Moving onto the -Monge- range (Monge the Spanish for monks who lived in a priory nearby?200 monks precisely), the 2010 Cueva del Monge Blanco is a blend of 70% Viura, 20% Malvasia and 10% between Moscatel and Garnacha Blanca from 35-year-old bush vines that are interspersed with 70-years old vines that yield about 2kg each. The fruit is handpicked and sorted, then fermented in stainless steel using wild yeasts and raised in new, lightly toasted oak barrels. It has an attractive, resinous, leesy bouquet with faint scents of pine trees. The palate is crisp on the entry with hints of pineapple and passion fruit. It remains taut and focused with a vibrant, peach-tinged finish that demonstrates great persistency with the oak barely noticeable. This is utterly delicious. Drink now-2016. I am thankful that an apoplectic policeman that pulled over our vehicle for a seat belt violation (see introduction) eventually allowed me to continue on my journey to Vinicola Real. That was too minor a transgression to be denied winemaker Miguel Ruiz's excellent wines. He told me that his aim is to produce Reservas and Gran Reservas of great longevity, like his inspiration in Bordeaux. Here, the vines are certified organic. Miguel also has his only personal project: Tierra Antigua (see separate entry) but I will commence with their recently introduced "Urbion" range, where the aim to produce a quality, entry-level Riojas. Importer: Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA (Monges); The Marfa Group, Texas and HP Selections, NY (Urbion)