Bodegas Alonso Cuesta
Bodegas Alonso Cuesta was founded by brothers Juan and Javier Alonso Cuesta in 2001, in the tradition of their father and grandfather who grew Garnacha in small plots around the family home near Toledo. The family lost their vineyards during the Spanish Civil War, and Juan and Javier have recreated the family vineyard using local old vine Garnacha, as well as new plantings of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Their signature red blend is only produced during the very best years. Their grapes are otherwise sold to other local bodegas, who benefit from the extreme care and quality viticulture that these brothers use tending their vines. The brothers Alonso Cuesta have recently launched their new Blanco, produced from Verdejo grapes that flourish in the sunny Méntrida weather.
Bodegas Alonso Cuesta 2007 Blanco Varietal: 100% Verdejo Winery: Bodegas Alonso Cuesta DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Light gold with green tints Nose: Bright and aromatic, with lemon, tropical fruit, and laurel Palate: Fresh and clean, with vibrant citrus fruit flavors, beautiful mouthfeel, and a soft hint of minerality
Bodegas Alonso Cuesta 2003/2005 Varietal: 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Winery: Bodegas Alonso Cuesta DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Deep ruby with a light ruby rim Nose: Developed aromas of black fruit, a foundation of mineral and light toast, and notes of sweet spice Palate: Rich, soft, and incredibly balanced, with well-integrated tannins, flavors of tobacco, chocolate, and mature fruit; and a remarkably long finish Aging: Aged for twelve months, with 70% in new Allier French oak barrels and the remainder in American oak Unfined, unfiltered; Decanting is recommended
Arrayán
Arrayán is a unique winery that received unusually high 90+ point reviews in Spain for their market debut in 2003. Founded in 1999, the owners of the winery brought in renowned Australian Dr. Richard Smart to consult on the most appropriate plots of land and the design of the vineyard, and Miguel Angel de Gregorio, one of Spain’s most famed enologists, to serve as on-site winemaker. Sophisticated technology, such as computerized irrigation sensors, combines with old-world traditions, such as hand-harvesting and the restoration of the historic estate house now used for cellaring, to create special wines unlike any other. Only four varieties are grown on the winery’s 26 hectares: Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The vineyard uses no chemical fertilizers or herbicides.
Arrayán Premium 2004/2005 Varietal: 55% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot Winery: Bodegas Arrayán DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Deep ruby Nose: Intense aromas of black fruit, brandied cherries, graphite, and subtle toast Palate: Good structure, complex with harmonious fruit and toasted cedar flavors. Long, powerful finish Aging: Aged for 14 months in new French Allier Oak * 93 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Wine Advocate #183, June 2009)
Arrayán Petit Verdot 2005 Varietal: 100% Petit Verdot Winery: Bodegas Arrayán DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Deep ruby with an opaque core Nose: Minty, musky, black cherry and dark olive aromas Palate: Rich dark chocolate flavors, spicy firm tannins, a velvety texture, and a long smooth finish Aging: Aged 12 months in new French Allier Oak. An unusual and finicky variety, Petit Verdot has recently been recognized as a variety that can grow well in hot, dry climates, with very careful tending. Arrayán Petit Verdot is a wonderful expression of Petit Verdot as a single varietal. *91 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Wine Advocate #183, June 2009)
Arrayán Syrah 2005 Varietal: 100% Syrah Winery: Bodegas Arrayán DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Opaque purple Nose: Spicy, with aromas of licorice and black fruit Palate: Intense flavors of black pepper, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and blackberry. Fresh acidity and medium tannins keep the wine balanced Aging: 12 months in new French Allier Oak *92 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Wine Advocate #183, June 2009)
Arrayán Selección 2006 Varietal: 35% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot Winery: Bodegas Arrayán DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Bright ruby Nose: Rich black and red fruit, black pepper Palate: Fresh, soft fruit flavors, great balance, with firm tannins Aging: Aged 4 months in new French Allier Oak. Arrayán Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 750ml *Guia Jose Peñín, 90 points 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.. Intense cherry color. Savory toasty nose, with hints of cedar and herbs. Meaty and rich on the palate
Arrayán Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Varietal: 100% Syrah Winery: Bodegas Arrayán DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Medium ruby Nose: Savory and toasty, with hints of cedar and herbs Palate: Meaty and rich, with soft cassis flavors and ripe, rich tannins. Powerful and balanced. Aging: 12 months in new French Allier Oak Arrayán Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 750ml *Guia Jose Peñín, 90 points 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.. Intense cherry color. Savory toasty nose, with hints of cedar and herbs. Meaty and rich on the palate
Arrayán Merlot 2005 Varietal: 100% Merlot Winery: Bodegas Arrayán DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Ruby Nose: Beautiful bouquet of ripe dark cherries, plum, and currants Palate: Silky mouthfeel, touch of spice, and a long velvety finish with hints of fruit and chocolate. Aging: Aged 11 months in new French Allier Oak
Arrayán Rosé 2008 Varietal: 55% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot Winery: Bodegas Arrayán DO: Méntrida TASTING NOTES Color: Bright pink Nose: Ripe red fruits Palate: Dry and elegant, with crisp minerality and tart cherry flavors Produced using the ‘sangrado’ method, with the skins resting in contact with the must for several hours to impart color and flavor