Bodegas Cornelio Rioja Alta Crianza Seleccion Autor 2018

RIOJA!!! And not just any old Rioja (though old Rioja is pretty spectacular!) – I’m talking 95 POINTS, excellent four-star vintage, and one revered, iconic producer. Toss in our simply MIRACULOUS price and I got me a case of the spins that even a late-night Denny’s trip can’t tame!

Cornelio Dinastia, good people!!! Sure, the name sounds like the return of a sugar OD’d Beavis run amuck, but never mind that. 8 generations of farming La Rioja, ORGANIC farming, and a growing reputation as one of the top wineries in all of Spain!!! The big brother of this wine, made in the exact same style from younger (but still over 40 yr. old vines), in the very same 2018 vintage, was named by Decanter as one of the Top 50 Wines in the World!!!! No two ways ‘bout it – this sounds like a $65 bottle at LEAST! But this is the Last Bottle universe, where we turn numbers like that upside down!! OVER 50% OFF!

We don’t get a lot of Crianza Rioja in general, but lately, it seems as though some of Spain’s top producers are shying away from the extra-aging Gran Riserva designation. The freshness, the purity, that “nowhere to hide the terroir” attitude is changing the conversation around Rioja wines – and in this case, at least – I’m HERE for it! This one stopped us in our tracks when we tasted it a few weeks back…and we all knew – like the way my right knee feels an oncoming storm – we simply HAD to have it!

I mean…ONLY $26?!?! For a winery that absolutely ran circles around the competition at the last Decanter World Wine Awards? This is just wicked. Seductively floral, with this hibiscus, lilac, and rose petal bouquet, followed by an onrush of cranberry tea, and fresh-picked strawberries, with red currants, this earthy, dusty clay accent, and then more raspberries and red fruits, finishing on this dried and savory herb note – thyme, oregano, white pepper, bay laurel, star anise…so GOOD! Warm and silky texture throughout, with a bit of that deceptive “old man” strength, tons of secondary spice (smoked paprika?), and even a touch of licorice too. Almost CdP-esque with a nice balance of ripe red fruits, considerable spice, and savory roasted herbs. This is balanced and beautiful, with a very expressive minerality that lingers long after each sip. I love it. You’ll love it. 

Fascinating and terrifically complex and delish – and that was just ONE glass! I loaded up on this – earmarking two bottles already for Independence Day celebrations. A swig of this and a bite of my not-quite-famous pork belly burnt ends? Just…stop it! Anywho…the price!! 40-plus-year-old vines from Rioja Alta, on land tended by over 8 generations of the fantastic Bodegas Cornelio Dinastía family – rightfully nabbing 95 POINTS for the INSANELY low price of just $26…that…THAT is how we do! Move with speed, good people – this won’t last long!!

** My go-to here for this wine is an Andalusian Chorizo and Chickpea Stew…garlicky, meaty, sweet, and savory – this one-pot wonder takes me back to my globe-hopping days in the south of Spain. The local village where I first had this served me some fermented goat’s milk alongside it. Trust me – this Rioja is a FAR better way to go. **