Wine Advocate (97)

No 2017 was produced, so after the 2016 I tasted a while ago, we jump to the 2018 La Dama, vinified by Enrique Basarte and Elisa Úcar and blended and bottled by Raúl Pérez, the new owner of the project. They always look for a more delicate expression of Garnacha from selected stonier plots of old head-pruned and dry-farmed vines in the village of San Martín de Unx that are worked organically and biodynamically but are not certified. The wine is stunning, elegant and aromatic, with depth, complexity and grip. It's incredibly young and expressive and doesn't show its age at all; it has a refined nose and is quite fruit-driven and floral, with very integrated oak (like never before), supple flavors and very fine tannins. It has good ripeness and contained alcohol (13.8%) and good freshness and acidity (with a pH of 3.46 and 6.3 grams of tartaric). 10,000 bottles were filled in October 2022.

Indulge in the sumptuous experience of Oxer Marko 2021, exclusively crafted at the esteemed basque winery of Oxer Bastegieta. Located in Artadi, Spain, this boutique winery has produced a remarkable vintage, utilising age-old traditions complemented by innovative techniques. Exquisitely grown on calcium-rich clay and limestone soils, the hand-picked Hondarribi Zuri grapes are meticulously vinified via indigenous fermentation, yielding a wine that is resplendent with complexity and refinement.

The hearty essence of the Oxer Marko 2021 manifests impressive freshness, tangibility on the palate, with distinct notes of green apple, citrus, and blooming white flowers. This bottle encapsulates the essence of its terroir, reflecting the geographic singularity of its birthplace. Recommended for discerning connoisseurs, this captivating blend marvelously exemplifies Bastegieta's dedication to superior viticulture and relentless pursuit of perfection. The Oxer Marko 2021 is an unparalleled ode to Spanish wine-making majesty.

Thoughtfully crafted in the heart of the Basque Country, Oxer Marko Gure Arbasoak 2022 exhibits an exquisite bond between tradition and modern winemaking techniques. Produced by the renowned Oxer Bastegieta, a devoted biodynamic practitioner, it is predominant with autochthonous varietals, lending it an authentic regional character. This wine reflects Bastegieta's strategy to achieve the ultimate expression of the terroir, with sustainable viticulture principles enacted meticulously across Marko's 4 hectares estate.

Fermented naturally with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels, the Oxer Marko Gure Arbasoak 2022 unfurls a complex, yet delicately balanced palette. Expect enticing notes of fresh fruit interwoven with subtle spicy undertones and a lingering mineral finish. Its old vine grapes contribute to the inherent depth and intensity, while the refreshing acidity maintains the wine's elegant structure.

A stellar representation of the Basque artisanal wine scene, the Oxer Marko Gure Arbasoak 2022 can't fail to captivate connoisseurs seeking a unique, hedonistic experience.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2021 Señora de Las Alturas comes from an ancient plot on the gravel and silt soils on the banks of the Alhama River that they call Pontigos that also produces their wine Lecciones de Vuelo that is a collaboration with a different winemaker every year. It fermented in open 1,000-liter pools with 5% Garnacha Blanca followed by malolactic and 15 months' élevage in second use 500-liter French oak barrels. It has moderate ripeness, a medium-bodied palate, moderate alcohol (13.66%) and very fine tannins. There is a turn toward finesse and elegance in all the wines, and it is also noticeable here. This is a wine that feels very consistent too. It's serious and balanced, with elegant notes of flowers, berries and herbs and super fine gained tannins. Superb, and as with many wines, this is their finest vintage to date. 2,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023.

Wine Advocate - Robert Parker (95+)

The 2019 Punto de Fuga Corral del Mate is from their joint venture with Matías Michelini from Argentina. It comes from a 0.53-hectare plot within the paraje Corral de los Altos on limestone, schist and alluvial soils and was fermented with 100% full clusters in 1,000-liter vats and matured in a used 500-liter oak barrel for 15 months. It has the finesse of the Lecciones de Vuelo and the ripeness and depth of the Señora de las Alturas, so it's quite complete with the purity and freshness that seems to define their style, with imperceptible oak and varietal character but with great complexity and nuance. It's medium-bodied and reveals very fine, chalky tannins and terrific balance, finishing dry with the limestone sensation. A wine to convince terroir deniers... Only 660 bottles of this low-yielding vintage were filled in July 2021.