Bodegas Ponce Clos Lojen Viñas Viejas Bobal 2021

Hi Folks, at European Wine Store, we're so fortunate to try new wines nearly every day, be it new vintages or new releases, but often the most pleasure we get is when we discover those delicious indigenous varietals from relatively unknown regions that are normally reserved for the locals!  A great example is the Bodegas Ponce Clos Lojen Viñas Viejas Bobal from Manchuela in Castile La Mancha (Central Spain). This has been away from us for nearly 4 vintages now.....but timing is everything and the 2021 release has been proclaimed by chief winemaker Juan Antonio Ponce as ''The most complete vintage ever for this wine!''

''Juan António Ponce told me 2021 is one of those vintages when you realize in wine you never know everything... He believes the 2021 Clos Lojen is the most complete vintage ever for this wine. It's intense and has varietal Bobal typicity with good weight This is incredible value.'' 93 Points, Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate Magazine

''A pretty nose of raspberries, strawberries, florals and baking spice. Its medium bodied with sleek tannins and bright acidity. Lively and juicy with a fresh finish.'' James Suckling (A look back at the Previous 2020 vintage)

Produced from 100% Bobal on 55 year old vines, this is highlighted by aromas of juicy blackberry and boysenberries. A smooth, medium bodied red with a hints of spice, mineral and earthy notes. It has a nice minerally acid that holds this well-structured wine together. Complete with a clean and fresh finish. I will leave you with words of wisdom from three of our favourite wine scribes Luis Gutierrez, Eric Asimov and James Suckling who in recent tastings have described the Clos Lojen Bobal in hush tones as a ''Champion'', ''Think of a Morgon Cru from Beaujolais & Incredible Value.''

''Its champions like Bodegas Ponce have demonstrated truly how good the Bobal variety can be . Clos Lojen is lively and fresh with earthy & red berry flavors.'' Eric Asimov, New York Times

''Bodegas Ponce wines are brilliant value for money.'' Jamie Goode, The Wine Anorak.