Basilio Izquierdo “B de Basilio” Red 2008

The B de Basilio Red 2008 displays a brilliant, purple-hued ruby color. This suave, fruit encased red is brightly fragrant. Rich scents of black cherry and strawberry immediately greet you on the nose, followed by hints of clay and loam. The attack is supple, silky and juicy with additional notes of blackberry and raspberry. Fine, creamy oak tones emerge, adding roundness to the supple mouthfeel. Seamlessly integrated acidity and very fine ripe tannins provide structure. The long finish is capped by soft hints of spice and chewy strawberry. Suave and a pleasure to drink. WA 93

Basilio Izquierdo is a legendary Rioja winemaker, and after more than 32 years at CVNE he started his own personally inspired winery, Bodegas Basilio Izquierdo. His first wine was “B de Basilio”, both in a red and a white version, with only a small number of barrels of each made. He only uses grapes from old vine vineyards planted with massally selected vines pre-dating modern clones, which contributes to their character and complexity. Going back to earlier traditions he employs more Garnacha in the Red and Garnacha Blanca in the White, which lend a juicy, fruity suppleness to the Red and rich tropical notes to the White, respectively. However, underneath their fruit laden exteriors these wines offer beautiful and harmonious structure that makes them worthy of long aging. [More on Basilio Izquiredo]