To add ONE or SEVERAL items to your order at once, type the desired number of bottles in the How Many box for each item, then click the Add All Marked Items button at the bottom of the page.
PORTUGAL - RED |
DOURO |
| SEE-102. 04 DOURO RESERVA, CASTELLO D’ALBA Touriga nacional, touriga franca, roriz. Black and deep. Good Douro grip. Large, husky, rich reserva meatiness. Signs of oak and time in barrel./ Fine, elegant oak. 04 refinement, juicy fruit. Well balanced. Well crafted. Room to grow. Will prove better than the 03 in the long run. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
| SEE-103. 07 DOURO, QUINTA DO CRASTO Roriz, barroca, franca, nacional. A beauty. The fruit is fresh and smooth and sweet, not roasted. Good Douro darkness and grip though. Modern, yes, but still a wine of place./ Sweet, smooth, and spicy indeed. Round and robust. Elderberry, chocolate, sweetmeats, lavender. Sufficient frame and grip. Well balanced. Fine craftsmanship. Yes! 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-104. 05 DOURO, QUINTA DOS ACIPRESTES Full, dark, upbeat, snappy black currant with lusher undertones of fruit confiture, vanilla, and creme./ Good coolness and blackness of the vintage. Fully as good as previous vintages, if not better. I love it! 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.99 each |
| SEE-105. 06 DOURO VALLE DE BOMFIM, DOW’S 40% tinta francesca, 25% tinta roriz, 20% tinta barroca, 15% touriga nacional. Cool and classic 06. Lift, perfume, black berries, plum, pitch, vanilla, bakery, light oak. Fabulous./ Yes, lots of fruits and fine oak in balance. Sweet tannins. One of the best in the series. Liked by the group. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 11.99 each |
| SEE-106. 05 DOURO, EVEL |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-107. 05 DOURO BARCO NEGRO, LURTON Wine Enthusiast 90 - BEST BUY: ‘A richly ripe wine, full of tarry, dark tannins and black fruits. Despite its weight and density, it is well balanced, the dark flavors opening out with impressions of licorice, bitter chocolate and spicy wood.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-108. 07 DOURO QUINTA DO COA, CARM Wine Spectator 91 - SMART BUY: ‘A plush red, with a pretty array of raspberry and plum flavors that are supple and supported by medium-grained tannins. Notes of milk chocolate and cream fill the plush finish. Now-2014.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 19.99 each |
| SEE-109. 03 DOURO DUAS QUINTAS, RAMOS-PINTO |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
| SEE-110. 04 DOURO DUAS QUINTAS RESERVA, RAMOS-PINTO |
| How Many bottles/singles: 38.99 each |
| SEE-111. 05 DOURO, QUINTA DE RORIZ Dark, hearty, warm, bright, expansive, dense red and black fruits. Lovely, lively, charming, exotic, modern, and fine./ Cranberry, oak spices, woods, game. Perky acidity, polished fruit outer, chewy center. Classy and decisive. Will improve 2-3 years. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
| SEE-112. 03 DOURO RESERVA, QUINTA DE RORIZ Wine Enthusiast 92 - CELLAR SELECTION: ‘This estate, managed by the Symington family, is a great Douro property by any standard. This hot 2003 vintage is properly big and dense, but the elegant and style of the estate shows through, with delicious ripe plum flavors over the new wood. Age this for at least 6 years.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 36.99 each |
PORTUGAL - RED |
DAO |
| SEE-114. 07 DAO, GRILOS Deep and meaty, with mineral lacings revealing its granitic origins. Dark, potent, big boned. Beefy and brawny. Blackberry, tar, tobacco, bay leaf. Followed by an explosion of sweet plum. Quite distinct from both the 05 and 06, though not without their beauties and Dao mannerisms./ Full of body and extract. Riper than 05 and 06. Mirrors a Douro Vintage Port year. Distinctive, rich, exotically ripe and scented. Really loaded. Give it until late-summer, early-fall to see what additional aromatics form. Liked by the group. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
PORTUGAL - RED |
OTHER |
| SEE-117. 07 RIBATEJANO, QUINTA DE ALORNA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-118. 06 ALENTEJANO, SANTA VITORIA Cool and deep, featuring purple berries. Mulberry, elderberry, huckleberry. Dark features of a Portuguese tinta./ High strung, taut, refined floral overtones Spicy, minerally. Great acidity, plus a fruit creaminess. Will mature nicely. Will be good with food, even now. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-119. 07 TERRAS DO ASDO AZEITAO, J PIRES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.99 each |
PORTUGAL - WHITE |
|
| SEE-122. 08 VINHO VERDE, BROADBENT No vintage listed on the label, but most assuredly 08 from its character and its regional seal bestowed in 2009. Fresh and brisk. Appropriate light fizz and tingle. Green apple and pear. And floral highlights./ Soft, tingly, easy drinking. Only 9% alcohol. Enough acidity for freshness. Nicely textured. A summer quaffer all the way. Well liked by the group. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 9.99 each |
| SEE-123. 08 VINHO VERDE, FAMEGA Wine & Spirits 85 - EXTREME VALUE: ‘This spritzy wine has citrus scents of clementine driven by a pulse of CO2. For the beach.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 7.49 each |
| SEE-124. 08 VINHO VERDE TERRA ANTIGA, MELGACO Subtle yellow berry fragrance. Nice prickly presence./ Fresh, with a mannered, refreshing tang. Lovely creamy citrus, creamy apple. Come hither. Vinho Verde with the burrs filed away. Sure is fetching. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-125. 07 RIBATEJO ARINTHO, QUINTA DO ALORNA As lovely as ever. Not as perfumed and floral a variety as albarino. Stone fruits, tropical fruits. Some floral touches./ Lively, rich, piquant. Picture perfect arintho. 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| EOBSEE-126. 05 RIBATEJANO BRANCO, QUINTA DO CASAL - End of Bin (Limited Stock) At Tasters Guild: Manteudo, perrum, rabo de ovelha. Wow! A pleasant surprise. Lovely, delicate aromatic overtones for what I expected to be a warm-climate wine. Melon and flowers. Good price too. 89/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: was 7.49 each, NOW End of Bin priced at 4.19 each |
