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: 14.99 each |
| SEE-104. 06 DOURO RESERVA OLD VINES, QUINTA DO CRASTO Wine Spectator 92: ‘Aromas and flavors of kirsch, chocolate and dark plum are the hallmarks of this sumptuous Portugese red. Very silky tannins and zesty acidity carry the long, sandalwood- and cherry-filled finish. Now-2014.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 49.99 each |
| SEE-105. 07 DOURO, QUINTA DOS ACIPRESTES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.99 each |
| SEE-106. 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-107. 05 DOURO, EVEL |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-108. 07 DOURO BARCO NEGRO, LURTON Extra ripeness, boldness, and power of 07 compared to the tighter-structured, cooler, more elegant 05 and 06. But not at all overblown. This retains the fine, firm framing of Portugal’s reds and deep, dark, hidden secrets./ Bright black and purple fruits right in tune with the series and country of origin. Plum, plum peel, and pitch. Rich and full in 07, with light, fine-grained tannin that offers little resistance to current consumption. Fresh, pleasing, mouth-filling. I think more bottle age with broaden the wine’s aromatic range. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 11.99 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 (Limited Stock) 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 |
PORTUGAL - RED |
DAO |
| SEE-113. 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-116. 07 RIBATEJANO, QUINTA DE ALORNA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 10.99 each |
| SEE-117. 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-118. 09 TERRAS DO SADO AZEITAO, J PIRES 70% castelao (periquita), 20% aragonez (tempranillo), and 10% syrah. Fresh and juicy purple plum and berry aromas. Touches of vanilla and sugar-coated nuts. Still Portuguese-red firm-structured the first day. Opening nicely by the second. Lots to offer. / Dark, with good juice. Bright and lively, ripe acid freshness. Hint of olive. Improvement with aeration suggests improvement with bottle age. This is a very young red wine. Nonetheless, lots of attendees liked it now. 89+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 9.99 each |
PORTUGAL - WHITE |
|
| SEE-121. 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-122. 09 VINHO VERDE PONTE DE BARCA, ADEGA Oh, grand! Comes right at ya! Burst of fresh, juicy fruit. Lemon, apple, pear, tropics, flowers. Loaded. What a deal! Must have some of the superior, more aromatic varietals involved. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 7.99 each |
| SEE-123. 09 VINHO VERDE, FAMEGA |
| 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. 09 VINHO VERDE ALVARINO, AURATUS The extra alvarinho body and creaminess, aromatics. Very nicely done. Shows the quality and ripeness of the vintage. As Vinho Verdes go, it’s really quite large./ Whoa! Full, loaded. Peach, loquat, bergamot. Satin texture. Good, taut acidity. Solid, well controlled, measured This is impressive! 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 17.99 each |
| SEE-126. 08 RIBATEJO ARINTHO, QUINTA DO ALORNA As before, more framing and less lush fruit than the 07–as expected of the vintage. May become lusher. Very much the same, lovely tropical fruit set. Well poised./ Good richness, smoothness, succulence. Not quite so succulent as the 07. And likely not to become such. So may be better at the table. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
BIERZO |
| SEE-128. 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-129. 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-131. 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-133. 07 TORO TERMES, NUMANTHIA TERMES Parker 92: ‘A bit more elegant than the 2006 with its velvety texture, ripe tannins, and silky finish. It, too, has the ability to improve with 2-3 years of cellaring, but can be enjoyed now.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 29.99 each |
| SEE-134. 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 |
SPAIN - RED |
SARDON DE DUERO |
| SEE-136. 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-138. 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-139. 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-140. 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-141. 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: 24.99 each |
| SEE-142. 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-143. 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-144. 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-145. 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-146. 08 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-147. 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-149. 04 RIOJA FINCA ALLENDE Rich and forward but still holding something in reserve.. Burnished fruits, soft, sweet oak./ Lush and modern. Lots of oak, Very ripe fruit. Ambitious wine. Would appeal to New World wine lovers as well as Old. 92/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 22.99 each |
