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Spanish Treasures #2 over Lunch at Arzak

San Sebastian, Spain

Tasted September 12, 2009 by JJL with 512 views

Introduction

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.

Flight 1 (1 note)

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

White

2007 Pedralonga Albariño Rías Baixas Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas

87 points

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

Comment

Flight 2 (2 notes)

This was an amazing bean soup

This was excellent squid

Red

1962 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

94 points

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

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Red

1956 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

92 points

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.

Comment

Flight 3 (1 note)

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

Red

1961 R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

95 points

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

Comment

Flight 4 (2 notes)

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.

Red

1960 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja

85 points

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.

Comment

Red

1959 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja

94 points

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.

Comment

Flight 5 (0 notes)

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.

Closing

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.

Spanish Treasures #2 over Lunch at Arzak

San Sebastian, Spain

Introduction

Flight 1 (1 note)

Flight 2 (2 notes)

Flight 3 (1 note)

Flight 4 (2 notes)

Flight 5 (0 notes)

Closing

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