| EOBSEE-127. 06 ALENTEJANO BRANCO, SANTA VITORIA - End of Bin (Limited Stock) Ric: Arinto and chardonnay. Fresh, with chardonnay body and arinto flowers. Good peel extracts strengthen its character. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: was 12.99 each, NOW End of Bin priced at 7.27 each |
SPAIN - RED |
BIERZO |
| SEE-129. 06 BIERZO ROBLE, ABAD DOM BUENO The usual mencia reduction. Sweet berry-currant core. With airing, becomes big, deep, dense, smoky, plummy./ Great acidity. Fine tannin. As often happens, the sense of reduction is confined to the nose. Oak comes into play on the palate, offering vanilla and nutmeg. Hint of bacon. Superb fruit and oak quality, seamlessly married. Well-tuned, ripe tannin support. Another winner in the series. Very well liked by the group. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
| SEE-130. 06 BIERZO PETALOS, J PALACIOS Tanzer 91; Parker 91: ‘The estate was started in 1998 by Alvaro Palacios. It has steep hillside vineyards and 60- to 100-year-old vines planted in 100% Mencia, a varietal indigenous to Bierzo, a cool-climate D. O. The 2006 Petalos displays a fragrant nose of violets, lavender, mulberry, and blueberry. Ripe, supple, and sweetly fruited, it will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2015.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 24.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
ZAMORA |
| SEE-132. 05 ZAMORA VENTA MAZZARON, VINAS DEL CENIT Parker 91 - ONE OF THE FINEST VALUES IN SPANISH WINES: ‘Made from 100% Tinta de Toro, it offers up a smoky, complex bouquet with notes of mineral and blackberry. Ripe, sweet, forward, and altogether pleasurable, it can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years. $17.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
TORO |
| SEE-134. 07 TORO TERMES, NUMANTHIA TERMES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 29.99 each |
| SEE-135. 06 TORO AZUL, PIEDRA Lovely, dark, and deep presentation of tinta de toro. Pitchy black fruits. Raspberry confiture and vanilla. Very deep./ Rich and chewy, packed with material. Dense, solid, tarry, smoky, gutsy. Full Toro grip and sweet warmth. Exemplary. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
| SEE-136. 06 TORO DEHESA GAGO, T RODRIGUEZ The bully Toro: very dark, black, peels oriented, concentrated, distant to start. Swells and softens with aeration, showing warm, smoky, roasted and dried fruits./ The palate is more pliant and revealing. Black cherry, smoke, dark chocolate, mocha, tobacco. Rich, warm, fat, substantial. Really fills the mouth. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
| SEE-137. 06 TORO, TRI Powerful (14%), ripe, and intense. Some oak influence. Ripe to the max–roasted ripe in the Toro manner, not rancio, jammy./ Warmth, heft, and spiciness of a Toro with nothing to fear. A very large, winter oriented table wine. Lots of tannin, countered by the right measure of sweet, ripe fruit, dried fruit, brandied fruit. I guess you could use it with BBQ in summer, but I’d prefer to leave it for the cold months. Will have softened some by then too. A textbook, full-blooded Toro at an incredibly reasonable price. 90++/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 7.49 each |
SPAIN - RED |
SARDON DE DUERO |
| SEE-139. 04 SARDON DE DUERO RIVOLA, RETUERTA Ric: Nicely polished and showing meaty bottle bouquet development. Needs 1-2 more years. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
RIBERA DEL DUERO |
| SEE-141. 04 RIBERA DEL DUERO TEMPRANILLO, CASAJUS Tanzer 90: ‘Strong blackcurrant and tobacco aromas are complemented by sweet oak. Rich and creamy, with a candied, liqueur-like quality in the dark berry flavors that is mitigated by tangy minerality. Finishes juicy and focused, with lingering flavors of dried red and dark berries and flowers. This is delicious and ready to drink.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 19.99 each |
| SEE-142. 04 RIBERA DEL DUERO, CEPA 21 Tanzer 91: ‘Vanilla and clove accent deep blackberry and plum aromas, with complicating notes of dark chocolate and espresso. Lush, thick and creamy, the dark fruit flavors showing serious weight and a brightening mineral component. Thick and board on the finish, with impressive sweet ness and excellent length. Really sexy stuff, with enough concentrated fruit to make it delicious already.’ List price: $48. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 28.99 each |
| SEE-143. 06 RIBERA DEL DUERO TEMPRANILLO, MILCAMPOS Roast beef and singed fruit. Both sweet and dried fruits. A good example of RDD. Bears the warmth without oak, heat, and dry tannin excesses./ Yes, sweet fruited and balanced. Good weight, density, and ripeness. Black fruits, wood spices, and white pepper. Smooth. Surprisingly little tannin for RDD and the vintage. Unusually forward and facile. Very pleasing. 89+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
| SEE-144. 03 RIBERA DEL DUERO, HACIENDA MONASTERIO Tanzer 92: ‘Explosive, sexy aromas of cherry, plum, incense, freshly ground coffee and succulent herbs. Focused and deep, with red and dark berry flavors complicated by candied violet, smoky bacon and cracked pepper. A ripe, weighty wine with a dense, chewy texture and compelling freshness. Finishes with a note of sweet cherry preserves, fine tannins and excellent length.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 44.99 each |
| SEE-145. 06 RIBERA DEL DUERO, EMILIO MORO Parker 92: ‘A superb bouquet of smoke, roasted herbs, scorched earth, and blackberry. Layered on the palate, it has tons of fruit, plenty of spice box notes, a firm structure, and 2-3 years of aging potential. This lengthy effort should provide pleasure through 2026.’ List price: $39. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 23.99 each |
