88 Points
2004 Crianza
Rioja
$19
Fans of big, blocky reds that offer pucnh, extract and tannins should jump on this now, and then watch it age nicely for the next four or five years. That's the type of meaty, tannic, fruit-infused Tempranillo this is, It's always going to be short and stocky, but still it will round into shape as it matures. - M.S. (September 2007)
86 Points
2005 Blanco
Rioja
$11
This is an easy, sweeter style of Viura grape that emits aromas of peaches and pears. The palate is lively enough but not exactly zesty, and the flavors run toward pink grapefruit and other citrus fruits; but think sweet, nice fruits - not sour ones. Has all the hallmarks of a good apertif wine. - M.S. (September 2007)
87 Points
2000 Ostatu Crianza
Rioja
$16
Broad, open and appealing. Aromas of strawberry and plum lead into a friuty, lightly sugared palate that pours on the friendly red fruit. Well made and perfectly drinkable. What a simple, modern Rioja can and should be. -M.S. (March 2004)
91 points
Bodegas Ostatu
2006 Rioja Reserva($35) International Wine Cellar, #158, Sept./Oct. - Josh Raynolds
(100% tempranillo): Opaque ruby. Spicy cherry and dark berry aromas, with incisive licorice and floral accents adding complexity. Spicy cherry and blackberry flavors show very good depth and energy, and a seamless texture. Finishes nervy and sweet, with lingering spice and floral notes. Very pretty wine, and delicious right now.
90 points
Bodegas Ostatu
2008 Rioja Crianza($21) International Wine Cellar, #158, Sept./Oct. - Josh Raynolds
(95% tempranillo, the rest grenache, mazuelo and graciano): Bright violet color. Aromas of cassis, cherry, licorice and mocha. Dense, alluringly sweet and juicy, with excellent concentration to its dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. Stays sweet through the finish, which features silky, fine-grained tannins.
89 points
Bodegas Ostatu
2010 Rioja Blanco($14) International Wine Cellar, #158, Sept./Oct. - Josh Raynolds
(90% viura and 10% malvasia): Greenish straw. Lemon and pear on the fragrant nose. Juicy and plump in the middle, with good intensity to the flavors of lemon, orchard fruits and white pepper. Finishes with lingering pear and citrus notes and very good persistence.
2008 Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Blanco
89 Points
($15) Greenish yellow. Pungent aromas of poached pear, yellow plum and melon, with complicating notes of honey and lime zest. At once rich and energetic, offering lush orchard fruit flavors and a bracing note of citrus. The juicy, minerally finish packs solid punch. This will be very flexible at the table. - J.R.(International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2009)
2006 Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Crianza
89 Points
($23) Ruby-red. Red- and blackcurrant aromas complicated by floral and herbal nuances. Rich cherry and blackberry flavors are a bit brooding but gain sweetness and energy with air. The long, chewy finish features dark fruit and licorice qualities and noteworthy cling. - J.R.(International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2009)
2004 Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Reserva
91 Points
($33) Cherry and dark berries on the nose, with complicating notes of licorice, dried rose, black tea and smoky minerals. Rich but energetic, offering spicy dark berry flavors and mounting sweetness. More mineral-driven on the finish, which strongly echoes the dark berry and licorice notes. This is still quite youthful. - J.R.(International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2009)
90 Points
2007 Ostatu Blanco
Rioja
$19
Pale peach skin color. Quince, pear skin and green apple aromas are complemented by minerals and honeysuckle. Stony citrus and orchard fruit flavors are nicely focused, turning juicier with air and picking up a melon quality. Finishes on notes of dusty minerals and dried flowers, with very good clarity and persistence. This will be extremely flexible at the table. -J.R. (International Wine Cellar 9/08)
90 Points
2004 Ostatu Crianza
Rioja
$20
Bright ruby. Sexy blackberry and blueberry aromas are complicated by licorice and mocha, with zero herbal character. Sweet red and dark berry flavors are impressively clean and deep, showing a seductively silky texture and finishing with very soft tannins. Impressively pure, sweet and long: the best version of this bottling I've ever had. - J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 07)
