Spanish Treasures #2 over Lunch at Arzak

Our second group meal was lunch at the Arzak which also happened to be the second best meal of the trip. We had some more old Spanish gems from the cellar of Azark which were perfectly matched with the food courses.

This was a salted cod course that looked disgusting but was very tasty

• 2007 Pedralonga Albariño Rías Baixas 87 Points

  Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas

  Lot's of stones, pepper, lemon and big acidity. Crisp and refreshing, but nothing spectacular

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This was an amazing bean soup


This was excellent squid

• 1962 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 94 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Very dark color, impressive body. Dried flowers and soy on nose. Cedar and paprika on palate.

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• 1956 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 92 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Lighter than the '62, but still good for its age. Mostly orange fruit on the nose. Palate was not as big as the '62 either, but still some nice smoke and charcoal with a peppery finish.

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This was sole and one of the best fish dishes I have ever had

• 1961 R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 95 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Peppermint and sweet old-fashion hard candy on the nose. Silky white chocolate on the palate. Long smooth finish. Very nice.

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This was pigeon, flown in fresh from NYC that morning. It was good, but I would not run out looking for pigeon. The balls were actually filled with different liquids. The purple one was like an aged balasamic that went very well with the old Riojas.

• 1960 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 85 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja

  This wine was very angular, especially when compared with the '59 for which everything seemed in right place. It was very dry and chalky, not much fruit.

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• 1959 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 94 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja

  Much better than the '60, very round palate, great mouthfeel, tannins were integrated, good amount of old oak and spicy finish similar to the '56 Imperial.

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Say cheese


The black thing is actually frozen yogurt


Rice pudding, mmmm.


Dried fruit things


The empties. I lost my notes on the '61 Bosconia, but I think the Tondonia was better anyways.

This was an amazing 5 hour lunch, following on the heals of excellent 5 hour dinner the night before. Wines were nice, but the food was clearly the standout this time.


A little walk on the beach afterwards to burn off some of those calories.