Washington Tempranillo vs. Rioja

In this strange year, La Vuelta Espana received much more attention than usual and the race delivered.  There was drama and lively racing through all 3 weeks of the race.  This year's route brought the pro cyclists to Northern Spain and featured its typical steady diet of challenging climbs and mountain top finishes.

After losing his grip on the Tour de France on the final competitive stage, Primoz Roglic had his sights set on winning his second Vuelta.  In order to achieve his goal Roglic had to go up against a formative cast of challengers including Chris Froome and Richard Carapaz.  Carapaz turned out to be his primary rival as they traded the overall race lead back and forth while racing through Northern Spain.

Once again, Roglic found himself facing a crushing defeat on the final competitive stage of a grand tour.  Entering the day Roglic held a 45 second lead over Richard Carapaz with the GC Victory appearing to be safely in his grasp. However, on the slopes of La Covatilla Carapaz burst away from a small group of GC contenders rapidly opening a lead of 25 seconds over Roglic.  

This time, Roglic stood up to the pressure limiting his losses, avoiding a repeat of his worst nightmare, to hold on to overall victory.  

This week's Lucha Vino matchup celebrates Roglic vanquishing his nightmare with The Walls 2018 Wonderful Nightmare vs. Bodegas Lan's 2010 Rioja Gran Reserva.

Washington Syrah vs. The Rhone

We had to wait almost two months for a delayed Tour de France to begin and, so far, the racing has been dynamic and extremely exciting!

The tour began in Nice traveling along the Southern border of France and through the Pyrenees mountains.  After a rest day, the cyclists began racing to the West heading toward the Alps through the Masif Central mountains, touching the Northern reaches of the Rhone' valley and finishing a lively stage 14 in Lyon.  

Lyon is where we find this week's challenge hero, Stanley Groovy, touring around France on his bicycle and waiting for the Tour to arrive.  Stanley has been making friends, enjoying the local cycling, food and wine and sharing some Washington wine with his hosts throughout Southern France.

One of Stanley's favorite Washington wines is from The Walls in Walla Walla.  Stanley is confident that his favorite can take on any French challenger.  This week's challenge will see if Stanley's choice is up to the task. 

2015 Gaspard Syrah from Red Mountain vs. 2012 La Chaussynette Vin de France from Mas de Boislauzon.