González Byass added a great finishing touch to the summer and achieved excellent results at the latest Spanish wine tasting event organised by James Suckling. After tasting more than 2,600 samples from different wine regions of Spain, Suckling –a celebrated North American wine expert– awarded ratings above 90 points to 35 wines made by González Byass Jerez, Bodegas Beronia (Qualified Designation of Origin Rioja), Beronia Rueda (Designation of Origin Rueda), Viñas del Vero (Designation of Origin Somontano), Vilarnau (Designation of Origin Cava), Pazos de Lusco (Designation of Origin Rías Baixas) and Finca Constancia (Tierra de Castilla Regional Wines).
González Byass Jerez (Designation of Origin Jerez-Sherry)
Suckling recognised the uniqueness of the wines made by the Tío Pepe House with excellent scores. The highest score –98 points– wen to Tío Pepe Cuatro Palmas, followed by Tío Pepe Tres Palmas, with 96 points, and Palo Cortado Añada 1987 and Tío Pepe Dos Palmas, with 95 points each. In addition, seven other wines also obtained remarkable results: Alfonso 1/6, Tío Pepe Una Palma and Viña AB got 94 points; Leonor and Tío Pepe in Rama, 93 and 92 points respectively, and Tío Pepe and Alfonso, 90 points.
Wineries Beronia (Qualified Designation of Origin Rioja)
Beronia, one of the most awarded wineries of the Q. D. of O. Rioja in recent years, placed six of its wines with ratings higher than 90. Beronia III a.C. 2015, with 93 points, led the results of the Ollauri-based winery at Suckling’s Spanish Wine tasting event. It was followed by Beronia Edición Limitada Crianza 2015, with 92 points. The winners list is closed by Beronia Graciano 2015, Beronia Viñas Viejas 2015 and Beronia Tempranillo Special Making 2016, with 91 each, and the 90 points of Beronia 198 Barricas 2010.
Beronia Rueda (D. of O. Rueda)
Among the Rueda wines, 92 points went to Beronia Rueda 2017 –a remarkably fresh and tasty 100% Verdejo wine of great elegance and aromatic intensity.
Viñas del Vero (D. of O. Somontano)
The Somontano D. of O. Viñas del Vero wines obtained very good results at a tasting that embraced the whole Spanish wine-making scene. Secastilla 2013, Viñas del Vero Clarión 2014 and La Miranda de Secastilla 2016 were the highest-rated Viñas del Vero wines, with 93 points each. In addition, Viñas del Vero Gewürztraminer 2017 and La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca 2016 received 90 points each.
Vilarnau (D. of O. Cava)
Outstanding ratings were also obtained by wineries Vilarnau, whose icon cava, Albert de Vilarnau Chardonnay Pinot Noir, was awarded 94 points. Vilarnau Gran Reserva Vintage 2012 and Vilarnau Brut Nature 2014, with 93 and 92 points respectively, followed by Vilarnau Brut Reserva, Vilarnau Rosé Delicat and Els Capricis de Vilarnau Xarel.lo Castanyer, with 90 points each, close the winners list from this small artisanal cava winery.
Pazos de Lusco (D. of O. Rías Baixas)
James Suckling awarded the unique characters of Pazo Piñeiro 2016 and Lusco 2017 with 91 and 90 points respectively: two Albariños produced using artisan making techniques that include native yeasts at the fermentation stage.
Finca Constancia (Tierra de Castilla Regional Wine).
The list of winners is closed by the Tierra de Castilla wines made by Finca Constancia. Of all of them, Altos de la Finca 2015, with 93 points, ranks highest. Likewise, excellent reviews were given to Finca Constancia Entre Lunas 2016 and Finca Constancia Verdejo Parcela 52 2017, awarded 91 points each, as well as Finca Constancia Tempranillo Parcela 23 2017, with 90 points.
About James Suckling
James Suckling is one of the most outstanding individuals in the wine world today. After holding the positions of Chief Editor and Head of the European Office at The Wine Spectator for almost 30 years –as well as that of European Editor at Cigar Aficionado– this American wine critic launched JamesSuckling.com in 2010. On this specialized website, of great relevance for the wine sector, tastings and scores of around 10,000 wines from all over the world are published every year.