The bodega's name, Santalba, combines the owner's given name, Santiago Ijalba, with his last name, lba. Santiago Ijalba opted to start his own venture, Bodegas Santalba, because of the winery's extensive experience in the production and improvement of fine Rioja wines dating back to 1964. Since then, the Bodega has kept its cozy, family-run vibe with the help of Roberto and Laura Ijalba Pérez, the third and fourth generations of the family to run the business. They've managed to blend the family's winemaking heritage with their own extensive education in viniculture from throughout the world. These vintages are an offering to our ancestors and to San Felices, the patron saint of Haro. The Hermitage, located on the Bilibio cliffs, hosts an annual wine battle on June 29. Intense vivid cherry-red wine with softer tawny overtones. On top of spices and toasted bread, there is a concentration of scents of ripe fruit and vanilla. This exquisite wine has a robust backtaste and a lengthy satisfying finish. It will open up and improve for hours in the glass. Great promise in the bottle.
