Bodegas Loa is a Rioja house dramatic in both location and quality. It is situated just outside Laguardia and in the lee of the Sierra Cantabria, which shelters it from the worst of the predominately Atlantic climate. The business end of the property is constructed - roughly - along the lines of a Bordeaux chateau, with the `Chartreuse` style home constructed on top of concentric rings of fermentation and barrel cellars, the whole on top of an escarpment overlooking the vineyards.

The vineyards are planted on chalk and this influences the wine a great deal. The wine here is extraordinary. Elena Ezpeleta is the oenologist and she says it is neither traditional nor modern, just noticeable. Well, it is that alright. Super quality, intense without being overly concentrated and beautifully balanced. Terroir rules and it makes some of the most distinctive Rioja I`ve tasted. (CW 22/07/14)