It was the philosophy of looking ahead to the future and not compromising ideals that led Guelbenzu to leave the Denomination of Origin of Navarra in 2001 and to label their wines Ribera del Queiles after the river that runs through their land at Vierlas.
More on Guelbenzu ...
Syrah, Cabernet, Garnacha & Tempranillo.
Forest fruits, and a concentrated spicy, peppery ripeness. Big, gutsy, complex red.
90/100 The Wine Advocate
Price: £9.69 Including VAT at 17.5%
46% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon & 24% Merlot
The soils are the cumulative, compacted results of the quaternary era. They are poor, of little depth, and lie on a stony, chalky base. Fertilized with sheep droppings every four years, and they yield - depending on the grape variety - between 5 and 6,000 kilos of grapes per hectare.
After the fermentations and maceration, the wine spent 6 months in combination of 2, 3 and 4 year-old French oak barrels. Prior to bottling it was transferred to large, 20 000 litre capacity, Allier - oak vats in order to harmonise.
Intense red-cherry colour, medium-high stratum. In the nose elegant and complex, with red fruits (cherries), spices and balmies. Enters the mouth with body, round and balanced. The wood is very well integrated at the background. Fruity aftertaste and good persistence.
90/100 The Wine Advocate Price: £10.21 Including VAT at 17.5%
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot & 12% Tempranillo
After the fermentation and maceration, the wine spent 12 months in new Allier barrels. Before bottling it was introduced in big oak barrels with capacity of 20 000 litres in order to harmonise and refine.
Deep red-cherry colour, high stratum. The nose has fruit, lots of dark fruis with a very well assembled touch of wood at the background, with elegance. In mouth unctuous, complete, fleshy with black spices and touches, toasted and liquorice. Good acidity, and a lasting final in the mout with pleasant and fresh sensations.
91/100 The Wine Advocate Price: £16.33 Including VAT at 17.5%
91/100 The Wine Advocate
Price: £22.47 Including VAT at 17.5%
50% Tempranillo, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Garnacha
12 months new French oak
A fantastic follow-up to the IWC Trophy winning '98.
Berry fruit, chocolate, vanilla and spice. Beautifully structured. Wonderful.
Also available in magnums. Price: £27.58 Including VAT at 17.5%
