2007 200 Monges Seleccion Especial Blanco
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(70% viura, 20% malvasia, 5% garnacha blanca and 5% moscatel; fermented and aged in new French and American oak for 14 months, followed by another two years in stainless steel tanks): Bright yellow. Musky, powerfully scented aromas of orchard fruits, smoky lees, sweet butter and iodine. Weighty and round but lively, offering deep pear skin, nectarine, honey and floral flavors. The iodine note repeats strongly on the long, sappy, focusd finish.
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Josh Raynolds
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
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The maiden 2007 "200 Monges" Seleccion Especial Reserva Blanco is a selection of the finest lots or barrels, often those with a very slow fermentation (up to two months), which are subsequently aged for six months in new oak barrels. It has an arresting bouquet: creme brulee, nougat, Devonshire fudge and a touch of cappuccino all with superb freshness. The palate is very taut on the entry with racy acidity counterbalancing the honeyed richness of this Reserva. It is very complex with spicy notes emerging towards the finish of orange rind, pink grapefruit and ginger. This multi-faceted white Rioja should age gloriously. Drink now-2018. I am thankful that an apoplectic policeman that pulled over our vehicle for a seat belt violation (see introduction) eventually allowed me to continue on my journey to Vinicola Real. That was too minor a transgression to be denied winemaker Miguel Ruiz's excellent wines. He told me that his aim is to produce Reservas and Gran Reservas of great longevity, like his inspiration in Bordeaux. Here, the vines are certified organic. Miguel also has his only personal project: Tierra Antigua (see separate entry) but I will commence with their recently introduced "Urbion" range, where the aim to produce a quality, entry-level Riojas. Importer: Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA (Monges); The Marfa Group, Texas and HP Selections, NY (Urbion)