Spain, Andalucía, Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Nutty (almonds, hazelnuts), notes of the sea, fresh and a little sweetness. A good start to the evening and popular even with those who were not usually sherry drinkers.
Sauvignon blanc aromas of grass, gooseberry and citrus (lemon). Fruit-forward, lacking mid and slightly green finish. A decent if unexciting start to the whites of the evening.
I loved this wine - definitely white of the evening for me and possible wine of the evening. Nose reminiscent of a white Rhone, palate more like a well-aged Burgundy. Lots going on with vanilla, cream, mustiness, diesel. Very moreish.
Cabernet seems to dominate this. This was more Bordeaux than Rioja. Rich in body and oaky nose. Generally this was the most popular wine of the evening (much to certain people's alarm as it was a little more obvious than the later reds!).
Very muted nose, dry tannins and soft structure. Peppery with minerality and granite coming through. I suspect it's a touch early to be drinking yet but enjoyable nevertheless. I probably expected a bit more though.
NV Bodegas Hidalgo Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana 90 Points
Spain, Andalucía, Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Nutty (almonds, hazelnuts), notes of the sea, fresh and a little sweetness. A good start to the evening and popular even with those who were not usually sherry drinkers.
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2006 Palma Real Verdejo Rueda 85 Points
Spain, Castilla y León, Rueda
Sauvignon blanc aromas of grass, gooseberry and citrus (lemon). Fruit-forward, lacking mid and slightly green finish. A decent if unexciting start to the whites of the evening.
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2006 Lagar de Cervera Albariño Rías Baixas 87 Points
Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas
Sherbet, lemon & lime. Nice structure and freshness. Another fresh easy drinking style white which was popular if nothing to write home about.
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2005 Celler Cal Pla Priorat Mas d'en Compte Blanc 91 Points
Spain, Catalunya, Priorat
I loved this wine - definitely white of the evening for me and possible wine of the evening. Nose reminiscent of a white Rhone, palate more like a well-aged Burgundy. Lots going on with vanilla, cream, mustiness, diesel. Very moreish.
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2000 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva 86 Points
Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
Lots of oak on the nose with distinct balsamic notes. Relatively uncomplicated and passed unnoticed as the first red of the evening.
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2003 Bodegas del Marqués de Vargas Rioja Reserva 90 Points
Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
Cabernet seems to dominate this. This was more Bordeaux than Rioja. Rich in body and oaky nose. Generally this was the most popular wine of the evening (much to certain people's alarm as it was a little more obvious than the later reds!).
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2004 Bodegas y Viñedos Conde de San Cristóbal Ribera del Duero 88 Points
Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero
Big tannins, but very soft and mellow. Seemed to fade into the background and was very pleasant but not memorable.
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2004 Costers del Siurana Priorat Clos de L'Obac 90 Points
Spain, Catalunya, Priorat
Very muted nose, dry tannins and soft structure. Peppery with minerality and granite coming through. I suspect it's a touch early to be drinking yet but enjoyable nevertheless. I probably expected a bit more though.
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NV Bodegas Hidalgo Pedro Ximénez Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Napoleon 90 Points
Spain, Andalucía, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
No formal notes but remember it being fantastic dark, rich, nutty and sweet with a raisiny finish. Excellent finish to the evening.
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