2005 Alto Moncayo Aquilon  $139.99

2005 Alto Moncayo Moncayo  $39.99

2005 Alto Moncayo Veraton  $26.99

Bodegas Alto Moncayo, the story

This winery in Campo de Borja, an area east of Navarra,  is a partnership between U.S.-based importer Jorge Ordoñez, Australian winemaker Chris Ringland and Borsao, a local bodega. It debuted with the 2002 vintage, and every year the wines have improved. They are dense, ripe reds based on low-yield Garnacha, made with traditional methods, but aged in new oak.

Three Garnacha wines are made here.  The top of the line Aquilon, the mid priced Moncayo, and the entry level Veraton.  The wines are rich, layered, and intense, and have great potential for aging. 

Spain cultivates more acres of vineyards than any other country in Europe. Its bodegas make bold, age worthy reds, fresh dry whites and distinctive sparkling wines, along with the many styles and flavors of Sherry, the country's unique fortified wine. With a strong foundation rooted in history and tradition, and a string of excellent vintages to build on, Spain is off to a great start in this new century.

Reviews for the wines of Moncayo;

“The 2005 Aquilon has a splendid perfume of slate, violets, and cherry compote. There is beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, a smooth texture, layers of flavor, and exceptional length. There is enough structure to support 6-8 years of cellaring and it will provide pleasure through 2030.”  97 points, Wine Advocate.

“The 2005 Alto Moncayo is a selection of older Garnacha vineyards. Purple colored, it is more expressive aromatically with enticing aromas of pain grille, spice box, floral notes, black cherry and black raspberry. Richer, more layered, and intense, this superb effort has a 60+ second finish. Give it 2-3 years to unfurl and drink it through 2020.”  95 points, Wine Advocate

“The 2005 Alto Moncayo Veraton is 100% Garnacha aged in new French and American oak for 17 months. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits an alluring nose of toasty new oak, mineral, spice box, black cherry, and black raspberry. This leads to a wine bordering on opulence, with layers of fruit, some structure, and a long, pure finish. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.”  93 points, Wine Advocate