The grapes for this wine come from the vineyard El Puntido, 25 Ha (61.74 acres), in Paganos-Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa at an altitude of 600 meters (1,970 feets). The soils are franc-clay texture and clay-limestone composition. The vineyard was planted in 1975 with high density plantings on trellis and yields 28 Hl/ Ha. (295 gal/acre), and is organic fertilized every 2 years. Carefully hand-harvested in boxes, from the last week of October 2005, only perfectly healthy, ripe grapes were chosen with additional selection made in the winery using a double sorting table.
Oaky on the nose with notes of red currant and dark raspberry. Creamy body of delicious cherry, plum and cassis fruit above soft vanilla. A very pretty wine, with long length and amazing complexity and balance.
critical acclaim:
"Our wine of the year in 2007 (the ’04 El Puntido) is back with a vengeance in the 2005 vintage. This is a deep-fruited modern specimen with that elusive mix of floral, fruit and meaty characteristics. The palate is ripe and everlasting, with berry, coffee and hickory flavors. Long and calm on the finish, with amazing texture. An excellent encore to the prior year’s achievement."
95 Points
Wine Enthusiast
"The 2005 El Puntido is 100% Tempranillo sourced from a vineyard of the same name planted in 1975. Malolactic fermentation was sur lie in new French oak for four months followed by 18 months in new French barriques. Purple/black-colored with a brooding nose of great promise, it shows off notes of new oak, crushed stone, scorched earth, roasted herbs, incense, and blackberry. Voluminous yet elegant on the palate, it is mouth-filling and rich with gobs of fruit and plenty of ripe tannin. Give this lengthy effort 6-8 years of cellaring and drink it from 2016 to 2030. "
94 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Bright ruby color. Vibrant red and dark berry aromas are deepened by pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and smoky minerals. Very fresh on the palate, offering spicy raspberry and cherry flavors, silky tannins and a late note of floral pastille. Became livelier and spicier with air, taking a distinct turn to red fruits on the long, juicy finish. Very nicely balanced."
92 Points
International Wine Cellar
"This red is supple and silky, with subtle but intense flavors of berries, licorice, vanilla and smoke. It's lively, with gentle but supportive tannins and a perfumed finish. Graceful and expressive. Drink now through 2015."
91 Points
Wine Spectator
