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OVERVIEW
The Amézola estate encompasses 60 hectares of mature vines overlooking the confluence of the Najerilla and Ebro Rivers in the heart of Rioja Alta. It is a unique Rioja property for the diversity it contains within close geographical proximity—from chalky-clay vineyard terraces at the summit of Cerro San Quiles to limestone and gravelly parcels over 100 meters below. The late-ripening Graciano is planted in low-lying limestone where relative warmth accelerates grape maturation, while the early-ripening Tempranillo achieves its optimum concentration and acidity in the fresher and more ventilated high parcels.
The introduction of Viña Amézola in the US features a wine specifically conceived to express this diversity of terroir. It is the 'Essence of Amézola' in the purest 'château' sense, and a classic by definition—reflected in an elegantly subtle label design. 93% Tempranillo from San Quiles provides finesse, floral notes and firm acidity, while Graciano contributes strength, color and nerve.
After 28 days' maceration the wine undergoes partial malo-lactic in barrel and is aged ten months in 50% French and 50% American oak that is two to three years old. Enjoyable on release, Viña Amézola also will age gracefully in bottle for a decade or more.
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HISTORY
Amézola de la Mora is a branch of the noble Manso de Zúñiga lineage of Torremontalbo, a family that played a critical role in the advent of modern Rioja. Anchoring the property are the ancestral subterranean cellars and bodega dating from the mid-19th century—a pioneering Spanish ‘château.’
The post-modern era at Amézola began in 1987 with expansion of facilities and resumption of winemaking by brothers Iñigo and Javier Amézola. Iñigo’s daughters María and Cristina have guided the property since 2006, capably assisted by winemaking consultant Georges Pauli, who served previously as head enologist at Château Gruaud-Larose and other fine French estates.
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PRESS
Viña Amézola (2010) - "Third Growth. 2015 Rioja Classification."
Tim Atkin MW, , Feb 1, 2016
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Viña Amézola (2010) - "Saturated ruby. Smoky red and dark berries on the nose and palate, with suave vanilla and spicecake qualities adding complexity. Fleshy and smooth, with a hint of cracked pepper coming up on the back half and adding cut. Silky tannins give shape and grip to the long, sweet finish, with the vanilla and smoke notes echoing. "
90 Points
Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sep 1, 2014
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