Spanish Reds
2013 Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Garnacha
Campo de Borja, Spain
100% Old vine (40-70yr) Garnacha aged 20 months in new French oak.
Bold aromas show rich scents of spiced blueberry and blackberry compote, huckleberry and melted black licorice, vanilla, violet pastilles, fig paste, sassafras, toasted oak, toffee, balsamic and ganache.
Rich and voluptuously textured on the palate showing density from start to finish. decadent flavors of fig paste, blueberry, blackberry and huckleberry dripping with meted black licorice, vanilla, violet pastilles, toasty oak tones and notes of toffee and cocoa. Long lingering finish. Remarkably dense and rounded.
2012 Vall Llach, Embruix
Priorat, Spain
Aromas are rich and perfumed showing plum, blackberry, toasted star anise, cinnamon stick, herbs, slate, earth, fennel pollen, toast, oak new leather and hints of chocolate, balsamic reduction and heat from the alcohol. On the palate rich and youthful showing structure. Acidity is medium-plus along with alcohol, density and tannins. Flavors of dark plum, blackberry, black cherry, fig and mulberry are jammy and laced with cinnamon, fennel and licorice, rocky mineral, toasty oak, vanilla, chocolate, balsamic, new leather and earth.
$20 – 91 Points
2010 Bodegas Ondarre, Reserva
Rioja, Spain
Scented with aromas toasty oak and cigar box with juniper, pine and herbs that mingle with spiced cider, cherries, cranberry sauce and potpourri. On the palate this medium bodied red stays fresh with lively medium-plus acidity. Moderate tannins and alcohol. Flavors confirm the nose with cranberry sauce, dark cherry, cedar, pine, dried flowers herbs and spice. Long on the finish.
$16 – 90 Points
2011 Bodegas Y Viñedos Valderiz
Ribera del Duero, Spain
100% Tinta del Pais, the local clone of Tempranillo, aged 24 months in 80% French oak, 20% American oak, 60% new and 40% one year old barrels. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.
On the nose this wine displays pronounced aromas of black plums, cassis, and dark cherry with notes of violets, charcoal, spent campfire, graphite pencil shavings, earth, star anise and a trace of balsamic. The palate translates showing great concentration and depth while retaining freshness. Flavors of black plums, dark cherries and cassis arrive in concert with loamy earth, tobacco, wood, charcoal, star anise, crushed violets and red meat notes that pull through the balsamic-laced finish.
2012 Bodegas Y Viñedos de la Marquesa, Valserrano Crianza
Rioja, Spain
Aromas pour from the glass showing transparency. Raw coconut, dill and vanilla scents mix seamlessly with leather, tobacco, forest floor, plum, blackberry, black cherry and herbs while hints of cocoa nib, crushed florals and menthol present. The palate is brimming with flavor and juicy medium-plus acidity. The ripe, slightly dusty tannins add to the structure. Flavors mimic the nose showing a seamless blend of fruit, savory and earth; plum, dark cherry (slightly dried), cranberry and blackberry with shaved coconut, dill and vanilla flavors from the oak while tobacco, leather, wood, earth, mushroom and cocoa nib notes linger through the finish effortlessly.
2012 Cellar de Cervoles, Estrats
Costers del Segre, Spain
A blend of 40% Cab Sauvignon, 25% Tempranillo, 20% Merlot and 15% Grenache. 18 months in "fine grained" new French oak.
Dark garnet with dark cherry hues.
The nose is medium-plus in intensity showing notes of cedar, vanilla, bay leaf, cigar tobacco, balsamic laced cherry, currant, blackberry, plum and pepper with hints of anise, graphite and dark chocolate.
The palate is full, complex and well textured with intense flavors that mimic the nose showing barrel accents of cedar, clove, vanilla and cigar upfront followed by the fruit; bright cherry and currant along with blackberry and wild strawberry that also show a touch of dried rose, black pepper, herbs, mineral and bittersweet chocolate. Structured showing medium-plus to high juicy acidity, refined tannin and alcohol. Long with intensity through the grippy finish.