| SEE-146. 05 RIBERA DEL DUERO, EMILIO MORO (Limited Stock) Parker 92: ‘A complex bouquet of wood smoke, toast, crushed stone, and blackberry. Supple, ripe and forward, this tasty wine will evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now through 2015.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 23.99 each |
| SEE-147. 06 RIBERA DEL DUERO ROBLE, MONTE NEGRO (Limited Stock) Young, with firm and classy, well measured American oak influence. Time in oak breadth and expression. Cassis, blackberry, pitch, and animal fat./ The palate is less firm. Richer. Fine black raspberry fruit here and very subtle oak, in keeping with the classy, elegant presentations of past vintages. Fully in tune. 91++/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
| SEE-148. 01 RIBERA DEL DUERO CRIANZA, MONTE NEGRO (Limited Stock) Wow! Big oak and power. Sawdust, celery salt, spices. Really intense./ Big burst of flavor. Sweet blackberry fruit and full texture. Broad, deep, and dense. Generous, medium-fine tannins. Puts on quite a show. And its performance will get better still. 93+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 31.99 each |
| SEE-149. 04 RIBERA DEL DUERO, SILENTIUM Sweet red and black fruits with hints of toffee and black pepper. Lush and assertive. Vanilla oak touch./ Good intensity. Firm core surrounded by friendly, charming fruit and oak attractions. Now and later. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| SEE-150. 07 RIBERA DEL DUERO LEGON, VALTOSTAO Sweet and spicy tempranillo raspberry and seeds. Superb elegance./ Yes, spicy, elegant. Really sings. The roble is well managed, making an attractive seasoning that’s laced throughout. Not a bit of wood on top. The fruit is ripe, dense, and well stuffed, with a blackberry syrup aspect. Very good acidity. Well liked by the group. 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-151. 07 RIBERA DEL DUERO , VINA GORMAZ Purple. Some reduction inclinations but not nearly so severe as the 06. This is closer to the 05. No surprise. 05 and 07 share similarities, as do 04 and 06. Compact blackberry fruit. Tight and right RDD./ Yes, young, well formed RDD. Plenty of latent fruit richness. Well built for aging. I like to find ageworthy reds in this price range. 90++/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 9.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
RIOJA |
| SEE-153. 03 RIOJA FINCA ALLENDE All tempranillo. Ample, warm, and expressive of the vintage. Ripe cherry and soft oak touches. Will improve 1-2 years. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 26.99 each |
| SEE-154. 06 RIOJA VINAS DE GAIN, ARTADI Parker 92: Old-vine Tempranillo aged in 40% new French oak for 12-14 months. It offers an alluring perfume of truffle, pencil, lead, vanilla, blackberry, and black cherry jam. Full bodied, the wine is opulent yet elegant. It has enough stuffing to evolve for 4-5 years and should drink well from 2012 to 2025. $35.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 28.99 each |
| SEE-155. 04 RIOJA ORBIO, ARTADI Extracted. Lots of warmth and sheer strength. Deep, ripe fruit with rich herb and olive tones. Nice 04 darkness. Good composition. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-156. 06 RIOJA VINA ZACO, BILBAINAS (Limited Stock) Bright and oaky. Toast and wood. Sweet, ripe red and black fruits. Plentiful fruit-oak delivery./ Lots of American oak. The wine needs time to absorb it. Good acidity. Fine tannin, including some oak tannin. Well balanced from a textural standpoint. Earns its Wine Spectator 90 - Top 100 rating. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-157. 05 RIOJA CRIANZA, RAMON BILBAO |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| SEE-158. 06 RIOJA CRIANZA LIMITED EDITION, RAMON BILBAO Wine Spectator 90 - SMART BUY: ‘This modern red shows toasty oak flavors of mocha and smoke, with luscious blackberry and black cherry fruit supported by ripe tannins. Balanced and lively. Now-2014.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-159. 05 RIOJA CRIANZA, MARQUES DE CACERES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
| SEE-160. 04 RIOJA RESERVA, MARQUES DE CACERES Wine & Spirits 91 - BEST BUY: ‘This reflects the vintage in its beefy richness, while it follows Caceres’s modern style in the polish and elegance of its tannin. The fruit develops definition with air, tasting of tiny cherries and red currants. For the cellar, or give it time in a decanter for lamb chops off the grill. $25.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 26.99 each |
| SEE-161. 01 RIOJA GRAN RESERVA, MARQUES DE CACERES Wine & Spirits 93; Wine Enthusiast 92 - #44 - TOP 100: ‘Might this be the best wine Marques de Caceres has produced? The vintage is one of Spain’s greatest, and gran reserva is supposed to be Rioja in its loftiest form. So indulge in this beauty’s rock-solid structure, lovely violet and raspberry aromas, and long, stout finish. 2012-2018.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 36.99 each |
| SEE-162. 05 RIOJA RESERVA, CAMPO VIEJO 18 months in barrel, 18 months is bottle. Still on the shy side. American oak vanilla and coconut. A nice balance of oak and fruit. No excesses. With aeration come blackberry, boysenberry, cedar, and tobacco./ Very smooth and well balanced. Young and quite undeveloped for a reserva. I think the relatively short term in barrel accounts for this. Gives less maturity and more fruit appeal. Maybe the all tempranillo cuvee accounts for its youthful demeanor too. And the finesse. Another unique and solid vintage in this series. Well liked by the group. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| SEE-163. 04 RIOJA CRIANZA, CUNE |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-164. 05 RIOJA CRIANZA, EL COTO |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-165. 03 RIOJA CRIANZA, EL COTO Ric: Ripe 03 black fruits. Solid. With some developed licorice flavor. At a nice mature state. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
