Refreshing, citrusy character, but not overly acidic. Good balance, pleasant aromas. Not super exciting, but delivers what it should and ultimately is very enjoyable.
Cola! Black cherry and oak spices dominate. Full bodied and fruit forward, with a somewhat obvious dosing of wood. Interestingly, the notes on the back label describe this sort of wine, so good on the producer. Nice wine, modern, well-made, though fairly straightforward. Good crowd-pleaser.
Rustic, old world style. Herbal, barnyardy, funky and spicy nose. Darker fruited palate, yet lively acidity and pronounced tannic structure. Medium body, linear, dry. Very much what I was looking for in this 'bottom shelf' find: character without being modern or flashy in style.
I felt this was somewhat over the top. Roasted bordering on pruney fruits dominate, like a super ripe Zinfandel. Lets you know the 15% ABV on the label is not an exaggeration. On the other hand, some floral and mineral qualities emerge with aeration. R liked this for that reason, but seems like it would be overbearing after a glass.
Interesting wine, to say the least. Brings that gamey Mourvedre funk I've encountered in a Bandol or two up front. (Chicken coop R would say, but that's a bit pejorative for my taste.) Toasty as well. Big, round, dark fruits without being roasted or stewed in character. Creamy, almost sweet texture. Finishes on black fruits and coffee. Certainly doesn't seem to be drying out. Love the mix of varietal character and flashy, modern style here.
Couldn't get a read on this one. Thought it might be barely perceptibly corked, but couldn't decide. Light nose of asian spices. Fresh palate, but not all that structured. 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan, with the rest Merlot, Syrah and Ull de Llebre.
2012 Martín Códax Albariño Rías Baixas Burgáns
Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas
Refreshing, citrusy character, but not overly acidic. Good balance, pleasant aromas. Not super exciting, but delivers what it should and ultimately is very enjoyable.
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2010 Bodegas y Viñedos de la Marquesa Rioja Valserrano Crianza
Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja
Cola! Black cherry and oak spices dominate. Full bodied and fruit forward, with a somewhat obvious dosing of wood. Interestingly, the notes on the back label describe this sort of wine, so good on the producer. Nice wine, modern, well-made, though fairly straightforward. Good crowd-pleaser.
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2008 Bodegas Viña Vilano Ribera del Duero Crianza
Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero
Rustic, old world style. Herbal, barnyardy, funky and spicy nose. Darker fruited palate, yet lively acidity and pronounced tannic structure. Medium body, linear, dry. Very much what I was looking for in this 'bottom shelf' find: character without being modern or flashy in style.
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2009 Bodegas San Alejandro Garnacha Calatayud Las Rocas Viñas Viejas
Spain, Aragón, Calatayud
I felt this was somewhat over the top. Roasted bordering on pruney fruits dominate, like a super ripe Zinfandel. Lets you know the 15% ABV on the label is not an exaggeration. On the other hand, some floral and mineral qualities emerge with aeration. R liked this for that reason, but seems like it would be overbearing after a glass.
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2006 Bodegas Del Rosario Bullas 3000 Años
Spain, Murcia, Bullas
Interesting wine, to say the least. Brings that gamey Mourvedre funk I've encountered in a Bandol or two up front. (Chicken coop R would say, but that's a bit pejorative for my taste.) Toasty as well. Big, round, dark fruits without being roasted or stewed in character. Creamy, almost sweet texture. Finishes on black fruits and coffee. Certainly doesn't seem to be drying out. Love the mix of varietal character and flashy, modern style here.
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2009 Cellers Baronia del Montsant (Clos d'Englora) Montsant Flor d'Englora Roure
Spain, Catalunya, Tarragona, Montsant
Couldn't get a read on this one. Thought it might be barely perceptibly corked, but couldn't decide. Light nose of asian spices. Fresh palate, but not all that structured. 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan, with the rest Merlot, Syrah and Ull de Llebre.
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