2005, Rotllan Torra, Tirant
Priorat DOQ, Spain
Fruit from 90-year-old indigenous vines is blended with French varieties for a concentrated and cohesive wine, which, after a decade in bottle, is showing tremendous balance and complexity.
30% Grenache, 25% Carignan , 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 10% Merlot all fermented separately in French oak, before being transferred to 100% new French oak barrels for 12 months. After this, the final blend is done vat by vat and the wine rests for some time before being bottled. It will also rest for some time in the bottle. Limited production: 17,010 bottles, all of them numbered manually.
Aromas bloom to show violet pastilles, lavender, sweet basil and toasted fennel seeds with roasted plum, incense, Chinese 5 spice, blackberry and boysenberry jam scents that show hints of mineral and lilac.
On the palate rich and juicy with flavors of exotic spiced black fruit compote, fig paste, purple flowers, sweet basil, leather, black tea, mineral and vanilla. Long on the finish with fine grained tannins and medium-plus acidity.
2013 Juan Gil, 100 Aniversario
Jumilla, Spain
50% Monastrell (from 45 yr old vines), 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah (from 40 yr old Vines).
Aromas of plum compote, black cherry, vanilla and mocha are rich with scents of star anise and tobacco coming into play as well. On the palate this wine shows great density as flavors of mocha, dense plum, dark cherry, vanilla, boysenberry pastilles, baking spice, anise, cocoa and sweet pipe tobacco unfold. Grippy yet velvety tannins linger through the finish.
2014 Dominio Pingus, Flor de Pingus
Ribera del Duero, Spain
Hailed as the best version of this wine that the celebrated Peter Sisseck has ever crafted! Old vine Tempranillo locally referred to as Tinto Fino aged nineteen months in one-year old French barrels. Aromatically explosive showing complex fruit notes that blend blackberry, boysenberry, plum, fig and cassis that unfold to show incense, florals, baking spice, vanilla, smoke and tobacco nuances. The palate if full and bold, no less explosive than the nose strutting fine, firm tannins, juicy acidity and full yet balanced alcohol. Powerful flavors on the palate reinforce the aromas and lead with velocity through the unyielding finish. This will continue to improve for decades!
2016 Vega Tolosa, Bobal 11 Pinos,
Manchuela DO, Spain
80 years bobal old vines aged for 3 months in french oak barrels.
Showing fresh red fruit aromas of cherry, pomegranate and currant with a tint of plum that integrates scents of rhubarb and cranberry, herbs, sandalwood, mineral and a hint of flowers and red tea.
The palate is fresh and lively and brimming with sour cherries, rhubarb, pomegranate fresh cranberry, plum and currant flavors that take full charge and lead additional flavors of salt and rocky mineral, red flowers, red tea and light spice. The tart is acidity and firm tannins provide plenty of structure.
This wine shows a great QPR.
Bierzo, Spain
Aromas show complexity with notes of raspberry, slightly dried cherry, red tea, peach skin, rock and clay, mountain herbs, dried florals and Aparol.
The palate is full showing full, drying tannins, and slightly above moderate alcohol and acidity. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and dried strawberry are followed by flavors of red tea, dried rose petals, herbs and rocky earth that show impressive thrust. The tannins gain on the long finish.
2012 Bodegas Hermanos Peciña, Señorío de P. Peciña Crianza
Rioja, Spain
From the former vineyard manager for La Rioja Alta, Pedro Peciña.
95% Tempranillo, 3% Grenache and 2% Graciano aged 2 years in American oak barrels and 1 year in bottle, A full year above and beyond in barrel than required.
Aromas show a complex mix herbaceous notes of dill, tarragon, eucalyptus with scents of tobacco and worn leather that mix with fruit notes of goji, sour cherry, smashed cranberry and plum with hints of rose petal, and dried orange peel.
