Thousand Mils

Vineyard: A selection of grapes from one of their oldest vineyards, Tahoe, planted in 1915 located in the cooler region of Elvillar in Rioja Alavesa.

Appellation: DOCa Rioja (subregion: Rioja Alavesa)

Varieties: Primarily viura accompanied by Malvasia and Garnacha blanca

Harvest and Production: The grapes are partially destemmed above 500 L barrels and foot crushed. The fermentation takes place with the skin and stems. After fermentation is finished, the wine is then pressed and placed in used 500 L French oak barrels. The wine then rests on its lees until it is bottled 24 months later.

Reviews:

Vintage 2019

• Thousand Mils is a stylish, complex Elvillar white that’s made with 14 different varieties, led by Viura, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía. Notes of thatch, wild flowers and fresh bread segue into a palate that’s savoury, textured and appealingly tannic, with top notes of sweet Asian spices and some subtle, waxy evolution. Drink 2024-29.
  93 pts — Tim Atkin, Rioja Report 2024.

Vintage 2016

• Thousand Mils – a pun based on a Spanish proverb – is a village blend that is Viura-based with Malvasía, Calagraño, Garnacha Blanca and Moscatel and aged in Sherry butts. Mealy, bready and saline, this is wonderfully stony, fresh and layered, with some tannins from fermentation on skins and a fresh, tapering finish. Drink 2020-26.
  94 pts — Tim Atkin, Rioja Report 2020.

Vintage 2013

• The name of this brilliant wine is a deliberate mistranslation of a Spanish idiom about “a thousand milks”. Made from mostly Viura with some Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, Palomino and Moscatel, it sees some skin contact and is handled oxidatively. Rich in colour, with a salty, Sherry-like tang, lots of leesy richness and some tannic, grape skin-derived grip. Drink 2018-23.
  94 pts — Tim Atkin, Rioja Report 2018.
• The white 2013 Thousand Mils is a selection of the best white grapes from all of their vineyards in Elvillar. It’s mostly Viura (60% to 70%) with some Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía Riojana, and, as in all old vineyards, there are also small percentages of other varieties. The grapes were hand destemmed and foot trodden, with fermentation started naturally. It spent three years in 225-liter French barriques. It has some developed aromas and a more oxidative profile than the rest of the whites, with notes of baked apples and an organic and earthy touch. The palate felt fresher but with similar advanced and ripe flavors. 900 bottles were filled in March 2017. Drink 2018 – 2023.
  89 pts — Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate #235 (Feb. 2018)

Vintage 2012

• A corruption of a Spanish idiom about a thousand milks, this is a brilliant blend of Viura with 10% each of Garnacha Blanca and Malvasia. “It’s not the wine, it’s the vines,” says David Sampedro of this stone fruit, citrus and wild herb-like white with its sappy, almost tannic note. Drink 2018-21.
  94 pts — Tim Atkin, Rioja Report 2017.

Vintage 2011

• This forceful white shows grip and depth. Honeysuckle, orange peel and vanilla notes frame pear, tarragon and marzipan flavors, with floral and spice details on the finish. Firm acidity and light tannins lend a muscular structure. Viura, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasia. Drink now through 2021. 90 cases made.
  93 pts — Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, March 2017