Wednesday, August 9th, 2023
Introducing the much-awaited return of our all-time best-selling Rioja!
From Mariano Garcia, the Vega Sicilia* Head Winemaker '68—'98
*One of the world's greatest wines, 95-100 pts & averages $700-1,000+ btl
Lowest Price in the Country
“Izadi is one of the bastions of modern Rioja”
– Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  • Vineyards are 50+ years old & hand-harvested

  • $23.97 / $18.97 btl (12+) = Lowest Price in the Country

  • Another hit from Eric Solomon, the famed importer behind the best values we've ever offered (Hacienda Monasterio, Gassier, Janasse... too many to list!)

  • Izadi's style strikes a harmonious balance between the classic/traditional and modern-styled Rioja. It exudes richness, darkness, and lusciousness akin to exceptional Ribera del Duero. However, it maintains an air of elegance and polish, with well-integrated tannins and delightful nuances of spices, mint, and earth. It's a delight not only for Rioja enthusiasts but also for Bordeaux connoisseurs!

  • The winery also owns Zaldiaran, a Michelin-Star Restaurant nestled in the charming hamlet of Vitoria.
Dear Artisans,

Bodegas Izadi presents our sensational Summer hit of the year—yet another testament to Eric Solomon's impeccable importing. You may already be familiar with this esteemed importer's other mind-bending bargains such as Hacienda Monasterio, Castano Solanera, Capcanes, Villacreces Pruno, Gassier's Cercius+Nostre Pais, Puech-Haut, Lafage Tessalae, just to name a few of the greatest selling wine values we've ever offered.

Located in Rioja Alavesa, Izadi aims to produce wines that express the character of the varieties indigenous to Rioja. They own 72 hectares and have access to another 108 hectares through long-term contracts. All are located within a triangle formed by Villabuena, Samaniego, and Ábalos – hence the triangle on their labels. Farming is sustainable, with many organic practices to eventually convert their vines to certified organic. The average age of their vineyards is greater than fifty years old. 

Stylistically, they adhere to a middle ground between tradition and modernism, valuing the former’s elegance to the latter’s fruit-forward qualities. The Antón Family founded Izadi in 1987 after years of managing vineyards in Villabuena de Alaba and restaurants in Vitoria. Most notably, the Antóns own and run the one-star Michelin Restaurant Zaldiaran in Vitoria. The transition from a purely culinary family to one that also embraced winemaking began in 1997 when Don Gonzalo Antón hired Mariano Garcia (the former technical director of Vega Sicilia and the current director of Aalto in Ribera del Duero) to assess their vineyards, complement them with setting up contracts with their neighbors and constructing a cellar to make their own wines. Together with Roberto Vicente, the current winemaker for Izadi, the Antóns, and Mariano Garcia created what we now recognize as the Izadi style: robust yet refined, modern, and elegant.

Despite being priced as a value wine, it's limited as only 7,000 cases imported, and we are excited to offer you 6 of them today. Also, check out a few more of our best Spanish wine offers down below!

Cheers,
—James Tran
2018 Bodegas Izadi Rioja Reserva DOCa

93 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of ripe plums and blueberries with hints of blue flowers, licorice and dried herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with plush tannins and savory fruit character. Polished and structured, with notes of chocolate and minerals to close. Drink of hold." (Jun 2022)

91 Points - Robert Parker's WA:
"The 2018 Reserva, a blend of Tempranillo with 9% Graciano, still feels quite oaky after 15 months in French and American oak barrels, half of each. It has good ripeness for a cooler vintage, at 14.1% alcohol, and has a creamy mouthfeel with tannins and plenty of oak-related flavors in the finish. For fans of oaky modern Rioja. Drink 2022-2028." - Luis Gutierrez (Jul 2022)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A polished red, layering supple tannins with an aromatic overtone of star anise, mocha and graphite. Fresh and medium-bodied, revealing black cherry coulis and fig cake notes, with a spiced finish. Drink now through 2027. 7,000 cases imported." - Alison Napjus (Oct 2022)

  • 50+ Year-Old Vine Tempranillo
  • Aged 16 months in 27% new American oak (73%) and French oak (
  • 14% ABV
  • Only 6 cases available

  • Lowest Price in the Country

Elsewhere: $28.00 btl
Lowest NorCal: $24.00 btl
Our Sale:

  • $23.97 btl (1-5)
  • $21.97 btl (6-11)
  • $18.97 btl (12+ )
Get in touch!