Artardi is one of those producers that people get really excited about. I’m always getting questions like: who’s importing Artadi? When will it be in? Is it really that good? These should all really go to the Spanish Acquisition (the importer), but the good news is that you can now buy the joven (Orobio) and Vinas de Gain now, the big guns are coming shortly (and they are not priced for those of us with light wallets!). I think this wine show great value in the current wine market and should be considered top flight Rioja regardless of what it’s big brothers can do.
This is ready to go straight from the bottle, no decanting necessary. The nose shows blood plums, earthy cherries, a touch of liquorice, sage and toasty oak. Really well done, everything is in the middle and harmonious. The palate is textured by some sweet tannins and loaded with bright cherries and blueberries. Juicy with layers of fruit and earthy goodness. Watch out Roda (aka Roda II), you have heavy competition. 93+ Pts.
Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $60 Closure: Conventional Cork
Pretty good price from Scott too. http://www.bibendum-wine.co.uk have it for GBP197 a 6 pack. I note the 2003 is GBP103 a 6 pack.
Very well priced in my book. There was a big (read massive) price increase on these wines ex cellars for the 2006 vintage…The El Pison is outrageous