Spanish Regional Tasting and after-work drinks

Spanish Tasting then back to work, followed by a quick after-work drink at UE Sq Straits Wine.

• 2010 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Appearance is clear, medium intensity, ruby colour.
  Nose is clean, medium- intensity, with aromas of mild red fruit. Developed.
  On the palate, dry, medium- acidity, medium alcohol, medium- tannins, medium+ body. Medium- flavour intensity, with flavours of mild red berries and some leather. Short finish. Overall feel is thin and flat.
  Overall quality is acceptable. Drink up.
  85% Tempranillo, 15% Gaciano & Garnacha Tinta

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• 2009 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, ruby colour.
  Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of toasted vanilla oak, mix of red fruit and black fruit. Developing.
  On the palate, dry, medium acidity, medium+ alcohol, medium+ tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with flavours of blackberries, blackcurrant, strawberries, vanilla oak. Medium+ finish.
  Good quality. Drinking well now, and has potential to get better with age, maybe in another 4-5 years.
  85% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano & Garnacha Tinta

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• 2011 Telmo Rodríguez Ribera del Duero Gazur

  Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, ruby colour.
  Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of red cherries, plums, and some vanilla oak. Developing.
  On the palate, dry, medium acidity, medium+ alcohol, high tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with flavours of red cherries, plums, chocolate, and some spice. Medium+ finish.
  Good quality. Can drink now, and has potential for further ageing.

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• 2011 Franck Massard Priorat Humilitat

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, purple colour.
  Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of sweet red fruits (raspberries, strawberries, cranberries). Youthful.
  On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol, high tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with fruit-forward flavours of raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, and licorice. Long finish.
  Very good quality. Can drink now, and has potential for further development with age.
  60% Garnacha, 40% Carinera (Carignan - likely providing the acidity and tannins).

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• 1996 Arnaldo-Caprai Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni 91 Points

  Italy, Umbria, Montefalco, Montefalco Sagrantino

  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, dark ruby colour.
  Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of pungent tar, earth, smoke, tobacco, and hints of violets. Developed.
  On the palate, high acidity, high alcohol, high but gentle soft mellowed tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with smoky tar and earth dominating, veiling the underlying dark cherries, blackberries, and plum. Long finish.
  Very good quality. Drink now, I fear that with more age the tertiary notes will totally overpower the underlying fruit.

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• 2011 François Villard Viognier Les Contours de DePoncins 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Collines Rhodaniennes

  Appearance is clear, medium intensity, gold colour.
  Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of floral honeysuckle, peach and apricot.
  On the palate, dry, medium- acidity, medium alcohol, medium body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of rich ripe peaches, apricot, pineapple, honeysuckle. Medium finish.
  Good quality. Drink now, I feel that this is going to be on the way down soon. Acidity slightly lacking here, otherwise quite an enjoyable flavour profile.

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