90(+?) Points
2004 Ostatu Reserva
Rioja
$29 Dark purple. Cinnamon-spiced kirsch and blackberry aromas are a touch brooding, with strong espresso and bitter chocolate character. Bitter cherry and licorice flavors are brightened by a spicy cracked pepper quality and firmed by dusty tannins that extend through the long, chewy finish. A youthfully firm wine in need of patience. - J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 07)
87 Points
Ostatu
Blanco 2005
Rioja
$11
Light yellow. Zesty floral scents of apple, pear, honeysuckle and mint. Fresh and energetic yet gentle, with apple and pear flavors and good weight. Finishes with a juicy orange note and good length. -J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2006)
88 Points
Ostatu
Crianza 2004
Rioja
$19
Dark red. Sexy aromas of raspberry and blackberry, complicated by a hint of fresh rose. Lush and silky in the mouth, with deep, sweet dark berry flavors and no apparent tannins. An easygoing, fruit-driven wine with good depth and length to its blackberry flavor and a round finish. -J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2006)
87 Points
Ostatu
Crianza 2003
Rioja
$19
Ruby-red. Suave aromas of red and dark berries, with intense licorice and oak spice suggestions and a sweet mocha note. Round and supple but also focused and fresh, with sweet dark berry flavor. Finishes sweet and persistent, with a fine dusting of tannins. Very easy to drink. -J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2006)
87 Points
Ostatu
Crianza 2001
Rioja
$18
Medium red. Wild aromas of roasted red fruits, leather, meat, cola and gunflint; reminded me of a Southern French wine. Then juicy, supple and on the dry side, with flavors of musky red berries, leather cola and baking spices. Finishes with light, dusty tannins and modest length. -S.T. (International Wine Cellar September/October 2004, #116)
90 Points
Ostatu
Reserva 2000
Rioja
$25
Aged for 18 months in new French oak
Bright ruby-red. Musky, reduced aromas of raspberry, woodsmoke, baking spices and meat, with good peppery lift; I would have placed this in the Languedoc, perhaps Pic Saint-Loup. Lush on entry, then rather laid-back in the mid-palate, with nicely delineated flavors or red berries and spices. A rather subtle, elegantly styled wine, and not at all over the top. Finishes juicy and persistent, with fine tannins. -S.T. (International Wine Cellar September/October 2004, #116)
From The Wine Advocate
91+ points
2006 Bodegas Ostatu Reserva
Rioja, Spain
WA, #195, Jun 2011 - Jay Miller
The 2006 Ostatu Reserva was fermented with native yeasts and aged for 14 months in French oak. Savory, structured, and sweetly-fruited, this already complex offering will continue to evolve for another 3-4 years with a drinking window extending from 2014 to 2026.
Bodegas Ostatu is a family-owned winery in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region. The average age of the estate’s vines is 50 years. Ostatu’s winemaking consultant is the renowned Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus fame.
90 points
2008 Bodegas Ostatu Ostatu
Rioja, Spain
WA, #195, Jun 2011 - Jay Miller
The 2008 Ostatu, a wine composed of 95% Tempranillo with the balance Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. It sports an aromatic array on mineral, potpourri, and a confiture of black fruits. Dense, savory, and ripe on the palate, it has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will provide considerable pleasure between 2014 and 2023.
Bodegas Ostatu is a family-owned winery in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region. The average age of the estate’s vines is 50 years. Ostatu’s winemaking consultant is the renowned Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus fame.
89 points
2010 Bodegas Ostatu Blanco
Rioja, Spain
WA, #195, Jun 2011 - Jay Miller
The 2010 Ostatu Blanco is a blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia fermented with native yeasts and raised in stainless steel. Light gold in color, it offers up an inviting nose of mineral, melon, and floral notes. Smooth-textured, savory, and nicely proportioned, it is an excellent value in white Rioja.
Bodegas Ostatu is a family-owned winery in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region. The average age of the estate’s vines is 50 years. Ostatu’s winemaking consultant is the renowned Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus fame.