| SEE-150. 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-151. 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-152. 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-153. 05 RIOJA CRIANZA, RAMON BILBAO |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| SEE-154. 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-155. 06 RIOJA CRIANZA, MARQUES DE CACERES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-156. 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-157. 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-158. 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-159. 04 RIOJA CRIANZA, CUNE |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-160. 05 RIOJA CRIANZA, EL COTO |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-161. 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-162. 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-163. 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-164. 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-165. 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-166. 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-167. 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-168. 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-169. 01 RIOJA CASTILLO YGAY GRAN RESERVA ESPECIAL, MARQUES DE MURRIETA Wine & Spirits 94: ‘This is a dramatic young Rioja That expands as if to fill whatever time and space are provided. Its succulent fruit has a foresty edge of juniper and raspberry, while oak overlaps the tannin in layers of minerals and spice. The wine’s ripeness shows in the supple texture and hint of sweetness from the alcohol. With a day of air, the savory, meaty notes balance that sweetness and suggest drinking it with jamon Iberico de Jabugo. The best Ygay vintages are for decades, and all signs point to this being on of them.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 62.99 each |
| SEE-170. 05 RIOJA FINCA YGAY RESERVA, MARQUES DE MURRIETA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 28.99 each |
| SEE-171. 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-172. 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-173. 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-174. 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-175. 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-176. 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: 22.99 each |
| SEE-177. 01 RIOJA RESERVA, PUELLES 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-178. 06 RIOJA CRIANZA, PUELLES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 19.99 each |
| SEE-179. 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-180. 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-181. 02 RIOJA RESERVA VINA BOSCONIA, R. LOPEZ DE HEREDIA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 37.99 each |
| SEE-182. 91 RIOJA GRAN RESERVA VINA TONDONIA, R. LOPEZ DE HEREDIA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 77.95 each |
SPAIN - RED |
CALATAYUD |
| SEE-185. 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-186. 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-187. 08 CALATAYUD OLD VINES, ATTECA Tanzer 90: ‘Intensely floral bouquet offers scents of black raspberry, lavender, Indian spices and white pepper. Juicy dark berry flavors are complicated by notes of candied flowers and pepper and show no rough edges. The floral quality resonates on the spicy, long finish. I'd drink this over the next few years to take advantage of its vivacious fruit.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
CAMPO DE BORJA |
| SEE-189. 08 CAMPO DE BORJA VINA BORGIA, BORSAO Fresh and dark, sweet and fruity. Ripe CdB old vines grenache./ Oh, yeah. Sweet, tangy, peppery. Wonderful value, as always. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 6.49 each |
| SEE-190. 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-191. 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-193. 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-194. 08 MONTSANT, CAN BLAU Parker 89: ‘Of Carinena, Syrah, and Garnacha, it reveals a compelling bouquet of mineral, smoke, spice box, black cherry, and plum. Sweet and smooth-textured on the palate, this effort has excellent depth, concentration, and length. Drink it over the next 6 years.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-195. 06 MONTSANT, LATRIA 50% garnacha, 50% carinena. Licorice and other ventilating aromas. High altitude freshness and lift Perfumed./ Fresh and upbeat. 06 density. Old vines extraction. Parallels the style and quality of the 04. Great acidity. Body, depth, burnished texture. Rich, balanced, creamy finish. Needs some bottle age. Will match the appeal of the 04 if given 6 months to a year. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-196. 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-198. 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-199. 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-200. 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-201. 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-202. 06 PRIORAT LES TERRASSES, ALVARO PALACIOS (Limited Stock) 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-203. 07 PRIORAT CAMINS, ALVARO PALACIOS Well, this is impressive! Class, high altitude clarity, brightness./ Rich fruit intensity. Cracked peppercorn zestiness. Good lift. Everything about it is first class. Surely fulfills its purpose and price point. 92+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 25.99 each |
| SEE-204. 07 PRIORAT CEPS NOUS, PASANAU |
| How Many bottles/singles: 31.99 each |
| SEE-205. 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-206. 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-207. 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-209. 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-212. 03 CATALUNYA GRAN CORONAS, TORRES |
| How Many bottles/singles: 22.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
CASTILLA Y LEON |
| SEE-214. 08 CASTILLA Y LEON TINTA DEL TORO, TRITON Very dark and rich. Ripe–exceptionally so for 08./ Big, dense, and smoky. Some bacon fat and ample oak toast and char. Heavy, with balanced strength. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 21.99 each |
SPAIN - RED |
JUMILLA |
