Cuentavinas Los Yelsones Rioja 2021 (750ml) *
Product price
$298.99
Description
Old-vine Tempranillo grown high above San Vicente de la Sonsierra gives this Rioja from Cuentavinas its backbone. The 2021 is pure Tempranillo from a single parcel planted in 1970 in the upper part of the village, sitting around 550 meters up on chalky clay soils studded with blocks of calcium carbonate the locals call "yelsones," the stones that lend the wine its name. Destemmed and fermented with native yeast, it spent eighteen months in French oak barrels, a longer, gentler vessel that shapes rather than dominates.
The nose is perfumed and floral, violets and cherry giving way to smoky red and black fruit, leather, a lift of Asian spice, and that graphite, lead-pencil edge. On the palate it manages to be both powerful and elegant, dry and juicy with a fine-grained, almost chalky texture and acidity that keeps everything fresh and lined up. The tannins are polished and the whole thing feels focused rather than heavy. There is charm here now, but its balance suggests it will reward patience over the next couple of decades.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Rioja Red Blend |
| Producer | Cuentavinas Los Yelsones |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
The 2021 Los Yelsones is aromatic, perfumed, hedonistic and floral, with a creamy twist that makes it very showy and impressive. It's a pure Tempranillo from a vineyard in San Vicente de la Sonsierra that was planted in 1970 in the higher part of the village, La Rad, at 550 meters above sea level. The soil has abundant blocks of calcium carbonate that they call "yelsones," which give the wine its name. Vintage after vintage, this seems to be the wine with more finesse and better-quality tannins. The destemmed grapes fermented with indigenous yeast and finished with selected ones, and the wine matured in 500-liter French oak barrels for 18 months. It has a rare combination of power and elegance, and it's textured, fresh and balanced. 1,962 bottles were filled in June 2022. (Wine Advocate, February 2024)
Smoky red and black fruits, leather, Asian spice, and lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2021 Los Yelsones, another riveting wine from this team. Based on all Tempranillo from a single vineyard planted in 1970, it's medium to full-bodied and has a pure, elegant, focused profile, wonderful tannins, and integrated acidity. It's another 2021 that already has loads of charm yet should evolve gracefully over the coming 20+ years. (Jeb Dunnuck, July 2024)
The 2021 Yelsones is 100% Tempranillo sourced from the Peciña Valley in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Rioja Alavesa. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, it boasts a purple sheen and unfolds enticing aromas of violets, cherry and herbs, with hints of grapefruit and mint. On the palate, it is dry, juicy and compact, with a chalky, fine-grained texture lifted by well-calibrated acidity. This wine, originating from the chalky clay soils of the Sonsierra, exemplifies Tempranillo's floral character in a nuanced and expressive manner, a testament to the thoughtful craftsmanship behind its winemaking. (Vinous)