For the past eight months, commentators and winemakers alike have called 2018 in Bierzo, Spain the best they’ve ever seen—a year of ravishing fruit, freshness, and balance.
We are thrilled that 2018 in Bierzo is also a gift that keeps on giving. While we had thought we’d received everything we could get, we received word from Raul Perez that certain other international partners have been dawdling, and thus we pounced on one final delivery of 2018 La Vizcaina reds.
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The La Vizcaina project, dating to 2011, is Raul Perez’s vision for single-parcel wines from his home village of Valtuille de Abajo in Bierzo that hew as close as possible to the Burgundy model: the reds are made in more or less the same way (long macerations in old upright vats with 100% whole clusters, aging in used 225- and 500-liter barrels and foudres) to reflect as closely as possible the subtle differences in soil, exposure, and varietal composition of these very old-vine sites (they’re all mostly Mencía with varying amounts of Garnacha Tintorera, Bastardo [Trousseau], and even some whites).
The vineyards were planted in between 1927 and 1940 and several of them pre-date 1900.
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Here are reviews of the wines above from left to right:
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2018 La Vizcaina Bierzo La Poulosa (Spain, Castilla y Leon, Bierzo) $46
From vines planted in 1927: La Poulosa shows a stunning array of red berry, red and dark cherry notes with a superb balance between tannins and acidity. A wine that's infinity complex and absolutely magnificent.

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2018 La Vizcaina Bierzo Las Gundinas (Spain, Castilla y Leon, Bierzo) $46
Las Gundinas feels like a mini-Bonnes Mares! This happened in 2013, and this 2018 is like a refined version. Intoxicating floral aromatics, crunchy red fruit, and a deep savor and stoniness. This is electric and awe-inspiring.

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2018 La Vizcaina Bierzo El Rapolao (Spain, Castilla y Leon, Bierzo) $46
El Rapolao shows red berry, plum, floral aromas on the nose. A blend of spice, mineral and expressive chaparral with subtle notes of forest floor. Dusty tannins integrate nicely with well-proportioned acidity. Great after time in a decanter and should be spectacular with some age.
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Three world-class wines each unique unto themselves. Wouldn't it be a grand experience to taste these side by side?
You are welcome to. Purchasing the three wines separately comes to $138,
Renegade is offering a Raul Perez 3-Pack: one bottle of each for a Grand Total of $122
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Call or email 805.568.1961 to reserve yours and we'll have it ready ASAP for curbside pickup
or in store pick up (or even delivery if you like)

This playful Albarino is finally back in stock from Rias Baixas in Spain.
It's simply a thrill-ride of a wine.
$25

2018 Thomas-Labaille Sancerre Rose L'Authentique (France, Loire Valley, Sancerre) $26
Fresh strawberry, white peach and floral notes with a touch of chalky minerality. Clean, racy and light on its feet, showing vibrant red berry, peach and apricot flavors. A finish of energetic minerality and a long, persistent, refreshing finale.

2017 Ampeleia Kepos (Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Costa Toscana) $26
Not a new new wine but a wine that many people have been waiting for.
This 80% Alicante Nero (aka Grenache), 18% Carignano, 2% Alicante Bouschet blend, sourced in vineyards closest to the sea, is full of violet, blackberry, cherry and sweet spices. Firm texture and a gentle minerality round out this beauty.
A collaboration and friendship between Elisabetta Foradori, Thomas Widmann, and Giovanni Podini.

Let's begin in 1142 when Abbazia was founded by the Augustinian Order of Canons Regular (with a little math that's 879 years ago). Located in the sleepy little burg (an ancient or medieval fortress or walled town) of Novacella, in the Isarco River Valley, in Alto Adige, this winery has been producing outstanding examples for centuries.
We are featuring two of our favorite white wines: A Gruner Veltliner (Italian Gruner you say?) and their Kerner varietal which is a crossing of Trollinger and Riesling.
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Now for the wines:
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2019 Abbazia di Novacella Gruner Veltliner (Italy, Alto Adige) $22.50
This Italian Gruner begins with a bouquet of zesty citrus, green melon and floral notes. The wine delelops a savory character on the palate with notes of citrus, herbs, salty minerality, and a dusting of exotic smoke as it evolves. Good depth and concentration and some zippy finish!
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2019 Abbazia di Novacella Kerner (Italy, Alto Adige) also $22.50
While the Gruner has more citrus notes their Kerner starts out with a good showing of ripe yellow stone fruit, herbs, and rose petals. Very lively, juicy, and sleek on the palate, with a creamy texture and energetic acidity. A mineral-rich finish is the perfect ending for this wine.