, thanks to a group of Bilbao businessmen. The climate in this area is moderately continental with a very subtle Cantabrian influence as the Sierra de Cantabria acts as a natural barrier against the cold north winds. This wine is 100% Tempranillo from 90 hectares of vineyards located in the town of Haro. The vineyards are planted between 380 and 500 meters above sea level, providing grapes ideal sun exposure. Viña Pomal Crianza is made with a traditional winemaking process where it spends 12 months in American oak barrels and a minimum of 6 months in the bottle before it is released.
In Spain, Rioja is synonymous with wine. The denomination of origin spreads along some 54,000 hectares around three different communities; La Rioja, Basque Country and Navarre. Rioja wines are a blend of several grape varieties. There are 4 red varieties and 3 white varieties allowed in the Rioja DOC. Tempranillo clearly takes center stage, followed by Garnacha (Grenache) which is sometimes added for body, then Graciano and Mazuelo (Carignan). The region also makes some great rosés and whites from indigenous grapes.
Price: Case of 12 at $211.20 ($17.60 per bottle)
Drink: Now or over the next 3 years
Type/Variety: Dry red, 100% Tempranillo
Food Pairing: Grilled red meats, rice dishes such as paella, cheese and charcuterie
Accolades:
91 — Ultimate Wine Challenge — February, 2015
90 — Wine Spectator — May, 2015
90 — eRobert Parker — April, 2015