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The complexity of Rioja wines
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In a comparative tasting, we recently presented two wines from Bodegas Bhilar. It was an opportunity to have a Melanie vs. David showdown!
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Although David remains the winemaker behind all the vintages, Melanie imposes her style and her preferences for the wines made from the vineyards she acquired.
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Despite the differences between the vintages, it was interesting to taste the Phincas 2020 (David) and Phinca Hapa 2019 (Melanie) vintages at the same time.
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The result? Very close, but a few more points go to Melanie who wins this round.
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One observation: it was very difficult because these are two opulent, complex and very long wines.
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In fact, for several participants, this was also a first tasting experience where they could observe that the retro-olfaction of these wines is immensely perceptible. This is a sign of good concentration and what we call "lengthy wines", or wines with an important aromatic persistence. So, a simple conclusion: two exceptional wines not to be missed.
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Don't look outside, but rather at your calendar: spring is approaching...
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There are a few cases of Clarete and pet-nat rosé left. Perfect for Easter.
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Life is short: Abramos las botellas, ¡copón!
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Phincas vs. Phinca Hapa
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Two wines from plots cultivated biodynamically. In the case of Phinca Hapa, it's a plot planted in 1967, facing west, at an altitude of 645m. For Phincas, the wine is made from several plots of the estate, all cultivated biodynamically.
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Both vintages are made with whole clusters fermented with native yeasts in concrete vats. The Phincas begins its maturation in old barrels, then the wine spends its last 36 months in concrete vats, while Phinca Hapa goes from old 500 liter barrels to foudres for a total of two years.
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What does the specialized press think of those wines? Your turn to judge !
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Phinca Hapa 2019
The 2019 Phinca Hapa Tinto is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Viura from the village of Elvillar, from a plot planted in 1967 at 640 meters in altitude that is farmed biodynamically and plowed by horse. It spent one year in 500–liter barrels and seven months in a large foudre.
It’s spicy and balsamic, with notes of nutmeg, vanilla and cloves, medium to full-bodied and with fine and chalky tannins. 6,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2021. Drink 2022-2028.
93 pts — Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate (June 2022)
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The younger of two available vintages of Phinca Hapa, this comes from a pioneering 2.9-hectare parcel planted on limestone soils at 646 metres back in 1967. Tempranillo is the dominant grape here, with 6% Graciano and 2% Viura, producing a wine that’s pure, chiselled and floral with subtle reduction, red berry fruit and a spicy, whole-bunch finish. 2023-29.
92 pts —Tim Atkin, Rioja Report 2022
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Phincas 2020
Phincas is a serious, low-intervention red blend that’s fermented with 100% whole bunches. Pairing Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Viura, it’s a funky, slightly earthy style, with notes of beetroot, clove and dried herbs, damson and black olive flavours and a firm tannic backbone. Drink 2024-28.
91 pts —Tim Atkin, Rioja Report 2024
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INVENTORY
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All the products are available in cases of 6 bottles.
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Liquid Pleasure
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We have a few cases of exceptional vintages with minimum allocation.
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Phinca El Vedao 2019
For garnacha lovers, this unique cuvée is made from three plots of the El Vedao vineyard. The vines are aged between 30-70 years, planted at 450 m altitude, facing south, and cultivated biodynamically since 2013. Fermentation is performed in concrete vats then aging takes place in neutral 500 liter barrels for 36 months.
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Phinca Abejera 2018
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This unique vintage is made from grapes that come from La Abejera, a limestone vineyard planted in 1929 by David's grandfather, Antonio Gil.
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For lovers of great wines, to drink now or in a few years.
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- The blend of the 2018 Phinca Abejera, from a 0.27-hectare plot planted in 1929 with a high percentage of Graciano on pure limestone soils, is slightly different from the 2017 I tasted next to it ; this has a lot more white, more Graciano and less Tempranillo — 40% Tempranillo, 45% Graciano and 15% Viura. The nose reveals creamy notes with tons of sweet spices, cinnamon, vanilla and aromatic herbs. The palate is full-bodied, and the wine is ripe at 15% alcohol but has good balance and sophisticated tannins. It spent three years in 225-liter French Oak barrels. 2,700 bottles produced. Drink 2022-2030
94 pts — Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate (June 28, 2022)
- Biodynamically farmed, like all Bodegas Bhilar’s vineyards La Abejera faces west and was planted in 1929 on limestone-rich soils. Partnering equal parts Tempranillo and Graciano with 10% each of Garnacha and Viura, it has clove and tobacco leaf aromas, impressive concentration, savoury, grippy tannins and layers of spicy red berry fruit. Drink 2024-29.
93 pts — Tim Atkin, Rioja Report 2023
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To reserve products arriving soon, send us an order form with the mention "reservation". We will contact you to confirm... and when the products arrive, we will inform you before anyone else!
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The products on order can be found here [PDF].
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We also accept special orders for rare products from our producers.
Do not hesitate to contact us to know more.
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The recently updated price list of available products can be found on our website.
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Support us by telling your friends about our amazing wines. Also, we'd appreciate to receive your comments on our Facebook page or on Instagram.
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Thanks for sharing our passion.
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