We first discovered this small vineyard in Rioja Alavesa in 2009 and fell in love with the the producers approach. Dissilusioned with the recent popularity of the Rioja region Goyo Landaluce ignored the potential of higher volume to maintain the unique taste of his production method (whole grape fermentation) and low yield from very old vines. The wine was noticed by, amongst others, Goodman Steakhouse (considered the best Steak in London) and proudly features on their list - offering a unique taste . Bodegas Landaluce wines are exclusive to Mountain Valley Wines.

For this variety of wine the winemaker, Goyo Landaluce made several selections: firstly the vineyards, grape bunches, and then casks. The grapes used are from vineyards over 80 years old. Fermentation was carried out in 500-litre french oak casks. The wine is matured in French Oak barrels for 18 months.

Notes on tasting:

Appearance: garnet cherry, with darker hues.

Aroma: creamy to the nose, with sweet notes of strawberry, cream, milk and coffee.

Taste: an intense wine, fresh and full of flavor, decidedly fresh and fruity, with quality tannin and bold acid fruits.

Rober Parker´s The Wine Advocate CAPRICHO DE LANDALUCE 2005 (92 POINTS)

Landaluce, located in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa, was founded in 2000. The Landaluce family farms 30 hectares of vines, predominantly Tempranillo. The 2005 Carpricho de Landaluce was sourced from 80+-year-old Tempranillo vines and fermented and aged for 18 months in 500-liter French oak before bottling without filtration. Purple-colored, it offers up an expressive bouquet of wood smoke, earth notes, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it has layers of ripe black fruit, excellent depth and grip, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a lengthy finish.