First, a big thank you to all of our great customers (and their great customers) for making 2011 another banner year for Vinos Unico. This past year saw a lot of growth and change for Vinos Unico and we appreciate your commitment to helping us bring some of the world’s best, most unique wines to California.

Perhaps the biggest change in 2011 was our extensive foray into the wonderful world of traditional Rioja wine and we’re happy to say that it proved fruitful. The wines from Bodegas Riojanas and Bodegas Corral have been runaway hits in their first year in California. The 2001 Monte Real Gran Reserva from Bodegas Riojanas sold out quickly, but more is arriving in February. All the other Gran Reservas as well as the Crianza, Reserva, Blanco and Rosado wines from both producers are still in stock.

Arriving with the Rioja wines will be more Cava from Bodegas Raventos i Blanc. It has been a long drought but we’re pleased to say that both the “L’Hereu” Reserva and “De Nit” Reserva Rosado vintage Cavas as well as more “Silencis” Xarel-lo still white wine will be back in our warehouse in early February.

Rounding out our container from Spain are Josep Puig and his daughter Sylvia’s Vinedos de Ithaca wines from Priorat, including more of the wildly popular 2008 “Akyles” red blend.

Another returning favorite is the Trajarinho Vinho Verde, more of which is hitting our warehouse in a a few weeks. I wish it was sooner since today it was over 80 degrees in Downtown Los Angeles!

As we move further into the new year, look for more of your favorites including wines from Adega Granadeiro (Tapada Do Barao), Adega de Moncao (Muralhas), and Luis Pato as well as new producers from Spain, Portugal and maybe even Latin America. There will also be new releases from our Calfornia winery, Urbanite Cellars, including new vintages of Caliberico White and Red.

We look forward to sharing these and many more wines with you in the year ahead. Happy New Year!