| SEE-166. 06 RIOJA, GRAN FAMILIA 2/15: More suavity of age than found in the 07s. Mellowness. Some oak involvement. Moving toward crianza oakiness but showing less time in barrel than a crianza./ Delicious oak involvement, savory and distinct. Tasty, toasty, discreet. Great value. 91+/100. 2/18: I love this. Berries and even flowers now. Fine oak. Hint of glove leather./ The right weight and harmony. Textbook Rioja. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 11.99 each |
| SEE-167. 04 RIOJA CRIANZA ABANDO, S IJALBA Ric: Compact, with rich fruit depth and toasted hazelnut up front./ Still awkward in youth but with fresh, tangy red fruit and judicious touch of American oak. Should develop well. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 21.99 each |
| SEE-168. 05 RIOJA CRIANZA, LAN Wine & Spirits 90: ‘Light scents of crushed rose petals and frisky cherry tomato flavors give this a bright, zesty tone. The tannins are also light, with a gravelly feel. This is a versatile red for olives and jamon Serrano, or more substantial meats such as duck.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-169. 01 RIOJA RESERVA CULMAN, LAN Ric: Full, rich, spicy./ Explodes with fruit and oak flavors. Growth to go. 95+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 72.95 each |
| SEE-170. 01 RIOJA RESERVA LANCIANO, LAN Single-vineyard wine. Sweet, racy red fruits. Compact, rich, layered, classy. Much better than the previous vintage (96?) which seemed leaner and more wood dominated. Here’s the class and the stamina of the 01 fruit to hold the oak, and seems less oak anyway. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 32.99 each |
| SEE-171. 04 RIOJA RESERVA, LAN A beautiful expression of oak and fruit./ The wood stands out a little on the palate still. That’s OK. It’s still a young reserva. Good acidity and grip. Meaty constitution. Quality of 04. Good potential. I’m impressed. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
| SEE-172. 01 RIOJA GRAN RESERVA, LAN Plenty of rich fruit for a gran reserva. Mark of this great vintage. Complex of oak and time-in-barrel earnings./ Young and vigorous. The great acidity and freshness of this top vintage. Years of growth to go. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 24.99 each |
| SEE-173. 04 RIOJA LIMITED EDITION, LAN Wine Spectator 96/100 - #18 - TOP 100 WINES OF 2007: ‘This powerful red is rich and thick on the palate, even syrupy, with ripe flavors of blueberry and cassis and plenty of espresso-scented oak. But it’s not jammy. Fresh and balanced, this carries its considerable alcohol with grace. Not traditional in style, but impressive.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 57.99 each |
| SEE-174. 05 RIOJA RESERVA, MUGA Yes, yes! Ample, rich and deep. Ripe fruit and prominent American oak. Blackberry, vanilla, toast, coconut./ Real density and depth. Full fruit and oak savors. Magnanimous, alluring. Will appreciate another year or two in bottle for total oak-fruit integration. 93+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 28.99 each |
| SEE-175. 05 RIOJA RESERVA, MUGA half bottle (H) Yes, yes! Ample, rich and deep. Ripe fruit and prominent American oak. Blackberry, vanilla, toast, coconut./ Real density and depth. Full fruit and oak savors. Magnanimous, alluring. Will appreciate another year or two in bottle for total oak-fruit integration. 93+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-176. 04 RIOJA SELECTION ESPECIAL, MUGA Parker 94: ‘Dense and packed, it offers up aromas of cedar, spice box, mineral, pencil lead, and assorted black fruits. It nicely conceals enough structure for 6-8 years of evolution. This lengthy effort should drink well through 2030. $44.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 36.99 each |
| SEE-177. 01 RIOJA UNFILTERED OLD VINES, RAMIREZ DE GANUZA Old vines: 85% tempranillo, 10% graciano, 3% garnacha, 2% other. 01 class, frame, brilliant composition. Loaded too. A veritable powerhouse, dense, spicy, and meaty, with clove-cinnamon extras. We like it even more than Parker did (94/100). 96/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 62.99 each |
| SEE-178. 01 RIOJA FINCAS DE GANUZA, RAMIREZ DE GANUZA Parker 92: ‘The aromatics are complex and expansive. There are splendid scents of cedar, lead pencil, black currants, and blackberry liqueur followed by a youthful palate impression of intense, sweet fruit and ripe tannins. The wine is balanced and very long. It can be drunk now but should evolve for several more years and last through 2020.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 44.99 each |
| SEE-179. 03 RIOJA, REMELLURI Ric: Deep, with lots of smoked meat. Good, soft oak patina. Big and modern and classy. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 38.99 each |
| SEE-180. 04 RIOJA RESERVA, MARQUES DE RISCAL New American oak still on top. Like in several other 04 reservas to date. Something to do with the vintage? Or trends? More new barrels in use? You’d think the wood and fruit would have merged more by age five, but no. Sweet vanilla and coconut American oak continues to dominate. Raspberry and black cherry fruit lurk beneath./ That fine 04 fruit basis supplies a sense of integrity, but this wine remains oak-dominant. The consumer can no longer count on buying new-release reservas and putting them right to use, unless one is an oak lover. More cellaring called for. 90++/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 21.99 each |
| SEE-181. 04 RIOJA RESERVA, MARQUES DE MURRIETA Tanzer 91: ‘Strawberry and cherry-vanilla aromas are complicated by cured tobacco and coffee. Light in body and supple, offering sweet red fruit flavors, gentle tannins and good back end grip. Deepened with air, picking up darker berries and a pleasantly bitter cherry skin quality. Finishes with an echo of red fruits and vanilla. Textbook Rioja, and drinking beautifully right now.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 28.99 each |
