A splurge no more thanks to the great Costco price, we review the 12 Linajes Reserva from Bodegas Gormaz.
Tempranillo from 80- to 100-year-old vines in the province of Soria in Ribera del Duero, Spain.
The vineyards are at an elevation of around 3,000 feet. 25% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. The whole wine is aged 24 months in 70% new French oak, 15% one year use American oak and 15% two year use American oak plus at least 18 months in bottle.
The 12 Linajes Reserva has an SRP of $65 with most sellers in the $35-$40 range but we picked it up at Costco for just $19.99. It is imported by Vinamericas.
From the winery:
A unique wine from old vines which allows a true expression of the terroir. The grapes are carefully selected to ensure this highly individual wine.
One of the 12 original members of the Ribera del Duero Appellation, Bodegas Gormaz was founded in 1972. Widely known in Spain as one of the top quality brands in the region, 12 Linajes is made using only grapes from the oldest vines in Bodegas Gormaz's estate.
The name makes reference to the 12 families (lineages) that got together in 1979 to establish the Ribera del Duero D.O., one of the world's finest and home to Spain's most sough-after wines.
Gormaz's vineyards are located in the province of Soria at altitudes ranging from 845 to 960 meter above sea-level (2,780 - 3,150 feet). 12 Linajes' wines have been made since 1999 by Maria Jose Garcia Moreno, an agricultural engineer with a master's degree in viticulture and enology, and one of the pioneer female winemakers in Spain.
Bottled and Produced by Vinedos y Bodegas Gormaz
14.5% Alcohol
The 2017 12 Linajes Reserva begins with a pleasing aroma of dark fruit, some spice and some floral notes. It's quite nice but it does need some time to breathe to fully open up.
Tasting reveals good structure and good balance with similar flavors to the nose. Smooth, dense and chewy in the mouth, there's plenty of dark juicy fruit and spice to enjoy.
It ends very long, dry, grippy, chewy and juicy! It was just as good on day 2.
This is still just a baby so give it plenty of time to breathe if you drink it now. It would be interesting to try this one again in about 5 years as I feel like it will be even better, perhaps even quite a bit better.
Looking for more of our favorite Tempranillo under $20? Browse our multi-page listing along with more information on this excellent variety!
You can also find more of our favorite wines from Costco here.
