Mendieta Osaba 'Vascomendi' Vinas Viejas, Rioja Alavesa, Spain

A dense ruby color fills the glass, followed immediately by aromas of dark cherry, black fruit, and subtle smoke. 2019 Mendieta Osaba ‘Vascomendi’ Viñas Viejas is a wine of depth and control, shaped by old vines and deliberate restraint, translating concentration into clarity, texture, and sustained presence rather than excess.

Product Details:

• Producer: Mendieta Osaba
• Owners: Juantxu Mendieta and Carmen M. Osaba
• Winemaker: Juantxu Mendieta
• Vintage: 2019
• Grape Composition: Tempranillo 100%
• ABV: 14.5%
• Style: Dry red wine

Sensory Description:

Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum rise with smoky undertones and savory depth. The palate is full-bodied and structured, delivering ripe red and black fruit framed by organic oak influence. Notes of spice, vanilla, cocoa, and balsamic nuance weave through the mid-palate, supported by firm yet polished tannins. The finish is long and persistent, carrying both fruit density and earthy complexity with balance and composure.

Awards & Accolades:

• 92 Points: Decanter (2023)

Producer’s Background:

Mendieta Osaba is the personal project of Juantxu Mendieta and Carmen M. Osaba, rooted in both family heritage and shared purpose. Juantxu was raised among vineyards, learning viticulture alongside his father before refining his approach through formal study and hands-on experience in Spain, France, and California. Carmen, originally from California, brought her own discipline and perspective after leaving a legal career to build the winery alongside Juantxu. Together, they focus on old family vineyards and a philosophy that places soil and farming at the center, crafting wines that favor honesty, structure, and a clear expression of place.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in a large red wine glass to allow the wine’s aromatics and structure to fully open. Well suited to grilled or roasted meats, slow-cooked lamb, hearty stews, and dishes featuring smoke, herbs, or earthy spices, where its depth and savory character can stand alongside bold flavors.