Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW
A CONSISTENTE PERFORMANCE for Spain, with the classic regions – Rioja above all and then Ribera del Duero, Priorat and other Catalonian appellations – retaining the lead in terms of Platiniums and medals. But other Spanish wines are slowly but firmly establishing their place in the hierarchy. Producers from Galicia, Toro and Rueda again improved, while Cava consolidated the progress in made last year. I thought the results of the Serry category in 2015 couldn’t be bettered. I was wrong. Of 100 wines tasted, only two got no award. The average quality is so high that some Silvers would have got Golds in a less competitive context.
95 CVNE, Imperial Gran Reserva, Rioja (2009)
Berry Bros & Rudd, Hailsham Cellar, Hedonism, Noble Green, Tanners, Whole Foods
Enticing nose of dark chocolate, liquorice and baked blackberries, refined by smoky oak. The palate is rich and complex with powerful black and red fruit, seductive cinnamon and clove with leather and chocolate on the finish.