"Simply One of the Greatest Values in Rioja
Money Can Buy"

We have some good news for you fans of Rioja and it comes from a rather unlikely source, Robert Parker, Jr., himself (you'll see what we mean by this in a moment).

"Simply one of the greatest values in Rioja that money can buy."

"An absolutely amazing Rioja."

"A sensational Rioja."

High praise indeed from the big guns! Many of you know Mr. Parker is the founder of the Wine Advocate which is one of the three most influential wine publications in the entire world. His wine reviews are followed as closely in China as they are in America. A good review from him can sell out a wine overnight, causing an international frenzy. A negative review and/or a low score from Mr. Parker and let's just say it's not a good day to get out of bed.

In case you haven't seen it, the Wine Advocate is a magazine intended for serious wine enthusiasts by subscription only. There are no glossy pages nor pictures nor even a single advertisement in this minimalist "no frills" publication. There are just dense wine reviews and short articles in black text on a background of parchment colored paper. No doodles, no photos, just plain text for pages on end with an occasional word magnified in bold or italics to convey excitement. That's about as fancy as it gets.

It's designed this way so there is absolutely nothing to distract you from the power of Mr. Parker's mighty pen.

Respect.

After reading his review of today's wine and knowing Mr. Parker's infamous predilection for super ripe, highly extracted wines we were expecting a lush, fruit-driven and very modern style of Rioja. We mentally prepared for an explosive rush of fruit, high alcohol and full-throttled extraction. Oddly enough, we were down for the ride. This somehow works in Rioja where the Tempranillo grape is king (Tempranillo is to Spain what Sangiovese is to Italy; nothing short of remarkable while at the same time ever changing its expression).

While we may not always agree with Mr. Parker, there are absolutely times when his "big boy" wines fit the bill perfectly (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, anyone?).

And that's when things turned upside down.

In our opinion, Mr. Parker's review of today's wine is a bit confusing unless you pay very close attention. We believe this wine is more of an old school, traditional interpretation of Rioja. It's dusty and earthy and not overtly bursting with dense fruit. In other words, this is not the typical darling of the Wine Advocate but you'd be challenged to ascertain that from the review.

Let's see what you think.

Hazana Rioja Vinas Viejas 2014

"The 2014 Hazana Vinas Viejas is simply one of the greatest values in Rioja that money can buy. This collaboration between importer Eric Solomon and the owner and winemaker has produced an absolutely amazing Rioja from 45- to 70-year-old unirrigated, head-pruned vines. Loads of lead pencil shavings, black and red currants, licorice and tobacco leaf all jump from the glass of this dense, ruby/purple wine. Soft tannins, medium to full body and fabulous intensity, make for a sensational Rioja to drink over the next 5-7 years. " (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 92 points

$14.99/bottle or $143.90/12 pack case ($11.99) or just $11.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

With all those superlative phrases it's easy to see why you might believe this wine is a typical Wine Advocate head-banging blockbuster. We're here to tell you it's not.

Based upon the review, the score and the price of this wine we can tell you it definitely delivers quality, consistency and value. At less than $12 after discount it's a real bargain. It's just not the usual Wine Advocate sweetheart.

Before you purchase this wine we encourage you to keep its core qualities in mind -- lead pencil shavings (as you would find in classic Bordeaux), black and red currants (not juicy blackberries nor plump raspberries, he's talking about currants which have an astringency to them), licorice (a typical flavor throughout Southern France) and tobacco leaf (commonly found in Bordeaux as well as reds from Chile and New Zealand to some extent). These are all classic flavor profiles and they are very enjoyable.

Just please keep in mind this sensational review doesn't mention juicy fruit, lush extraction nor the overt hedonism which Robert Parker is known to champion so please don't go looking for any of that action because you just won't find it. Instead look for balance, restraint and Old World charm.

This wine reminds us of walking down a narrow cobbled street in Spain at dusk when the sky is sapphire blue and the moon is rising over the vineyards on the hillside. It's romantic and poetic with old school charm. One sip is evocative enough to transport you to another place and time and isn't that what's so fascinating about wine?

Press reply to reserve your wine now or visit the store and tell us "I want that Rioja!" and we'll grab you a case or two.

Happy Holidays!!!

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P.S. We have special hours on Chrismas, eve 9 am to 6 pm, and are closed Christmas day.

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