Robert Parker, Jr.-Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.   "The 2009 Montebuena is 100% Tempranillo. Dark ruby-colored, it offers an appealing perfume of spice box, leather, tobacco, and blackberry. On the palate it is packed with ripe fruit, has outstanding concentration, and impeccable balance. It is a great bargain that offers a sneak preview of the great 2009 vintage in Rioja and northern Spain in general. It should drink well for 6-8 years." Apr 2010

Winery:  "This is a wine that epitomizes the great values coming out of Rioja - especially the 2009's. In a nutshell, it has a brilliant deep ruby red color, fruity aromas, and a refined, lush flavor. On the nose, it has a spicy vanilla bouquet and is smooth and fruity in the mouth with some well-integrated secondary nuances, full-flavored and a persistent pleasant finish. Produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes, which are hand harvested. This wine has a real expansive, smooth mouthfeel, and structure which allows it to drink above its price."

Wired For Wine:  Talk about bang for your Spanish buck, winelovers!!  This Montebuena Rioja Tempranillo is a great example of the fantastic 2009 vintage coming out of Rioja and northern Spain.  Que bueno!  Let's stop wasting time talking and get to the drinking, shall we?  Pour your first glass of this deep ruby delicious and set out a mouth-watering platter of fried squash blossoms stuffed with buffalo mozzarella and anchovies.  The lovely concentration of this Rioja will be the perfect holiday partner.  Or, offer a first course of salad with roasted red and yellow beets, fresh ricotta, toasted pistachios and a good balsamico.  The tang of the vinegar will awaken the spice in this Montebuena, while the beets will bring out the ripe fruit.  Moving on the the entree, the incredible versatility of this gorgeous Tempranillo allows it to pair with a myriad of meats from poultry to game to lamb.  The smooth fruit in this Spanish red is a natural with slow-roasted pork belly with baby fennel and caramelized apple.  Grilled lamb chops with a crispy artichoke salad on the side will bring out the earthy notes of this terrific Tempranillo.  If your choice is classic and simple, butterfly and grill some cornish hens, and serve them with a puree of carrots made with creme fraiche and a pinch of curry.  Catch your breath, and for the last course, put out a Spanish Los Beyos cheese.  It's dense, rustic and tangy, or perfecto for the Montebuena.  Ole, baby!

Size:  750ml
Varietal:  100% Tempranillo
Alcohol:  13.5%
Region:   La Rioja, Spain