| SEE-182. 01 RIOJA RESERVA, PUELLES (Limited Stock) Parker 92: ‘Offers bigger fruit and more structure than the 1999 while maintaining an elegant personality. It will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2020. $30.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 28.99 each |
| SEE-183. 06 RIOJA CRIANZA, PUELLES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 19.99 each |
| SEE-184. 00 RIOJA RESERVA VINA ARDANZA, LA RIOJA ALTA Sweeter, rounder nature of the vintage and the cuvee, which I believe is Alavesa rather than Alta based. Soft and lovely, approachable./ Oh, this is nice and gentle and welcoming. Good acidity too. Lovely oak influences. Layers of reserva fruit, oak, and time in barrel contributions. Excellent current drinking but won’t fade fast. 93/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 33.99 each |
| SEE-185. 07 RIOJA, SIERRA CANTABRIA Oh, so polished, pure, and lovely a tempranillo statement. Like the 06 was. Subtle, sweet, spicy oak. In harmony with the fruit./ Oh, yes! Sweet, dense, ripe black fruit and a fine, persistent oak measure, acclimatized to the fruit. Juicy, racy, and refined too. Well formed, with a nicely defined mien. All around champion. Fruit creme, cinnamon, fruitcake, oak-nut creme. Will earn bouquet savor over at least another two years. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-186. 00 RIOJA RESERVA VINA BOSCONIA, VINA TONDONIA Wine & Spirits 92: ‘Mature in tone, with persistent and complex flavor. With air, earthy cherry flavors come up, minerality develops, and the mellow power only seems to gain focus. Decant this for roast pheasant with chanterelles.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 37.99 each |
| SEE-187. 87 RIOJA GRAN RESERVA, VINA TONDONIA A customer recently emailed me after having tasted this wine. He has a hunch it’s one of the best mature red wines in the market for under $100. My notes from 2/08: As fresh as the day it was born. Nutty, oaky intricacies. Flowers, fresh and dried fruits, peppercorn, old leather./ Stately and subtle and complex. Tobacco, leather, wood, dried fruits. Lots of glycerol. Classic. How do they do it?! Sensational wine. 94/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 77.95 each |
SPAIN - RED |
NAVARRA |
| SEE-189. 04 NAVARRA CRIANZA, GRAN FEUDO CHIVITE Classic crianza balance of fruit and oak. Fine lift of Navarra. I’m a fan. Nothing else like it./ Mmm. Candied fruit extras from maturity. Oh, boy, this is special! 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-190. 01 NAVARRA RESERVA GRAN FEUDO, CHIVITE Good oak and 01 race, form, and accomplishment./ Yes, 01 structure, acidity, grip, fine lines. Very handsome, lots to offer. Nice future. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
CALATAYUD |
| SEE-192. 08 CALATAYUD OLD VINES, FUEGO Tanzer 88 - INCREDIBLE VALUE: ‘From vines reportedly between 60 and 80 year of age. Potent aromas of blackberry, blueberry, olive and violet; smells like a syrah, and a good one at that. Chewy dark berry and bitter cherry flavors are famed by dusty tannins that give way to the fruit on the firm, focused back end.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.49 each |
| SEE-193. 07 CALATAYUD OLD VINES GARNACHA, EVODIA Sweet fruit up front. Powerful (14.5%). Ripe and large. Blackberry, strawberry, cinnamon, bitter chocolate, even flowers./ Sweet and sassy red fruit. Plummy and cohesive. Good acidity. Stylish and seductive. Great price. Popular with the group. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.99 each |
| SEE-194. 06 CALATAYUD OLD VINES GARNACHA, FLOR DEL MONTGO 85% grenache, 15% syrah. More compact, needs more time than the Montgo Monastrell. Shows great old vines depth and concentration./ Yes, has class and panache. Dark fruited, young. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-195. 07 CALATAUYD OLD VINES, ATTECA Tanzer 91: ‘From vines reportedly 80 to 120 years of age. Ripe boysenberry and blueberry on the nose, with licorice and graphite adding complexity. Juicy dark berry preserve flavors show palate-saturating depth and impressive clarity, picking up smoky minerals with air. Energetic finishing notes of blackberry skin and candied licorice linger with impressive tenacity. According to the importer, the yield for this wine was less than one ton per hectare.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
CAMPO DE BORJA |
| SEE-197. 07 CAMPO DE BORJA VINA BORGIA, BORSAO Tanzer 88: ‘100% garnacha. Jammy blackberry, blueberry and gentle spice aromas are impressively fresh for this price range. Round and fleshy, offering sweet dark berry flavors and no rough edges. Clean and sweet on the finish, with the vivid dark berry flavors echoing. To call this a bargain would be a severe understatement.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 6.49 each |
| SEE-198. 07 CAMPO DE BORJA TRES PICOS, BORSAO Parker 91 - REMARKABLE VALUE: ‘Sourced from low yielding vineyards on the slopes of Moncayo Mountain, the wine offers up sexy aromas of cedar, underbrush, mineral, and black cherry. This leads to a layered, intense, spicy, rich Garnacha with gobs of succulent fruit, excellent balance, and a plush finish. This may well be the finest Tres Picos to date. It is like to improve in the bottle for 2-3 years but there is no reason to delay your gratification.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 19.99 each |
| SEE-199. 06 CAMPO DE BORJA CRIANZA, BORSAO 50% grenache, 25% each tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon. Oh, boy! Black and deep and spicy-peppery fruit with fine oak border. Everything’s in harmony, in synch. Grenache sweetness, crianza oak and barrel development. Fabulous crianza./ Yes, oak, sweet fruit, vanilla–in balance. Well tuned. Plenty of spice and flair. Large in all respects. Powerful, generous. Has a fine future too. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
