2010 Calvo Casajus - Vendimia Seleccionada

The 2010 Casajus Vendimia Seleccionada comes from five vineyards. It is fermented in small stainless steel tanks and then aged in new and used Allier barrels for 14 months. It comes across more introverted on the nose compared to the Splendor, with broody dark berries and dried violets. The palate has a sorbet-like freshness on the entry, which belies the firm backbone to this wine. It sets you up for a nicely structured, reserved almost aloof finish that displays fine precision. This has real character and class. Drink now-2018. I was unfamiliar with the wines of Bodegas Calvo Casajus prior to my tasting them in Ribera del Duero – but what a superb set of wines! Here there was plenty of nuance, balance and expression of terroir that set them apart from their peers as they, often imbued with a Burgundy-like cashmere texture and startling purity. Plus they are, for the most part, very reasonably priced. Jose Alberto Calvo Casajus himself was a member of the local co-operative until 1993 as well as serving the vital role as the village baker in Quintana del Pidio. Is there no end to this man’s talents? Importer: Majuelas de Espana – “Casajus Antiguos Vinedos”, “Vendimia Seleccionada” and “Splendore” distributed by Frontier Wine Imports, Dover, NJ; tel. (973) 328-4500