Dehesa La GranjaJune 17, 2011I love good news! Who doesn't, especially when it involves top-rated, delicious Tempranillo from "Mr. Tempranillo", himself?
The legendary Alejandro Fernandez's Dehesa La Granja 2004 has now dropped in price to $20.00 btl.
If you are unfamiliar with this great man, read on...
Like many great winemakers, Alejandro Fernández, known
for Pesquera and Condado de Haza, pursued other careers before the
dream of running his own bodega was realized. He first worked as a
carpenter, then as a salesman, also as a designer of agricultural machinery
(he invented a beet-harvesting machine that we still use here in the
U.S.!). During all this time, however, he grew grapes on his own small
vineyard, using them to make wine for his own consumption.
In 1972 Alejandro's dream began to take shape, as he and his wife, Esperenza, licensed their bodega in the town of Pesquera in Ribera del Duero.
This estate now has over 500 acres of mature vineyard, situated on a
variety of different soils. Vinification includes total destemming,
maceration for up to twenty days and maturation in small oak barriques.
The wines are neither filtered nor cold-stabilized. Another important
note is that at each estate, it's always 100% Tempranillo, 100% of the
time...no blending!
Onward to Dehesa La Granja...loosely translated
"pasture on the range". This is Alejandro's third property in his
grupo. It's an amazing organic, self-sustaining farm ran by one of his
daughters (another daughter is the assistant winemaker). Deep caves
provide a cool, moist climate for the wines to develop VERY slowly in
both barrel and bottle. Hence, the current release of 2004. This is one
of those wines you might want to have a secret smile or nod or
handshake for; those who know, know and you can tell with the look in
their eyes. Dehesa La Granja. $20. btl.
The review:
Wine Advocate - 92 points
"The 2004 Dehesa la Granja offers similar but more expressive aromatics, is rounder and more supple on the palate, and has outstanding depth, concentration, and length. It is more forward than the 2003 but should offer a similar drinking window. It will be at its best from 2010-2020."
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