Mediante una cuenta atrás la revista estadounidense Wine Spectator ha comenzado a revelar algunos puestos de su lista de los cien mejores vinos del mundo. Una clasificación que despierta especial interés tanto por la influencia de esa publicación como por las actividades que organiza en torno a los vinos premiados. Entre otras, la Wine Spectator ‘s New York Experience que este año hubiera alcanzado su 40ª edición.
Un buen momento, mientras se da a conocer el resultado completo, para volver la vista atrás y comprobar qué vino español fue el mejor clasificado en cada una de las diez ediciones anteriores. En esa década dos bodegas, La Rioja Alta S. A. y Resalte, han firmado en dos ocasiones el vino español mejor situado. Y solo una, CVNE, ha conseguido, en el año 2013, ocupar el primer puesto de la lista.
Año | Puesto | Bodega | Vino | Cosecha | Puntuación | PVP en EE. UU.
2019 – 13º Bodegas Artevino Rioja Orben 2016 95 $32
This big red has a muscular structure, but the flavors are finely detailed, with black cherry, leafy, licorice and smoke notes mingling over sturdy tannins. Harmonious, showing depth and elegance. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,486 cases made, 500 cases imported. —TM
2018 – 4º La Rioja Alta Rioja 890 Gran Reserva Selección Especial 2005 95 $175
Cedar and sandalwood aromas give way to flavors of tea, tobacco, dried cherry, forest floor and orange peel in this expressive red. Round on the palate, supported by muscular tannins and juicy acidity. Big but graceful, mature yet lively, in the traditional style. Drink now through 2030. 4,753 cases made. —TM
2017 – 17º Volver Alicante Tarima Hill Old Vines 2015 92 $17
This red shows grace and depth. Black cherry, plum, mineral and smoke flavors mingle harmoniously over well-integrated tannins, while lively acidity keeps this focused. Not showy, but all the pieces fit together. Balanced, in the modern style. Drink now through 2025. 10,000 cases made. —TM
2016 – 12º Abadía Retuerta Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Selección Especial Sardón de Duero 2012 93 $28
A polished texture carries harmonious flavors of black cherry, cola, licorice and mineral in this focused red. Well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity lend this a balanced structure. Reserved but deep. Drink now through 2022. 31,150 cases made. —TM
2015 – 6º Bodegas Aalto Ribera del Duero 2012 94 $54
This red shows focus and density, with rich flavors of plum, blackberry, cocoa, licorice and mineral. The structure is muscular but graceful, featuring ripe fruit complemented by savory notes that keep this balanced and fresh. Best from 2016 through 2032. 2,400 cases imported. —TM
2014 – 34º La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva 2005 92 $30
This traditional red offers dried cherry, orange peel, tobacco and sanguine flavors in a silky texture, supported by light, firm tannins and balsamic acidity. Focused and fresh, with a juicy finish. Drink now. 50,000 cases made. —TM
2013 – 1º Cune Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 2004 95 $63
Firm and a bit austere, this red shows depth and drive, with chewy tannins supporting plum, tobacco, licorice and mineral flavors. The structure is solid but the wine remains fresh. Maturing now, this has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2024. 4,000 cases made. —TM
2012 – 33º Can Blau Montsant Blau 2009 91 $12
Dense yet lively, this expressive red shows morello cherry, floral, licorice and mineral flavors supported by light, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Mountain herb and smoke notes keep this from turning candied, but the sweet fruit lingers nicely. Drink now through 2016. 6,500 cases made. —TM
2011 – 23º Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel Ribera del Duero de Restia Crianza Selected Harvest 2004 93 $15
This maturing red is beautifully balanced, with fresh, ripe fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry, and deeper notes of cedar, tobacco, mineral and spice. The firm tannins are softening, yet this remains fresh and focused through the long finish. Tempranillo. Drink now through 2015. 5,000 cases made. —TM
2010 – 26º Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel Ribera del Duero Crianza 2005 94 $35
Fresh and focused, this firm red delivers ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit, backed by espresso and licorice accents, finishing with alluring notes of sous-bois and mineral. Offers depth and drive. Drink now through 2016. 5,000 cases made. —TMMás información: https://top100.winespectator.com
Foto: Evan Fitzer (Unsplash)