Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza, Bodegas R. López de Heredia, Spain 2016
Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza, Bodegas R. López de Heredia, Spain 2016
This really is one of the great bargains in the whole world of wine. A nigh-on decade-old, oak-aged and bottle-aged white Rioja from one of the most legendary estates in Spain, founded in 1877. It's bold, rich, tangy, oaky and magnificent, with flavours of beeswax, verbena, hazelnut and camomile. 100% Viura, sourced from the Gravonia vineyard in Rioja Alta aged for 4 years in large American oak foudres. 
Press review:
The Wine Advocate: “2016 was a superb vintage in Rioja, and the 2016 Viña Gravonia Blanco, which has the cellar aroma that all the wines, especially the whites, have, due to the longer time the wines spend in barrel. The white vines in this vineyard are now 92 years old and their juice was fermented in old oak vats with indigenous yeasts. They explained, "We have never used selected yeasts." It was matured in their well-seasoned American oak barrels for four years. It's paler than any of the other whites, and it has a little less pungency, with very good freshness. It's elegant, subtle, clean and ethereal. Drink now-2032.” 95 points
Vinous: "Whites from Lopez de Heredia are legendary, and Viña Gravonia rightfully earns its place in the pantheon. The 2016 Blanco Crianza Viña Gravonia, 100% Viura sourced from the Gravonia vineyard in Rioja Alta, underwent four years of aging on old foudres followed by an additional four years in bottle. This yellow wine, with a subtle, golden sheen features aromas of peach and fennel, accompanied by a floral tea note and a delicate layer of oak. Dry and refreshing, it possesses a bold texture. This flavourful white lingers on the palate with a hazelnut tone. Drink now-2036." 93 points
EXTREMELY LIMITED. MAXIMUM 3 BOTTLES PER CUSTOMER. NOT AVAILABLE ON ITS OWN, MUST BE PART OF AN ORDER THAT MEETS OUR MINIMUM REQUIREMENT OF 6 BOTTLES. UK MAINLAND ONLY.

