Pingao, Rioja (Spain) Tinto 2013

Based on the wines imported by Aurelio Cabestrero and Grapes of Spain that I’ve reviewed this week, you could get the misimpression that Aurelio Cabestrero only imports expensive wines.  That would indeed be a misimpression, and this wine shows that he excels at all price levels.  (An important example:  His collection of wines priced in the teens from Ribera del Duero are, unquestionably, the best of any importer working in the USA, but I’ve reviewed many of those, whereas this Rioja is new to me).  Pure and fresh but neither simple nor obvious, this provides lots of spicy, fruity aroma and flavors that are surprisingly deep and lasting given the moderate weight of the wine.  Very well made, and amazingly interesting for the price.