MONTSANT |
| SEE-201. 07 MONTSANT MAS DONIS, CAPCANES 85% garnacha and 15% syrah, from old vines of the Mas Donis estate. The best vintage of this ever. No woody excesses as in some past years. The 07 fruit forward character is well balanced by subtle oakiness. Harmonious indeed./ Rich, sweet, and well balanced. Well formed, and showing real depth. Very fine tannin–talc like. Everything hangs together just right. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 9.99 each |
| SEE-202. 07 MONTSANT, CAN BLAU 40% mazuelo, 40% syrah, 20% grenache. Bright, fresh, black, creamy fruit. Intense black currant. Violets. Has no use for wood./ Rich, packed in fruit and peels. Good acidity. Well concentrated. Lush and ripe, full and supple, structured and promising. The tannins are still a little harsh. This has potential for brilliance. Well liked by the group. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-203. 06 MONTSANT, LATRIA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-204. 04 MONTSANT, LAURONA Parker 91: ‘50% Grenache, 25% Merlot, 15% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers an expressive nose of toasty oak, spice box, black cherry, black raspberry, and black currant. This leads to a wine with loads of sweet fruit, excellent concentration and depth, and a firm structure. It will evolve for 3-4 years and drink well through 2020.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 33.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
PRIORAT |
| SEE-206. 07 PRIORAT ONIX Bright, rich, ripe, juicy, rangy. High altitude. Speaks well for Priorat at an affordable price./ Exceptionally bright and crisp. Yes, upbeat. Fine tannin. Fine savor. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-207. 05 PRIORAT FONT DE LA FIGUERA, CLOS FIGUERES Grenache, carignan, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon. Focused, intense blackberry puree aromas. Tar, smoke, and game elements. Ripe, spicy, floral, unique. High altitude berry and black fruit. Evokes impressions of cranberry and pomegranate too. And the charred oak hints at bourbon./ Fresh, full, spicy, berried, unique. Luscious, seductive, amazing. Meaty, chewy, bold. Grand. COMPLEX! 95+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 42.99 each |
| SEE-208. 05 PRIORAT, CLOS FIGUERES Parker 96: ‘Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah, and Mourvedre. It delivers a complex and expressive perfume of smoky oak, pencil lead, mineral, spice box, black cherry, blueberry, and black raspberry. This leads to a dense, opulent wine that still manages to retain some elegance. Ripe and sweet, this hedonistic effort should evolve for 3-5 years and drink well through 2025.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 84.99 each |
| SEE-209. 06 PRIORAT FINCA DOFI, ALVARO PALACIOS Parker 93; Tanzer 93; Wine Enthusiast 95: ‘A picture of power and purity combined with elegance. The schisty soils and wild-herb surroundings impart a minerally, sauvage subcontext to the wine’s plum, berry and licorice essence. $90.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 64.99 each |
| SEE-210. 06 PRIORAT LES TERRASSES, ALVARO PALACIOS Parker 91: ‘60% Carinena, 30% Garnacha, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It exhibits a fragrant bouquet of cedar, mineral, spice box, incense, black cherry, and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, dense, rich wine with excellent harmony, potential complexity, and a fruit-filled finish. It has enough structure to evolve for several years and will deliver prime drinking from 2012 to 2021.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 39.99 each |
| SEE-211. 07 PRIORAT CEPS NOUS, PASANAU |
| How Many bottles/singles: 31.99 each |
| SEE-212. 06 PRIORAT TRIUMVIRAT, TERRA DE VEREMA Parker 95: ‘90% Carinena, 5% Garnacha, and 5% Syrah. The multidimensional perfume offers up pain grille, scorched earth, pencil lead, wild blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a large-scaled, layered, opulent Priorat with gobs of spicy, intense, silky fruit, great balance, and a long, pure finish. It will be at its best from 2012 to 2025. $45.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 35.99 each |
| SEE-213. 04 PRIORAT SOLA CLASSIC, MAS HEREU Half each carinena and garnacha. Great dark fruit of 04. Impressively deep./ Ripe, sassy, exotic. 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
| SEE-214. 05 PRIORAT, SANGENIS I VAQUE Grenache, carinena, syrah. Young and tight nose but the palate is very nice–more revealing. Good freshness and acid vigor. Still needs time to gain depth, like many an 05. Continues to perform well. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
TERRA ALTA |
| SEE-216. 04 TERRA ALTA PORTAL, PINOL Parker 90: ‘Of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Syrah, it shows an impressive array of aromas including vanilla, spice box, pepper, cassis, black cherry, and blackberry. Cutting a broad swath on the palate, this opulent wine has tons of flavor, ripe flavors, light tannin, and a pure, lengthy finish. Drink it over the next several years.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
CATALUNYA |
| SEE-219. 03 CATALUNYA GRAN CORONAS, TORRES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 22.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
JUMILLA |