| SEE-217. 08 JUMILLA MONASTRELL, ALTOS DE LA HOYA Tanzer 91 - TOP VALUE: ‘92% monastrell and 8% garnacha. Inky purple. Deep, smoky, seductively perfumed bouquet of dark berries, macerated cherries, licorice and Indian spices. Powerful blackberry and cassis flavors are surprisingly lively, with notes of black cardamom and candied violet adding complexity. A zesty note of cracked pepper adds snap to the long, spicy, subtly sweet finish. Once again, this is probably the top value I found in my annual tastings of new releases from Spain. Some of the vines in this plot reportedly date back to 1872.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-218. 07 JUMILLA, J GIL Tanzer 90: ‘Blueberry, boysenberry and smoky Indian spices on the nose, with a sexy floral quality coming on with air. Juicy, sweet dark berry flavors are framed by velvety tannins and enlivened by zesty minerality. Gains depth and fleshiness with air, finishing on a strong boysenberry note, with excellent sappy persistence. This is delicious right now.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 14.99 each |
| SEE-219. 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-220. 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-222. 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-224. 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-225. 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-226. 07 LA MANCHA, VOLVER Parker 90 - SUPERB VALUE: ‘From a single vineyard that was planted in 1967 with head pruned Tempranillo. The wine was barrel-fermented and aged for 14 months in new French oak. It offers up an alluring aromatic array of pain grille, smoke, violets, black cherry, and blackberry that jumps from the glass. On the palate it displays gobs of ripe fruit, succulent flavors, soft tannins, and excellent balance. This lengthy effort over-delivers big-time. $16.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 13.99 each |
| SEE-227. 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-229. 09 MONTSANT ROSADO MAS DONIS CAPCANES 80% grenache, 10% each syrah and merlot. Young and a bit rigid still. Firm but fruity too. Nice red fruit elements and peels strengths. Core cherry aromas./ Softer and sweeter on the palate. More ease than the nose. Flavorful, racy, and properly strong–13%. Decent acidity. Good, but pretty large for rose. Not the refreshing picnic sort. Needs full fare, if short of red wine fare. A spicy Med fish chowder. 90+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 12.99 each |
| SEE-230. 09 NAVARRA GARNACHA ROSADO, ARTAZURI Very full for Navarra rose, even powerful. Sweet and intense aromas of red fruits and peels. Raspberry and strawberry. Delivers./ Sweet fruit against peels extract grip. Great counterplay, composition. Long, well balanced aftertaste. Delivers indeed. 91/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 9.49 each |
| SEE-231. 09 NAVARRA GARNACHA ROSADO, VEGA SINDOA Neon scarlet color./ Grenache strawberry aroma, fresh and vital. Complete wine now; no fermentation aromas. Heart on sleeve./ Big and juicy, plump and fresh, exuberant. Packs a fruit punch. Delicious. Good price. Good to go, and useful throughout rose season. 90/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 9.99 each |
| SEE-232. 09 RIOJA, MUGA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 11.99 each |
| SEE-233. 09 YECLA MONASTRELL ROSADO, CASTANO (Limited Stock) 85% monastrell and 5% each grenache, syrah, and cabernet. Taut, ripe, dark fruits and berries. Some peels edge. Quite full, even powerful./ There’s still a little gas in this, as if it’s still working. This brings forth some brown apple tones. Three days later, this had all cleared up, blown off, and the wine smelled and tasted wholesome and correct. 87+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 8.99 each |
SPAIN - WHITE |
RIAS BAIXAS |
| SEE-235. 09 RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO, LA CANA Ric: Full and buxom. Juicy yellow and stone fruits with light ‘minty’ accent./ Big, expressive fruit flavor. Some mineral backbone and zesty piquance. Satisfying. 91+/100. |
| How Many bottles/singles: 16.99 each |
| SEE-236. 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-237. 08 RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO, LICIA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 15.99 each |
| SEE-238. 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-240. 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 |
| SEE-241. 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: 9.99 each |
| SEE-242. 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-244. 07 RIOJA CRIANZA BLANCO ABANDO, S IJALBA |
| How Many bottles/singles: 18.99 each |
| SEE-245. 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: 14.99 each |
| SEE-246. 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-247. 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-251. 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-255. 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-256. 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-257. 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-258. 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-259. 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 |
| SEE-260. 09 GUETARIA TXAKOLI, TXOMIN ETXANIZ Parker 90: ‘Txomin Etxaniz’s 2009 remains the prototype. With an enticing bouquet of sea salt, mineral, baking spices, spring flowers and green apple, on the palate it is crisp, vibrant, impeccably balanced, and totally refreshing. But beware, its low alcohol and hint of spritz makes it go down very easy; in an instant the bottle is empty and you’re ready for more. If you have some ability to delay gratification, note that it should be consumed over the next 12-18 months. $25.’ |
| How Many bottles/singles: 21.99 each |
