The climb up towards the beautiful vineyards of Briñas, at the foot of the Toloño mountains, is gentle and steady. From the banks of the Ebro river to the start of the rugged hills, the gradient is negotiated at a leisurely pace to reach the plots that produce the grapes for the Conde de los Andes wines.
This physical ascent through the landscape of vineyards and mountains serves as a metaphor for the recognition that Conde de los Andes is gaining: increasingly more prestigious and numerous awards, following a gradual progress that, over time, is placing us in the position that the quality of our wines deserves.
The Suckling points, published by the renowned and dynamic American wine critic James Suckling, are the last stage of this climb. These are his scores and comments.
WHITE WINES
Conde de los Andes Blanco 2017
Dried lemons, salted olives, smoked almonds, jasmine, licorice and dill on the nose. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Smoky, spicy and umami. So vinous and concentrated. Long. Viura. Drink now.
93 pts
Conde de los Andes Blanco 2016
Dried citrus, cherry blossom, grilled almonds and apples make for a very subtle and suave nose. Very taut and citrusy on the minerally palate, which is sleek and well structured. Drink now.
92 pts
Conde de los Andes Colección Histórica Blanco 2016
Straw color with intense aromas of dried apricot, salted lemon, pineapple, smoked nuts and hay. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a concentrated, smoky and umami palate. Salty and richly flavored, yet with a fresh feel, despite being such an old release. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
93 pts
Conde de los Andes Capítulo I. Malvasía 2016
Dried pineapple, cooked apple, cinnamon, green olive, honeycomb and salted almond on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with tangy acidity and a waxy, salty and mineral character. Intense, textured and long. Drink now, or hold for even more intensity.
93 pts
RED WINES
Conde de los Andes 2016
A fragrant tempranillo with notes of dark cherries, mulberries, tomato leaves, cedar and sweet spices. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. Dark, with a chalky texture and a savory finish. Drink or hold.
91 pts
Conde de los Andes Capítulo II. Garnacha 2016
An intense, almost spirity nose of dark plums, mulberries, licorice, incense and cigar box. Full-bodied with grainy tannins. Big and fleshy. Drink or hold.
91 pts
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