| SEE-223. 07 JUMILLA MONASTRELL, ALTOS DE LA HOYA Tanzer 91 - A CRAZY VALUE: ‘Strongly floral nose displays a seductive bouquet of dark berries, lavender, rose and smoky Indian spices. Vibrant blackberry and candied cherry flavors are lifted by zesty minerals, becoming deeper and sweeter with air. The impressively brisk and focused finish features pure berries.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-224. 06 JUMILLA, J GIL Lovely, sweet southern mourvedre. Big, dense, and savory, featuring well integrated plum, herb, cedar, and other woody elements. More intense and serious than the Wrongo Dongo that Gil makes for broker Jorge Ordonez./ Wow! Tremendous! Really concentrated and beautiful on the palate. Delicious, black cherry like flavors. Fine tannins. Well balanced. Very long aftertaste. I like this much better than the 05. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-225. 06 JUMILLA ALTOS, LUZON 50% mourvedre, 25% tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon. Full and spicy. Some cabernet influence shows in a sort of leathery aspect./ Deep, with solid, ripe fruits. Smoke, charred meat, more leather. Grilled herbs, oak toast and spices. Tannin, extract, grip. Room for growth. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
| SEE-226. 08 JUMILLA CARCHELO MONASTRELL, A RICO I think this used to be all mourvedre (monastrell). Now it’s 40% each mourvedre and tempranillo, and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Fresh, cool, zesty, peppery, and primary. Very purple fruit of mourvedre leading the way. Purple plum and berries./ Oh, bright, rich, racy fruit! Tempranillo and cabernet chime in with their black fruits. Snappy, 08-style palate. Whoa, and even some garrigue extras! More complex than it’s been in previous vintages--thanks to the varietal mix now? 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
YECLA |
| SEE-228. 07 YECLA MONASTRELL, CASTANO Fresh, plush aroma full of berry cremes. A box of filled chocolates. Dark and alluring./ Cassis and all kinds of berries. Full, rich, posh, easy. Good acid brace too. Juicy. Yes, cut and frame as well as lush filling. Well balanced. Fresher and better even than the 06 tasted last month. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 7.49 each |
SPAIN - RED |
OTHER |
| SEE-230. 08 CARINENA GARNACHA LELIA, PIQUER A sweet young thing. I’ve never had a wine smell so much like cherry licorice. Incredible polish, joy, fun. A single tone only, but a nice one. May get deeper and more complex with bottle age./ Full and fleshy red fruits, including red plum. Nice, juicy acidity. Very pleasant presentation. A fine value. 89/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 9.99 each |
| SEE-231. 07 CARINENA GARNACHA OLD VINE, D’ARAGON Wonderfully fruity 07 style. Rich cooked strawberry warmth of garnacha. Old vines intensity but all the fruit is up front in the 07 vernacular./ Lots of red fruits, plus cassis.. Forward, unassuming. Mindless pleasure. Good price too. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.99 each |
| SEE-232. 03 VALDEPENAS ANCIANO RESERVA, NAVALON Geez, this works! Somewhat sangiovese like. I find that in some tempranillos from the south. Dried cherry, orange peel. Also raspberry, mulberry, vanilla. Well integrated oak. So elegant./ Wow! This is packed! Mature wood elements. Good, burnished fruit richness. Cool and composed. Incredible value. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
SPAIN - ROSE |
|
| SEE-234. 06 NAVARRA GRAN FEUDO ROSADO, CHIVITE (Limited Stock) Firm, high altitude rose. Good peels and earth tones. Not a fruit bomb. Clean, crisp, and dry./ Yes, it doesn’t have the bountiful aromatics of the Caceres. Or the Chivite 05 for that matter. Maybe we’re tasting it younger. Fine form though. And tangy red fruits evident throughout the tasting experience. Power, acid, grip, even a suggestion of light tannin. Not an aperitif, not a sipper. Mouthfilling. This is made for the dinner table. Hemingway would have liked this. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 11.99 each |
| SEE-235. 08 LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA GARNACHA ROSADO, VOLTEO Ric: Fresh, fruity, steely, with a light briary bite. 89/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
SPAIN - WHITE |
RIAS BAIXAS |
| SEE-237. 07 RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO, BURGANS Whoa! Sweet and fully perfumed of apple, pear, peach, honeysuckle and other flowers. Ideal. A textbook intro to albarino./ Very flavorful. Plump, supple, juicy, and vigorous. Aromatically and texturally, there are richer, more dramatic, and more complex albarinos, but this one’s lovely in its simplicity and correctness. And price. Entry level albarino in the best sense. Very popular with the group. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 11.99 each |
| SEE-238. 08 RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO, LA CANA Parker 89 - EXCELLENT VALUE: ‘The first release of the collaboration between the Gil family of Jumilla and importer Jorge Ordonez. Their intention was to make a more austere style of Albarino. It reveals an attractive perfume of pear, lemon-lime, and pineapple. Vibrant on the palate with excellent natural acidity, this racy Albarino will drink well for another three years.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-239. 07 RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO, LAGAR DE CERVERA Oh! Full and concentrated. Intense, but also lithe. Deep, exotic fruits and touch of honeysuckle. Floral beauties of albarino for sure, but most impressive for its size and grip./ Oh, boy! Full and viscous and rich and omnipresent in the mouth. Authoritative. Flavorful. Intriguing. Succulent, Good, cool astringency at the finale. Well liked by the group. 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
| SEE-240. 07 RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO, LICIA Wine & Spirits 92: ‘The fresh flavors of this wine fall between nuts and fruit, hinting at loquat or kumquat. Its mouthwatering acidity has the briny character of sea spray. Harmonious in the middle, quiet and lasting in the end, this is a luscious white for Dover sole.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
| SEE-241. 07 RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO, VALMINOR Filling out nicely. Richer, less delicate than in February. Pear and honeysuckle./ The delicacy is retained on the palate. Racy acidity. Juicy and accomplished. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 19.99 each |
