Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques 2018 (750ML)

93 Points, Zachys Buying Team: ""An absolutely thrilling value from one of Spain's greatest winemakers, Raul Perez. The nose starts off dark and rich, yet has a dusty, earth tone that ties it all together. Showing youthful on the palate right now, it's fruit profile leans more towards blueberry and cassis, with lively acidity and tremendous texture. This will evolve quite nicely, and is a tremendous match for summer BBQ." 04/20

93+ Points, Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The truly impressive 2018 Ultreia Saint Jacques transcends its price category. They destemmed more grapes because they fermented it in the oak vats they bought from Vega Sicilia to use in the new winery, where it macerated for two months and then matured in used barrels for nine to 10 months. The secret is to use very good grapes from very good vineyards. The wine is clean, precise and fresh, and the oak is super-subtle, almost unnoticeable. The palate reflects a fluid wine of pleasure, a red of thirst. This is the wine where they have invested more, and 2018 has to be the finest vintage to date. They did 150,000 bottles of this in the outstanding 2018 vintage. It was bottled in October/November 2019." 6/20

92 Ponts, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Bright ruby. Cherry, pungent flowers and baking spices on the fragrant nose, along with a hint of gaminess. Appealingly sweet and seamless in texture, offering juicy dark berry, cherry cola and floral pastille flavors that pick up a minerally nuance with air. Shows very good clarity and spicy thrust on the persistent finish, which is framed by supple, even tannins. (Drink between 2021-2026)" 6/21