Le Paulée celebrations have become something of a tradition at BI - first came Burgundy, then the Rhone, then Pinot it seemed only natural that our next region would be one producing some of the most fascinating wines on earth, not to mention the best value: Spain.
And thus, ‘Fiesta del Vino!’ was born.
As with the Paulées that have gone before, we were in awe of the generosity of our guests by bringing and sharing such splendid Spanish wines. From the old-school delights of Rioja, to the global superstars of Ribera del Duero – via unusual places in between, there was so much to love in one room.
I did my level best to work my way around every bottle in the room (with such a calibre on display, I’d be a fool not to, wouldn’t I?) and although I didn’t quite make it, here are some of my thoughts / lasting memories on the wines which really stood out on the night:
Vina Tondonia Reserva 1965, López de Heredia
Now we thought we might see a few vintages of VT in the room but I certainly didn’t think we’d see anything from as far back as the 60s. What a rare treat. We all knew great Rioja could age brilliantly but not many of us have been fortunate enough to see such a fine example – this was still amazingly fresh still with the rich, dry palate we know and love about Tondonia. If you have any Tondonia from the 60s or 70s stashed away – firstly, lucky you. Secondly, get it opened and enjoy!
CVNE - Real de Asua 2001
available for purchases HERE
I’ve been lucky enough to drink this a few times since the Fiesta so I can say with some confidence that I love this wine and I would question / challenge anyone who saw fault with it. Decadent and rich wine with perfectly velvety, soft tannins, this still has plenty of life in it yet but it’s drinking so beautifully now, why wait?
Vega Sicilia Unico 2009
available for purchases HERE
Arguably this was a little young but I couldn’t not highlight my first ever Vega Sicilia experience and from such a highly rated vintage. This has amazing freshness and so much rich red fruit on display. The palate was absolutely bursting with power. Certainly approachable now, but this wine has a very exciting future ahead of it (decades and decades) and it has made me yearn to try some older Unicos.
Muga Prado Enea 2005
available for purchases HERE
Muga’s legendary flagship wine is one I’ve been lucky enough to try several times from several vintages. Prado Enea is the cream of their crop. Suckling recently awarded the 2011 #3 in his Top Wines in the World. Prado Enea ages so gracefully and this ’05 was only just beginning to enter its drinking window (there is a running theme here about Spanish ageability…) A ripe and fully palate of blackberries and cassis and the unmistakable silky Muga texture made it the perfect partner for Hispania’s pork cheeks and truffle mash.
Daniel Landi - Las Uvas de la Ira 2016
available for purchase HERE
Despite having heard many great things about the winemaking legend that is Daniel Landi, this was my first opportunity to try a glass. Las Uvas de la Ira, or “The Grapes of Wrath” is a cuvée of 60 year old Garnacha from several sites, planted mainly on granitic sands near the village of El Real de San Vicente. This is so elegant and perhaps was the most surprising of the night – it is miles away from anything you’d associate with old vine Garnacha. You can understand why Daniel is known for his ambition and point of difference. Brilliant wine and not to mention stonkingly good value…
Zarate El Palomar Albarino 2017
Last but *definitely not* least, we musn’t overlook Spain as a white wine growing region. And one producer who certainly hasn’t is Zarate who undoubtedly produce the world’s best Albarinos – they are the truest expression of this grape and El Palomar is the jewel in their crown. The vines date back to 1850 and only a tiny volume is produced, this is the only one of their wines which sees any wood so the intensely citric and saline notes of Albarino take on a creamy, textured mouthfeel. It pretty much has it all and is oh so gluggable.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and for your generosity in bringing and sharing such fantastic bottles. Thank you to Hispania for hosting us and for your enthusiasm in the wines and for looking after us impeccably, as always.
Can’t wait for the post-lockdown Paulée!
To try some of these bottles yourself by clicking links below:
Daniel Landi- Las Uvas de Ira 2016
Muga - Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2005
