88 points: Robert Parker
A deep red colour, dense and bright in appearance. Aromas of red fruits (cherry and strawberry) with mineral and floral notes. A luscious palate of strawberry and cranberry flavours supply a sweetness that contrasts with the pleasant acidity. Elegant and fruity with a long finish.
Enjoy with grilled meats, dry cheeses, orange sauces, fondues, paella, Italian and spicy dishes.
Fermentation takes place in concrete vessels with 9 months ageing in both concrete and oak thereafter.
"A beautiful perfume of raspberries, crushed rocks, black cherries, tobacco leaf and earth soars from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-tinged wine. Medium-bodied with sweet tannin, decent acidity and a fresh finish, it is meant to be enjoyed over the next several years." Robert Parker, 88 points.
Jay Miller, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, on the 2010 vintage: "Exopto Cellars’ purple-coloured 2010 Bozeto de Exopto is a blend of 50% Garnacha, 40% Tempranillo, and 10% Graciano aged in oak for 9 months. Aromas of crushed pepper, balsam wood, violets, cinnamon, and blackberry inform the nose of a sweetly-fruited, vibrant, well-balanced Rioja. It can be approached now but has the stuffing to fill out for another 1-2 years. This outstanding value will deliver plenty of enjoyment through 2018+." 90+ points
Bodegas Exopto was founded in 2003 in La Rioja by Bordeaux native Tom Puyaubert. Tom arrived in Spain at the beginning of 2000 to settle in La Rioja and increase sales for a famous French cooperage. In daily contact with the best winemakers in Spain, he became enthralled with La Rioja, its vineyards, culture and whole way of life. Now he expresses the region's character through a range of distinctive, original white and red wines.
The main idea behind the project is to produce different wines within the historical context of La Rioja: wines with more colour and freshness, better fruit expression and a finer contribution from the oak. All the red wines produced at Bodegas Exopto are blends of the three principal Rioja grape varieties. Depending on the type of wine, Garnacha will be used for its fruit, Graciano for its freshness and Tempranillo for its structure.
Bodegas Exopto, located in Laguardia, demonstrates to perfection a complex balance between modern and traditional winemaking: the various parcels of vineyards are aged between 30 and 90 years and the winery’s tanks are made of oak and concrete, traditional and very fine quality materials that allow the wine to express itself and develop a great complexity of aromas and flavours.
90+ points: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2010 vintage)
Bronze Medal: Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 (2010 vintage)