The palate reveals, high, structured acidity and moderate tannins. Notes of cranberry, sour cherry, goji and plum skin mingle with flavors of herbs, dried rose petals, hibiscus, pepper, tobacco, rock and blood orange all linger through the dry, austere finish.
2015 Portal del Priorat, Clos del Portal, Tros De Clos
Priorat, Spain
Tros de Clos is a pure Carignan from 101-year-old vines on the “Coster” (slope), partly de-stemmed and aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. It is 100% estate grown and organic (certified). Biodynamically farmed in slate soils.
It has a gorgeous, intellectual nose that is beautifully defined and elegant, not powerful but mineral-rich and earthy, blossoming with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with graceful tannins, pure, unbridled dark cherry, fig and plum fruit intermingling with minerals and slate aromas. A wine that demonstrates the unbridled greatness of Carignan, a wine that takes you straight to Priorat.
2013 Bodegas LAN, Edición Limitada,
Rioja, Spain
This inky red shows deep saturated color and rich aromas.
Scents of Kirsch and boysenberry mingle with the notes of black licorice, flower petals, toast and vanilla with herbs and hints of orange zest, balsamic.
The palate is suave and silky with impressive textures and density. Juicy acidity plays against the fine tannins. Flavors of cherry and boysenberry are laced with orange peel, crushed florals, suede, licorice, vanilla, toast and a trace of aged balsamic. Long through the hedonist finish.
2015, Vall Llach, Mas De La Rosa
Priorat DOCa, Spain
100 % old vine Cariñena aged 16 months in fine-grained French Oak. The fruit for this comes from the unique Mas de la Rosa vineyard that is made up of inaccessible, 80° steep slopes, with its severe llicorella soil and an unforgiving south-facing orientation. It takes seven vines to make one bottle of this inimitable wine. The result is one of the world’s greatest bottling’s of the varietal.
Dense on the nose showing deep, rich fruit of fig, blueberry, blackberry compote and cassis dripping in notes of vanilla crème, melted black licorice, spice, floral pastilles, earth, stone and mineral. The palate is exceedingly full with ripe, smooth tannins and a fresh acidity lifting the weight of this wine. Creamy textures are mouth-filling coating the palate in opulent fruit that blends blackberry, blueberry, and fig preserve with cassis and vanilla before bring waves of black licorice, flowers, spice, slate and mineral. The finish is unrelenting.
2014 Bodegas Numanthia, Termes, Tinta De Toro
Toro, Spain
100% Low yielding old vine Tinta de Toro.
Fresh and fruity on the nose with aromas of Kirch, Luxardo, fresh figs, raspberries and plums. These perfectly integrate with hints of aromatics such as thyme and eucalyptus in addition to subtle notes of hazelnuts, vanilla, cocoa, tobacco and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is fresh and balanced, with a predominance of fruit flavors. The tannins are fine grained and acidity is lively. Flavors of cherry, plum, cassis and pomegranate blend with cocoa dusted almonds, tobacco, earth, herbs and a touch of spice. The finish lingers again echoing the freshness and balance.
2004 Gran Viu, Finca Santiaga
Cariñena, Spain
A blend of 60% Garnacha, 20% Vidadillo, and 20% Carinena sourced from a single 100-year-old vineyard, aged for 36 months in a mix of new and used French oak.
The nose is layered with complex notes that show black licorice, pain grille, leather, tobacco, Turkish coffee, plum, black cherry, fig spread and smashed blueberry with streaks of spice, rock and mineral. Rich on the hedonistic palate and well structured. The tannins are ripe and firm on the front. Acidity is above moderate providing lift and delineation. Texturally layered with above moderate mid-palate density. Flavors show plum, blueberry and fig compote flavors that are woven tightly with black licorice, dried flowers, leather, cocoa, vanilla scented spice cake, Turkish coffee, toast, tobacco, rocky minerals and earth. Lingers on the plush, intense finish. Bottle time has done this very well and I believe it will continue to improve.
