Spanish Night (Drink Rob's Wines)

Fort Collins, CO
Tasted Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by andtheodor with 685 views

Flight 1 - White (1 Note)

Albarinos hardly ever fail to deliver and this was one of the better examples I've had.

Flight 2 - Riojas (2 Notes)

The Monte Real GR stole the show tonight; I had a hard time taking my nose out of the glass long enough to write a note for the Abel Mendoza.

  • 1981 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Gran Reserva 94 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

    Pale transparent red. Mature nose showing an attractive sweet leather/saddle component, soil, crushed herbs, green veggies, cedar box, and on and on. This just kept evolving all night. In the mouth it was all about restraint and balance; old spices, nice fruit, soft, elegant. Medium body and awesome length, this is a beautiful old Rioja just brimming with poise but still going strong. In a very good place. WOTN, outstanding.

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  • 2001 Bodega Abel Mendoza Rioja Seleccion Personal 87 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

    Funky nose; oak, berry, socks. Big acidity, spicy, earthy, cherry, oak, and leather on the palate. This didn't really grab my attention, especially alongside the '81 Monte Real GR.

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Flight 3 - Misc. (2 Notes)

Another massive wine from Vega-Sicilia that verged on being too scattered and aggressive. A bit more focus and balance and this could really be jaw-dropping.

  • 2001 Bodegas Castaño Yecla Solanera Viñas Viejas 90 Points

    Spain, Murcia, Yecla

    Rustic nose showing hints of blackberry, chocolate, and animalic tones. Cherry, graphite, mineral palate with generous acidity.

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  • 1998 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 92 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Dusty nose that blew off to reveal layers of toasty barrique, chocolate, vegetal/mint component, sour lambic, herbs. This was a bit of a chameleon as it changed constantly throughout the evening and showing, at times, an aggresive green streak and a medicinal edge that detracted from what it could be. I'd guess Petit Sirah blind because of the crazy mint, dark color, and the chocolate medicine character.

    On the palate spice, wood, leather, dates, complex and secondary with weirdly impressive tones I can't pin down with words. Long, impressive, complex and fun to drink. Was ultimately outshone by the 81 Rioja.

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Flight 4 - Priorat (2 Notes)

The Salanques was a little bit of a disappointment to me but the Capafons was the big surprise of the night for me.

  • 2004 Mas Doix Priorat Salanques 89 Points

    Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

    Rich black cherry/berry nose with a fair amount of oak showing. Sweet and rich on the palate. This got short-shifted because it was paired with the alluring Capfanos-Osso Mas de Masos. Will pay closer attention next time.

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  • 2000 Capafons-Ossó Priorat Mas de Masos 93 Points

    Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

    Stony nose with gobs of bing cherry. Earthy, mineral tones and luscious fruit. Very expressive. Spicy, high acidity, thick fruit, no perceivable oak. Nice! Could drink this all night.

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Flight 5 - Oddballs (2 Notes)

Toro wines typically come across as very big and modern and this was no exception. I could get down with this and some grilled Strip steaks.

Flight 6 - Dessert (1 Note)

Marvelous. All you need is a half ounce and maybe a honey dipper to enjoy this for a long time.

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