2007 Bodegas Ostatu Lacheras del Portillo (sic)
Rioja, Spain
$73
The 2007 Lacheras del Portillo (sic) is a collaboration with Hubert de Bouard of Ch. L’Angelus in Saint-Emilion. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it emits an aromatic array of mineral, earth notes, violets, incense, plum, blackberry, and black cherry. Round and sexy on the palate, it has loads of succulent fruit, superb balance, and a lengthy, pure finish. It will be in its prime from 2013 to 2027. Score: 93 -J.M. (WA #188, Apr 2010)
2005 Bodegas Ostatu Reserva
Rioja, Spain
$33
The 2005 Ostatu Reserva was sourced from older vines and aged in French oak for 14 months. Deep purple-colored, it proffers a slightly brooding bouquet of spice box, incense, tobacco, and blackberry. Structured and dense on the palate, it is packed with spicy fruit. Give it 4-6 years of additional cellaring, and drink it from 2014 to 2025. Score: 91+ -J.M. (WA #188, Apr 2010)
2007 Bodegas Ostatu Ostatu
Rioja, Spain
$23
The 2007 Ostatu is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in French and American oak for 12 months. Purple-colored, it sports a nose of cedar, tobacco, and black cherry. Ripe and fruity on the mid-palate, it is a forward effort that can be enjoyed over the next 6 years. Score: 88 -J.M. (WA #188, Apr 2010)
2009 Bodegas Ostatu Blanco
Rioja, Spain
$15
The 2009 Ostatu Blanco is 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia fermented and raised in stainless steel. Light straw-colored, it delivers aromas of spring flowers, lemon, and baking spices. Smooth-textured, ripe, and spicy, it is meant for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Score: 87 -J.M. (WA #188, Apr 2010)
88 points
2005 Bodegas Ostatu Blanco
Bodegas Ostatu
Rioja
$11.00
The 2005 Blanco, a blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia fermented in stainless steel, offers mouth-filling white fruits (apple and pear) over a background of minerality from the chalky soil. The wine is nicely balanced and has excellent length. It is an outstanding value. –J.M. (#169, 2-28-07)
88 points
2004 Bodegas Ostatu Crianza
Bodegas Ostatu
Rioja
$19.00
The 2004 Crianza, composed of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, was aged for 12 months in a mixture of French and American oak. From a superb vintage, the wine is purple in color with aromas and flavors of smoke, spice, black cherries, black currants, and a whisper of iodine. It offers medium body with well integrated tannins and a long finish. It should drink well for 5-7 years, perhaps longer when well stored. –J.M. (#169, 2-28-07)
90 points
2002 Bodegas Ostatu Reserva
Bodegas Ostatu
Rioja
$28.00
The 2002 Reserva, from a difficult vintage, is nevertheless a major success. Made from 100% Tempranillo and aged 14 months in French oak, this deep purple-colored wine has a similar profile to the Crianza but with more of everything. –J.M. (#169, 2-28-07)
89 Points
Ostatu
2003 Crianza
Rioja
$18
The 2003 Crianza, possesses a dark purple color in addition to a smoky, earthy nose with plenty of powerful black cherry and herb-tinged currant fruit. With excellent purity, well-integrated wood, acidity, and tannin, and a long, luscious finish, it should drink well for 3-4 years. -R.P. (#159)
91 Points Ostatu 2001 Reserva Rioja $28 The seriously-endowed 2001 Reserva's dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of smoke, camphor, lead pencil shavings, black cherry liqueur, and currants. Full-bodied and opulently-textured, with impressive purity and length, it should be consumed over the next 7-8 years. -R.P. (#159)
"Clearly a winery of which to take note" -R.P. (#152, 4-26-04)
91 Points Bodegas Ostatu 2001 Crianza Rioja $16 Readers looking for a great buy should check out the 2001 Crianza, a blend of 95% Tempranillo and the remainder Grenache, Mazuelo, and Graciano. Aged primarily in French oak and a touch of American wood, this deep ruby/purple-colored, 3,000-case cuvée is a wine of great intensity with loads of blackberry and currant fruit intermixed with licorice, tobacco leaf, spice box, and a hint of sweet wood. Textured, medium to full-bodied, and seamless, this is an incredible, value-priced red to enjoy over the next 3-4 years. -R.P. (#152, 4-26-04)
