We truly love this outstanding biodynamic estate from the hills of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, above Madrid. Their wines were recommended to us back in the day by several of our Spanish producers, however it was José Luis Mateo (Muradella) who delivered the killer line. “Of all the producers around Madrid,” he said, “For me he is the best. His wines have the most finesse and class.”

The ‘he’ to whom Mateo is referring is the mop-haired, free-spirited Catalan, Marc Isart Pinos–winemaker at Bernabeleva. Even at this first level, the wine is cropped from old Grenache vines that deeply reflect the schist soils and high country origins. It’s a super-sophisticated wine for the price, with an elegant, pale colour, soaring perfume and flavours of red fruits, violets and something like hot rocks. Just so much interest and deliciousness here. The palate is layered but powdery-fresh, with gentle yet persistent structure from the 35-60 days on skins. The overall impression is of a stunning Garnacha of superb purity and finesse.

“Limpid ruby-red. Fragrant red and blue fruit and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of smoky minerals and licorice. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering ripe black raspberry, bitter cherry and rose pastille flavors that open up steadily with air. Finishes long and subtly chewy, displaying sneaky tannins and an echo of candied flowers.” 92 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Good Value “state wine from this 97-year-old bodega (with interruptions). Aged in 500-litre old casks. Rich and gamey on the palate. More ‘serious’ than the Camino bottling but not that much more expensive.” 17 points, Jancisrobinson.com