Some might call Ramon Bilbao’s 2010 Mirto a "modern" Rioja, richly layered, lush and generously oaked. I see it another way, given that Haro, the home of Ramon Bilbao, was once long ago strongly influenced by the winemakers of Bordeaux, France. The use of French oak is not traditional for Rioja, so its use in the production of Mirto is something of a novelty, and it works. The French oak delivers a gentle wood spice that is an exquisitely complement to the ripe black-fruit aromas. This is a wine for the ages. At six-years-old, it remains fresh and nervy, brimming with primary fruit. One of the finest Rioja wines I have experienced in quite some time.
Ramon Bilbao, Rioja (Spain) 2010
By Robert Whitley