Artadi Viña El Pisón 2001

In the heart of Rioja Alavesa, in the lands of the beautiful medieval town of Laguardia, is Artadi, one of Spain's most acclaimed wineries today. Artadi's wines are now among Spain's best, and much of that success is down to the work of visionary producer Juan Carlos López de Lacalle.

The Wine Advocate
RP (96–100)
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

El Pison is a 100% Tempranillo cuvée from a single vineyard planted in 1945. The soil is pure limestone, yields are low, between 18 and 22 hectolitres per hectare, and the wine ages for 18 to 24 months in French oak barrels. The potentially perfect 2001 El Pison has more of everything. Although it shows extraordinary flavour intensity, it stays light and elegant on the palate.

Deep cherry-ruby with violet-brown glints.

Aromas of good intensity, with very ripe, highly concentrated fruit of several kinds, prominent white and sweet spices, liquorice, good toasty notes, minerals, and floral and undergrowth nuances. The expression and complexity of the fruit on the nose are excellent: captivating, elegant and of high quality.

On the palate it's tasty and powerful, with a velvety, expressive, long and very complex texture. It has a strong structure, lively and very refined tannins, and a magnificent retronasal aroma echoing all the sensations of the impressive nose. The finish is also very long and persistent, fruity and spicy.