
The Palacios family founded Bodegas Proelio in 2012 in the 30 hectare-estate that had been in the family since the early eighties. This project was started based on three key elements: indigenous varietals, high elevation and vineyards North oriented.
Proelio is a commitment to preserving the old, high-altitude vineyards of different areas of Rioja. The plots that make up the soul of Proelio, "battle" in Latin, are small pieces of land that remain standing in their fight against extinction: garnachas, tempranillos or gracianos from old and wise vines, which produce fruit capable of building living, expressive and long-lasting wines.
At Proelio, they seek to produce wines with typical characteristics, from privileged territories that have been little explored. After a detailed study, they adapt each agricultural task to the requirements of each plot. Theyhave own top-of-the-range vineyards located at high altitudes, fresh sites of old vines that are worked with care to achieve wines that are inimitable, but at the same time, that speak of this Rioja. A raw material that is a real treasure, and as such is treated in the winery to make the wines. Rioja is charged with a typicality that marks Nature and man interprets it.
Sourced from a vineyard at 505 metres above sea level in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, the wine takes its name from the site it is located on. The soils are primarily composed of depleted limestone in the subsoil and pebbles on the topsoil. These types of soils offer long-ageing capacity, freshness, volume and structured wines.
Fresh, structured and complex, this wine is very aromatic, with intense aromas of wild black fruits, accompanied by deep balsamic aromas and licorice. A silky texture and mineral notes, it is round, powerful and polished on the palate with flavors of black fruits, prunes, balsamic and spice. A long and persistent finish.
Meat and game, either grilled, baked or stewed, pastes, creams and soups, all kind of meat recipes, roast lamb.
Review:
"Dark plums, wild berries, dried herbs and warm earth with sweet spices and discreet vanilla creaminess interwoven to the nose. A medium-to full-bodied tempranillo with chalky, calculated tannins and vivid acidity. Lively, with a bright core of fruit on the center-palate and a flavorful, spicy finish. Naturally concentrated, but extremely drinkable, too. Long and bright. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (September 9th 2022), 95 pts
J. Christopher Appassionata Fortissimo Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Inspired by the three movements of Beethoven’s “Appassionata” Piano Sonata, there are three Appassionata Pinot Noirs, released at different tempos.
The finale of the Appassionata Pinot Sonata is Fortissimo (dynamically forceful). Selected for ultimate expressivity and longevity, it is not released until 10 years after the vintage. This is the epitome of expressive excellence that we are seeking in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – a wine that combines brooding intensity with lilting grace and can stand alongside the classic wines of the world. The 2012 Fortissimo is muscular and full-bodied, with a deep color and seamless structure. In this phase of maturation, tertiary aromas begin to show a profound complexity and subtle earthiness that only develops with bottle age and cannot be accelerated
Review:
Loosen Bros. and J. Christopher Wines just released the Fortissimo and it is showing great acidity and fine-grained tannins. Its aromas and flavors of sweet red cherries, roasted pork shoulder and orange-pekoe tea are alive and kicking. Enjoy 2023–2032.
-Wine Enthusiast 95 Points
More intense than you might expect from an 11 year old Pinot Noir, certainly one that has been held back at the estate for 10 years before release. Grilled raspberry leaf and reductive smoky notes greet you on the nose here, with sweet black fruits softening the tangy red cherry and cranberry of Oregon Pinot, all wrapped up with waves of leather, sage and tobacco. This has power and succulence, and even at 10 years old it feels pretty young, just at the beginning of its development with a good decade ahead of it. Late release is an unusual approach in Oregon, but not so unusual if you follow Loosen’s winemaking in the Mosel, where he has been known to keep Riesling between 20 and 30 years in barrel. In this case the barrel ageing is for around two years, with the rest taking place in the bottle. Old fashioned winemaking, delicious results. 20% new oak. Fermented with natural yeast, unfiltered and unfined. Tim Malone winemaker. First time on the Place from this wine, from a vineyard in the foothills of the Chehalem Mountains in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Heavy bottle.
- Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux 97 Points
Brown Estate Chaos Theory is made from 37% Cabernet Franc 21% Cabernet Sauvignon 21% Zinfandel, 13% Merlot 8% Barbera
Dark garnet core, ruby rim. Maraschino cherry, red licorice, effervescent citrus, rose garden, chamomile blossom, Italian leather, and creme de cassis followed by cardamom, clove, cinnamon, churned cream, fresh vanilla, and a touch of graphite. Full body with juicy, creamy mouthfeel and supple tannins.
Reviews:
Mulberry, heather, and sarsaparilla are uniquely joined in this plush blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Notes of cardamom, cinnamon stick, chocolate-raspberry cake are dreamy. Vivid acid structure is within a frame of spiced, dried spring flowers and plum liqueur.
-Tasting Panel 93 Points
This concentrated Merlot-Zinfandel-Petite Sirah blend brings waves of cherry gastrique, raspberry liqueur, violets and caramel on the nose, while the palate leans into ripe blueberries, dark chocolate and raspberry coulis with expansive texture and velvety tannins.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points