At this point, it’s no secret that Spain, specifically Ribera del Duero for me, has been producing magnificent wines for longer than you and I have been on this earth. For several generations, the Calvo Casajus family has produced quality wine in extremely limited quantities and has saved them in underground cellars, mostly for their own enjoyment. But in 1993, Jose Alberto Calvo Casajus founded Bodegas J. A. Casajus Calvo, using modern, more advanced techniques, but always keeping with the family traditions. Up until recently, they went unrecognized globally and were known only locally for producing magnificent wines. That is until Neal Martin from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate had the opportunity to taste through the wines. I enjoyed a bottle this week that I paired with my slow cooked short ribs recipe. When it comes to value, Bodegas Casajus Calvo delivers two-fold! This is a perfect wine to pour over the holidays or to gift to the wine lover in your life.
2009 BODEGAS J A CALVO CASAJUS ANTIGUOS VINEDOS – 95 Points only $34.95
“The 2009 Antiguos Vinedos comes from four small plots cropped at 3,500 kilogram per hectare, a selection of old vines then raised in new and used oak for 14 months. It has a startlingly fresh bouquet with wild strawberry, raspberry leaf and crushed stone, straight out of the mid-slope of Burgundy (in a warm vintage!) The palate is medium-bodied and very tightly wound – you can feel the tension in this wine. The finish is actually curt and abrupt, but you can sense it unfurling with time and there is a lovely spicy touch on the aftertaste that keeps you coming back. Sublime. Drink now-2020.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate