Ruben’s vineyard holdings are scattered throughout Montelaturce, the highest growing area in Rioja, and overlook the entire region. The long hang-time the grapes have on the vines due to the cool summer nights mean deep color, highly concentrated fruit, as well as rich aromatics and flavors. The Cueto Selección is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, and 5% Garnacha and the entire harvest was done by hand. The ’05 was harvested in mid-September and the grapes were macerated for 10 days and then left on the lees for 15 days, which adds to the wine’s concentration. The wine spends a fair amount of time in large French oak before it is bottled and the wood lends the wine a firm, yet elegant structure.

From the outstanding 2005 vintage, this wine is deep ruby in color with black ink and purple highlights along the rim of the glass. Loads of fresh red berry fruit and well integrated oak dominate the nose. The palate is ultra-smooth and balanced with a strikingly silky dark cherry core, notes of sweet plum and suggestions of vanilla, cedar, smoke and briar patch. This sleek and fruit forward entry is an impressive Rioja bargain.

—Donald

“The 2005 Cueto Seleccion is a modern-styled Rioja that offers outstanding value. It is a blend of 60% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 15% Mazuelo, and 5% Graciano aged 8 months in French and American oak and bottled unfiltered. Saturated purple in color, it emits toast, vanilla, and wild blue and blackberry scents. Medium to full-bodied, it has layers of mouth-filling black fruits leading to a long, pure finish.” —WA 90