Before the year 2023 is over, I would like recommend some wines I have tried in the past months. Some weeks ago I had dinner in Haramboure, the new restaurant run by Patxi Zumárraga and Patricia Haramboure. You won’t find a better place to enjoy Basque cuisine in Madrid, cool and sophisticated in its simplicity. Patxi is from Durango, so we always hit it off talking about friends and hangouts from my nearby village, Motrico. We ordered a bottle of Baigorri La Canoca 2021 (18 euros), a great young Rioja, full of stories, just like Patxi. This is a limited edition, made with grapes grown at a higher altitude (600 meters) than the rest of Baigorri’s vineyards.

Another great encounter was with Dominio de Valdepusa Tempus Fugit 2014, a special version of the classic Valdepusa Cabernet & Petit Verdot coupage (around 25 euros). Some dear friends offered us two bottles they had saved ten years ago. As I tasted the first one, I felt grateful. time flies but we can also create moments when we stop the clock and enjoy wine and friendship.

Finally, I have found in my summer notes high praise for Finca Biniagual Verán Blanc 2019 (22 euros) , from the Binissalem region in Majorca. This is a white made in the central plains of the island with Prensal and Chardonnay grapes and surprised me. Tasting it was like like finding a lush tropical garden in the middle of a busy city. 

Happy New Wines in 2024!