2016 Vall LLach, Idus
Priorat DOQ, Spain
Grapes are sourced from very old 75-100+ year-old Cariñena vines. 90% Cariñena, 10% Garnacha aged 14 months in French oak.
Scented with a mix of super ripe blueberry, muddled black cherry, brambly blackberry and spice cake notes with fig, violet pastilles, black licorice, espresso and leather with hints of slate, white pepper and earth.
The palate reveals the youth of this wine. Bright acid adds lift and the tannins are firm and structured. Flavors show a purity of fruit down the palate with notes of blueberry, black cherry and marionberry that meld with flavors of black licorice, spice cake, violet extract and hints of spice, espresso, slate, rock and earth notes. The finish lingers with density and intensity.
2006 Bodegas Frontaura, Aponte, Reserva
Toro D.O. Spain
100% Tinta de Toro. Centenarian vines up to 140+ years old. Fermented and aged 20 months in new French oak.
Dark, opaque and inky in the glass with glass staining ruby hues.
The nose is wildly complex offering a range of aromas that show black fruits of fig, plum and blackberry pastilles with smashed blueberry accents that fold in notes of deep violets, hoisin and soy sauce, hot stone, earth, black licorice, herbs, leather, tobacco and a faint hint of eucalyptus in the background.
The palate is intense upon entry displaying structured bright acidity and firm, muscular tannins that build in their intensity. Flavors blend the savory aspects with the fruit seamlessly showing leather, cigar tobacco, black tea, violet, black licorice, fig, plum, brambly blackberry, hoisin and soy sauce that meld with crushed stone, earth, cocoa and rubbed herbs.
The finish lingers with intensity.
A beautiful showing from this Old Vine Toro
2017 Casa Castillo, Las Gravas Vinas Viejas,
Jumilla, Spain
80% Monastrell, 20% Garnacha, Certified Organic. Whole cluster & spontaneous fermentation. Aged in 20% new French demi-muids for 18 months.
Aromas showcase a more elegant and feminine side of Jumilla with notes of florals, potpourri, and rose pastilles that coat notes of black raspberry, blackberry, strawberry preserve and wild blueberry with subtle pepper spice, velour and earth.
The palate shows youth and balance in all aspects of this wine. Structured juicy acidity, firm-ripe tannins, and moderate alcohol perception. Integrated flavors of blackberry, raspberry pastilles and cooked strawberry come with crushed florals, hibiscus tea, spice and earth. Smooth textures and a long balanced finish.
2016 Bodegas Pintia
Toro D.O., Spain
100% Tinta de Toro. Fermented in oak vats and matured in oak barrels (new and used, 80% French and 20% American) for 12 months with a little time in bottle as well.
Bold aromas show the darker and more brooding side of Tempranillo with this specific clone. Notes show dark cherry, plum, and a hint of fig that fold seamlessly into scents of soy sauce and umami notes, turned earth, desiccated rose and violets, oak, baking chocolate, baking spice and hints of camphor, charred coconut and espresso.
Full bodied. Smooth almost creamy across the mid-palate and structured with plush, full tannins and matching above moderate acidity. Flavors show a profile that follows the nose with dark cherry, plum, wild bramble berry, and black fig with the more savory notes of soy sauce, earth, rubbed herbs, desiccated flower petals, oak, baking chocolate, espresso and hints of coconut. The finish is long, complex and shows good intensity. Shows great balance between power and elegance.
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain
100% Tempranillo aged in 100% new French oak.
Rich, plush aromas show off a combination of vanilla laced scents of cassis, dark cherry, Framboise, brown sugar, licorice, floral pastilles and traces of rocky earth in the background.
The palate shows full, fine-grained tannins that gain in intensity and a fresh acidity structure. Velvety texture and moderate-plus in weight. Flavors wrap the palate in notes of cherry, cassis, Framboise, vanilla, floral pastilles, pomegranate syrup, licorice, spice cake and rocky earth. The finish fades slowly and lets the structure of the wine shine through.