SPAIN - WHITE |
RUEDA |
| SEE-243. 07 RUEDA, BASA Attractive lemon curd aroma. Apple and loquat chime in. Accurate to varietal and place./ Solid and penetrating. Burnished and textured fruit richness with expressive mineral-calcaire elements. Mellows as it airs. Shows a charming appeal. Useful now. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| EOBSEE-244. 05 RUEDA, ESPERANZA - End of Bin (Limited Stock) Verdejo, viura. Very vibrant, perky verdelho bitter citrus and viura lushness. Bright and lively floral highlights./ Ripe, round texture plus tangy fruit acidity. Rich, fresh, juicy berry and citrus. Dry, unctuous, lots of uplift. Fully as fine and satisfying as the 05. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: was 9.99 each, NOW End of Bin priced at 5.59 each |
| SEE-245. 08 RUEDA, MARQUES DE RISCAL All verdelho. Very appealing freshness. Good and clear and crisp varietal statement. Some grassiness of sauvignon blanc complicated by musk. That’s Rueda verdelho. This has a richness and fullness too that marks several 08 Euro whites tasted to date./ Very flavorful. A good balance of plumpness and crispness. You CAN have all. Finely etched textural spiel. Very juicy. The first Rueda blanco to make an international hit. After all these years, I’ve never tasted a better vintage. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.99 each |
| EOBSEE-246. 06 RUEDA IPSUM, DEL VILLAR - End of Bin (Limited Stock) Verdejo, viura. Very vibrant, perky verdelho bitter citrus and viura lushness. Bright and lively floral highlights./ Ripe, round texture plus tangy fruit acidity. Rich, fresh, juicy berry and citrus. Dry, unctuous, lots of uplift. Fully as fine and satisfying as the 05. Will offer additional richness and range in the months ahead. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: was 9.99 each, NOW End of Bin priced at 5.59 each |
| SEE-247. 08 RUEDA VERDEJO OLD VINES, SHAYA Wow! Extreme, forceful, sharp, and smoky. Lemon verbena, pear, melon, spice. Very nice interpretation./ Pulpy bitter orange feel and tang. Rich and spicy too. Good and lasting. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
SPAIN - WHITE |
RIOJA |
| SEE-249. 07 RIOJA CRIANZA BLANCO ABANDO, S IJALBA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
| SEE-250. 08 RIOJA BLANCO, MUGA Tanzer 90: ‘Sexy aromas of orange peel, melon, smoky minerals and anise. Creamy in texture, with deep etched fruit and melon flavors a a lashing of dusty minerals. Smoothly melds roundness ripeness and energy, with excellent finishing lift and cut.’ List price: $18. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
| SEE-251. 89 RIOJA RESERVA, VINA TONDONIA Tanzer 93: ‘An impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe pear, peach, honey, beeswax and hazelnut, with building minerality adding complexity. Weighty and ripe but with an unlikely freshness, showing deep, focused orchard and pit fruit qualities and undercurrents of stony minerals and toasted nuts. Firm and pleasingly dry on the finish, which is striking for its depth, energy and sappiness.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 44.99 each |
| SEE-252. 98 RIOJA CRIANZA VINA GRAVONIA, VINA TONDONIA Wine & Spirits 92; Wine Spectator 91; Tanzer 91: ‘Complex bouquet melds ripe melon, peach, poached pear, marzipan and honeycomb; reminds me of a white Bordeaux, or maybe a Hunter Valley semillon. Deep, fleshy flavors of firm orchard fruits and melon, picking up sweet nuts and floral honey on the back end. A velvety-smooth wine, with the concentration to handle the richest dishes, or pungent cheeses.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 26.99 each |
SPAIN - WHITE |
PENEDES |
| SEE-256. 08 PENEDES BIANCO SELECCIO, CAN FEIXAS Aromas of sweet pear and cedar. Here we go again. Big 08 texture and extract. Really speaks for form./ Apple, quince, flowers. Citrus fruit piquancy. Yes, chewy, penetrating, vigorous. Fine acidity, extract. Wow! Again!. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
SPAIN - WHITE |
OTHER |
| SEE-260. 07 BIERZO GODELLO, AGAD DOM BUENO Full richness and concentration of godello. Flowers and several sorts of melons. Also peach./ Dry and bold. This has real presence in the mouth and begs for food. Great acidity and measured astringency. Yes! 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-261. 08 CADIZ PALOMINO FINO, BARBADILLO Demure and stylish Understated yellow fruit, plus almond and sea salt. Good depth for a palomino table wine./ Fresh, brisk, very dry. Some sherry-like nuttiness. Some nut-peel astringency. Would be good with trout amandine. 89/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-262. 07 CATALUNYA VINA ESMERALDA, TORRES Better than ever. Not just holding its fruit; the fruit continues to expand. Both fruits show. The gewurz rose and tonic, the muscat peach-apricot and orange. Fine display of fruits. Love it. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| SEE-263. 08 LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA VIURA/VIOGNIER/SAUVIGNON BLANC, VOLTEO Ric: Tangy sauvignon and viura richness. Vibrant and distinctive. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-264. 07 RIBEIRO, VINA REBOREDA A peach-pear-aromatic apple-flowers beauty. 07 lithe. Perfect Ribeiro–not as fruity as Rias Baixas albarino but certainly from varietals on the fruity side like arintho, trajadura, godello./ Round, soft, and cushy on approach. Then the juicy fruit acidity rings in to balance. A long and inviting aftertaste. Come hither. Classic. Better than the 06 was in youth. 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| SEE-265. 07 VALDEORRAS, VINA GODEVAL Oh, my is this ever intense and penetrating! Godello perfume of fruit and flowers. Especially citrus peel./ Full and flavorful. Good astringency. Has bulk and power and citrus cut. Mouthwatering food wine. 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
