The February 2015 issue of Wine & Spirits features a new review of the “Year’s Best” wines. The Artisan Collection is proud to announce some outstanding ratings for our portfolio. Of the 19 “Best Buys” in the Spain category, The Artisan Collection represents 4.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the wines listed below.

Year's Best Catalan Wines

2013 Vinicola del Priorat Onix Classic Blanc (Best Buy) 94 Points

"Grown in licorella soils in the hills of Gratallops, this is a blend of macabeo (60 percent) with garnacha blanca (35 percent) and pedro ximenez. It has a delicate scent that brings to mind flor, the layer of lees that protects sherry as it ages in cask. The flavors are nutty and creamy with powerful richness, then the wine tightens up in the finish, where it ends fresh and crisp, calling you back for another sip."

2012 Vinicola del Priorat Onix Classic (Best Buy) 93 Points

"Half garnacha, half carinena, this is youthfully juicy. Generous in red fruit, rich in spice, what dominates here is the mineral sensation, a tannic edge that brings to mind the licorella soil, roughing up the texture while charming in its nerve. This is particularly well priced, and particularly great with wild boar."

2013 Vinicola del Priorat Clos Gebrat (Best Buy) 92 Points

"A blend of garnacha (40 percent) and carinena (35 percent) with merlot, syrah, and cabernet, this is focused on bright red fruit. Whatever wood influence is there has lost the battle, taking a second postion to the fruit, which feels a little rustic and wild. Its tannins are set for steak tartare."

Read more about Vinicola Del Priorat here!

Year's Best Rhone

2011 Lunar Apoge Lirac 90 Points

“Christian Leperchois started farming organically at Domaine des Carabiniers in 1977 and has moved the vineyards for Lunar Apoge to biodynamics (certified by Demeter). This one comes from his 37 acres in the sandy, pebbly soils of Lirac, the youngest vines 32 years old. In 2011, those vines gave a juicy, generous wine that’s still amazingly fresh, the fruit vibrantly purple and lively. With the air it gains detail-an earthy depth, an herbal scent-yet the vibrancy never fades."