Top 100, Basic Price/Great Wine

Regardless of how you feel about the Wine Spectator Top 100, it does get people talking about wine. We certainly consider that a good thing; since no two palates are alike, the conversations can go on forever, or until they're stopped by opening a bottle of wine. And isn't that a perfect way to settle a disagreement?

Because of our great industry relationships, we can occasionally get an exceptional value, which,  in turn, we can pass along to you. That's the case with the 2009 Vina Herminia Rioja Excelsus. Wine Spectator gave this 93 points, and ranked it as #39 on their Top 100 wines of 2013.

A 50-50 blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, the Vina Herminia Rioja Excelsus is garnet red with purple hues, scarlet and fleshy, lively, clean and high-intensity, with a deep cherry-garnet meniscus. Hearty, fresh and complex on the nose, sweet and soft bottom notes of new oak, dark fruit, cherry and currant. It is elegant, round and creamy, balanced, having a fresh and voluminous finish along with plenty of balanced tannins. The winery was established in 1949, with a wine-making heritage that goes back to 1885.

The winery is located at altitude in Lower La Rioja, near the Pyrenees. The vineyards enjoy relatively high temperatures during the day in contrast to intense cold at night, offering optimal conditions for     producing exceptional quality grapes.

We've seen this outstanding wine elsewhere for as much as $19.99. At Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, we have the 2009 Vina Herminia Rioja Excelsus for only $16.99 in the Bottle Club®, which is a 15% discount. With a value like this, you should consider buying one to enjoy soon, one to cellar, and at least one as a gift.

Rioja en el Fuego

A Rioja was selected #1 in the 2013 Wine Spectator Top 100, really cementing the region's standing as a major wine producer. At Joe Canal's, of course, we knew that all along, and shared that with our customers. Spain, in general, and Rioja in particular, produced many outstanding wines at decidedly reasonable prices. The wine of the year, Cune Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 2004, was only $51.99 in the Bottle Club®, before it quickly sold out.

As you'll see in the map, Rioja is but one of many wine regions in Spain.

According to Wine Spectator, winemakers in Rioja were conflicted. "Beginning in the 1990s, a vigorous debate pitted traditionalist bodegas against a new wave of vintners. Should Rioja maintain the supple, elegant style that had flourished since the early 20th century? Or adopt a richer, more structured approach more in harmony with the world's other great reds?"

With a Rioja rated as the best wine of 2013, this is a great time to explore other Rioja wines, along with other Spanish selections, including Cava (sparkling) and Sherry (from Jerez).

Also in the 2013 Wine Spectator Top 100, coming in at 22, was the La Rioja Alta Rioja Vina Ardanza Reserva, which we have on sale in the Bottle Club® for only $29.99. This wine scored 94 points, and carries a retail price of $35. We have a few bottles of other high-scoring vintages of this wine; the 2001 (96 pts WS) and the 1998 (95pts WS).  

We carry three different Cerro Anon Rioja wines: the Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, with prices as low as $11.96 in the Bottle Club®. The Gran Reserva is 80% Garnacha; it's balanced, complex, full and round. It spends two years in barrel, and another three aging in the bottle.

We also carry three different Anares wines, including a white Rioja, with pricing as low as $9.96 in the Bottle Club®. The white is 90% Viura, spends 6 months in oak, and is meant to be enjoyed within about a year of purchase.

Finally, you might try the 2009 El Coto Rioja Crianza, priced at $10.49. It's a tasty, cherry-accented Rioja that’s 100 percent Tempranillo, it’s aged for 12 months in oak barrels, which is the requirement for Crianza Riojas.

In checking Rioja to prepare for this article, I discovered Bodegas Ysios. While we don't carry their wines, I just thought this was one of the most breathtaking winery buildings that I'd ever seen.

On your next visit to Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville or Woodbridge, just ask one of our wine team members for their suggestions on great choices from Spain. From value prices to fine wine, we have the right wine for you.