SPAIN, la Rioja
Since 1870, a period spanning five generations, the Eguren family has been dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the production and ageing of the best wines of La Rioja. Among their most iconic labels are Amancio, El Bosque and Sierra Cantabria Colección Privada, along with Organza white and Sierra Cantabria Cuvée red.
Winemaker
“ Viñedos y Bodegas Sierra Cantabria was founded by Guillermo Eguren, a self-made bodeguero and viticulturist. His family had grown grapes in Rioja Alavesa since the 1870s. Today, the fourth generation of the Eguren family directs all aspects of the winemaking process, with Marcos Eguren as winemaker and his brother Miguel Angel Eguren as general manager. They are viticulturists first, and as a result, all of the grapes are estate-grown. ”
“Above all, we are grape growers.”
Winemaking
In order to create internationally famous wines, you need personal effort, knowledge and passion as well of the earth and the complicity of the weather.
Collection
The wines from the Château la Tour de l’Evêque are full-bodied and mineral.
RED WINE
Information
100% Tempranillo from 30+ year old vineyards. Traditional winemaking, 100% destemmed. 18 months in Bordelaise barrels of 50% French and 50% American oak. Age of barrels: 20% new oak and 80% maximum 3 wines-barrel.
Tasting notes
Intense cherry. Toasty nose of oak with light traces of fine reduction (tobacco and cedar), ripe fruit with varietal expression, Light floral traces (petals). Rounded palate, flavoursome, elegant, spicy and toasty back aroma.
Rewards
Wine Advocate: 92 points
Wine Enthusiast: 93 points
Peñín: 93 points
RED WINE
Information
One winery, one single estate, one variety, one wine…
100%Tempranillo Peludo.
San Vicente breaks moulds, carving the way for the rest of the new classics.
Tasting notes
Garnet red cherry. Delicate nose, good reduction and toasty creamy notes with rich liquorice flavours and mountain herbs in this generous red, offering and elegant palate, fresh with well integrated tannins and a smooth finish.
Rewards
Peñín Guide 2021: 95 points
Wine Advocate: 93 points
Stephen Tanzer’s: 95 points
James Suckling: 99 points
RED WINE
Information
The Eguren family strove to produce a world class wine from the miniscule Finca La Nieta, a vineyard with shallower, poorer soils, and a superior microclimate than the neighboring El Puntido vineyard. The product is Viñedos de Páganos’ flagship wine, La Nieta. The Eguren family wanted to use this vineyard to display the subtlety and elegance that Tempranillo can represent, and they have achieved this with La Nieta.
Tasting notes
Intense cherry. La Nieta displays aromas of mineral notes, ripe fruit leading to a full-bodied, voluminous, intense wine, with structure and an outstanding balance.
Rewards
Wine Advocate, Robert Parker: 96+
Tim Atkin: 98
Proensa: 100
Peñín Guide 2021: 97 points
