Rating:
89
Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media
Brilliant ruby. Dark berries, roasted coffee and vanilla on the deeply perfumed nose. Warm and supple on the palate, offering ripe blackberry and cherry flavors enlivened by a peppery element. Spicy oak notes build with air and carry through a smooth finish, with the smoke and cherry notes echoing.
Product Description:
After working in the industry for 33 years, Santiago Ijalba Garcia established Bodegas Santalba in 1998, in the Riojan town of Gimileo. Obtaining his degree in oenology in 1974, Santiago was later joined by his son, Roberto, in 1997, after he'd finished studying at UC Davis in 1996. "This is a father/son team," says Jorge Perez, our South American Portfolio Director. "They do everything hand-in-hand. These two winemakers represent two different generations. They have traditional style wines, Emirta; and Abando, which is the son taking over, introducing modern techniques."
Making wines under eight labels, including Santiago Ijalba Ogga, Vina Hermosa and Bodegas Santalba Abando, the Ijalba family has 20ha under vine, all of which is certified organic. The remaining fruit, they purchase from other growers. "My dad's 63 years old," says Roberto, "he's been in the business for 46 years; he knows a lot of people, very good producers [from which we buy our fruit], 35-40% of which are practicing organic."
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