Monday, May 2, 2011

W.O.T.W

Wine of the Week comes from Rioja and Bodegas Ramon Bilbao.  Founded in 1924 in the famed Rioja region, Ramon Bilbao has been committed to following the family standards and viticulture practices of the region.  Showcasing Tempranillo, its environment, and aging requirements Bilbao wines are one of the purest expressions of Rioja. 

Even though they make a handful of different wines, I am going to focus on the 2007 Limited Edition Tempranillo.  The wine comes from the best region within the Rioja, the Alta region.  With only 963 barrels produced, the wine spends 15 months in a combination of French and American oak with an additional 12 months in bottle before released.  Ripe black fruit with an exotic wood spice makes me think of the wonderful spice rubbed flank steak fajitas I had the other night.  Not a ton of wine made, but can be found around town.  Oh, and by the way you can find it under $20!  Typically a wine of this quality with such a small amount produced at that price can be a challenge to find.

Here is what the experts think:

"A good value that will offer pleasure for another 6 years..."  Wine Advocate

"This lively red offers bright flavors of cherry, vanilla, smoke and spices, with a plump texture and just enough tannin for grip. Balanced and expressive..."  Wine Spectator

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