2017 Clos Mogador, Priorat Vi de Finca Qualificada
The 2017 is 49% Garnacha, 29% Cariñena, 16% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Suvignon aged 18 months in 300-liter barrels and 2,000-liter oak vats.
Showing complex notes of fig preserve, cassis, black plum and a touch of blueberry and strawberry compote packed in with notes of black licorice, candied violets, baking spices, slate, mineral, new leather and cigar box.
The palate shows nice freshness given the warmth of the vintage. Tannins are polished and above moderate, acidity is moderate-plus and alcohol perception is high. Flavors follow the nose highlighting the fig paste, black licorice, slate, and floral pastilles. The finish is long and pleasant. Very accessible in its youth.
2014 Dominio Basconcillos, Ribera del Duero Viña Magna Reserva
Ribera del Duero, Spain
Only 300 cases produced.
80+ year old vines. 95% Tempranillo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 24 months in new French oak. 100% Organic.
The nose shows suave and complex scents of vanilla crème, high-end leather and velour notes that compliment the scents of plum pudding, deep red cherry, cassis, toasted coconut, balsamic, crème caramel, pipe tobacco, Danish pastry, baking spices, cocoa and warm earth.
The palate is suave and refined with a creamy texture, plush tannins and structured acidity, all creating a sense of opulence and luxury on the palate. Intense flavors coat the palate in notes of coconut crème, vanilla Chantilly, plum pudding, cassis, muddled dark cherry, Framboise, cardamom and baking spices, Danish pastry, fine suede, flavored pipe tobacco, cocoa, balsamic and earth. The finish is long, expansive and opulent.
2018 Merum Priorati, ‘Destí’
Priorat DOQ, Spain
A blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Carignan and 10% Syrah that is aged 18 months in oak and further time in bottle prior to release. the wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The nose is coated in rich scents of dark cherry, cassis, jammy strawberry, boysenberry, blueberry and membrillo alongside notes of mountain herbs, licorice, spice, violets, mineral and rocky earth.
The palate shows bright acidity and dense fruit with a polished, sweet yet firm tannin structure and a pronounced abv presence. Flavors are rich and offer up cassis, dark cherry, membrillo, strawberry jam, piercing boysenberry and blueberry reduction that come laced with violet pastilles, spice, licorice, shisha, minerals and earth. The dense finish lingers. Young and has a very long life ahead of it.
2016 Losada, Vinos de Finca Mencía ‘Altos de Losada’
100% old vine Mencia aged 15 months in new French oak.
On the nose this shows rich notes of cassis, sweet dark cherries, and Chambord come laced with notes of floral pastilles, vanilla, oak, spice, earth and hints of worn leather and cigar box.
The palate shows a rich and ripe style of Mencia that comes with density and weight as well as warmth from the ABV. This feels very modern in style with suave tannins influenced from the oak usage, a core of ripe fruit bordering on liqueur. Flavors follow suit from the nose and reveal layers of oak spice in between the cassis, Chambord, deep cherry, vanilla and floral pastilles notes that bring in cedar, leather, earth and mountain herbs. The finish is long with the tannins gaining in intensity
2019 Bodegas Elías Mora, Toro Viñas Elías Mora
Organic; 100% old-vine Tempranillo grown at 2100+ ft in elevation; hand-made from start to finish, whole cluster with tank fermentation and 6 months in new American oak barrels.
The nose carries scents of plum, dark cherry and cassis notes that meet, hoisin, desiccated violets, cigar wrapper, sandalwood, cardamom, clove, petrichor, espresso beans, balsamic, cigar box and leather.
The palate is full bodied showing above moderate extraction and excellent concentration. Broad tannins and berry like acidity incorporate flavors of plum sauce, cassis, dark cherry, spiced with clove and cardamom nuances before giving way to hoisin, cedarwood, balsamic, tobacco and earth. The dry finish lingers with grippy tannins.