93 / A-
Tasted by Mike Supple - 02 Dec 2008
Dark core with a bright ruby rim. Ripe, rich and smooth aromas of plum, black cherry and cassis fruits are surrounded by sweet vanilla, coconut and hints of banana with a darker charcoal tone. Dark entry in the mouth with smooth, dark plum and cherry accented by spicy cinnamon and nutmeg. The fruits are sweet and dark making a lush and full bodied yet very balanced wine that is easy to drink with low tannins and great acidity. Lingering flavors of strawberry surrounded by baking spices and vanilla cream. Delicious!
90 / A
Tasted by Mike Supple - 24 Jan 2008
Rich ruby core, with garnet hints on the rim. The aromas are spicy and rich, with red and black cherries underscored by plum with cinnamon notes in the background. On the palate this tastes and feels stunningly like a beautiful red Burgundy. Lush and ripe, with elegant, smooth tannins. Dark raspberry and cherry flavors are accented by a touch of tea and leather with light black truffle and earth underneath.
I tried this blind the first time, and while distinctly Spanish in aromas, I could swear that I had a well aged Burgundy in my mouth. Stunning little wine. Most likely in its prime now, but should be able to hold its own for several more years.
91 / B+
Tasted by Mike Supple - 13 Aug 2008
Dark garnet color from the core to the rim. Bold, spicy aromas of licorice, candied cherries, chocolate and sweet tea lead to a more intense wet clay note followed by lingering cinnamon. The wine is lush and full, filling the mouth with caramel covered cherries and spicy cinnamon, with the same hint of clay supporting the fruits and helping the round, approachable tannins give good structure to the wine. Fruit, spices and just a touch of vanilla linger in the finish.
Spicy, fruity and delicious. What more could you want from a red wine? Since it’s a Reserva, it has already been aged for you in their cellars, making it ready to pick up at your wine shop and drink tonight. While it may be a few dollars more than your average every day wine, the extra age put on it in the winery’s cellars makes this much deeper and more complex of a wine, and is more than worth the few extra dollars. A blend of 93% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha and 2% Mazuelo. It is aged for 24 months in large American oak casks, which is what gives the wine its touch of creamy caramel and vanilla flavors. American oak is used rather frequently in Spain and is a nice match for their big powerful reds.
89 / A+
Tasted by Mike Supple - 04 Sep 2008
Classic lighter grenache color with a medium ruby core and a lighter garnet rim. The aromas are very spicy and floral with some candied cherry, fresh grape and a hint of dark scorched earth. Incredibly smooth in the mouth making it easy to drink. Cinnamon spice surrounds strawberries and cherries. Round in the middle with just enough acid to keep it fresh. The finish comes in strong with a huge red gummy bear kick and a touch of spicy cumin.
Grenache is a great wine for people who are looking for something not quite as heavy as a Cabernet, but that still packs an impressive punch of smells and flavors. Grenache can get pretty pricey (particularly from the South of France) so finding one in the $10 range is a rarity. Finding one in the $10 range that delivers with this quality fruit is unheard of. The grapes come from vines that vary in age all the way up to 80 years, which really gives some added fruit and spice. This is the perfect wine to bring to a friend’s house as it appeals to all drinkers; seasoned wine veterans and newbies alike. Plus who’s going to make fun of you for drinking wine that’s called the Bitch? (Also makes a great gift for the hostess with a sense of humor…)
91 / B+
Tasted by Mike Supple - 03 Nov 2008
Dark ruby core with a lighter rim and a hint of garnet to the edge. Huge plum aromas with fresh black cherry juice surrounded by spicy cedar, nutmeg, raw oak and candied cinnamon. Spicy, rich and dark on the palate. A touch of mocha and cinnamon spice surround lush, juicy plum and blackberry. Medium to full bodied with solid ripe tannic grip. Lingering dark fruits with a touch of earth, scorched oak and coffee beans.
Not your average Merlot, this wine delivers quite a punch of fruit and power. It is good to see Napa producing Merlot of this quality again. Ignore the remarks in “Sideways.” This a great bottle of wine.
90 / B
Tasted by Mike Supple - 07 Feb 2008
Dark purple core with a purple and ruby rim. Dark and ripe aromas with rich sweet plum surrounded by spicy sweet tobacco and tea. Super ripe cassis and black cherry on the front of the palate. Medium to full bodied with ripe, round tannins and a big cinnamon spice kick followed my smooth vanilla leading to a fruity and full finish.
92 / A-
Tasted by Mike Supple - 14 Oct 2008
Dark purple core with a bright fuchsia rim. Dark aromas of candied black licorice surround rich black cherry and cola leading to hints of vanilla and lingering soft cool slate and blueberry. Very big on the palate entry - this is a huge wine. Tons of dark rich fruit surround nutmeg and cinnamon. Giant ripe tannins support the core of the wine, and are balanced well by clean, crisp acid. Dark licorice gives way to a long lingering spicy dark fruit finish accented by a punch of roasted oak.
Wines from Priorat tend to be very expensive, and many of them are not worth it. If you’re in the market for an $85 bottle of wine, this is fantastic and well worth the price tag.
Reviews, Articles, Videos and more from SuppleWine.com is proudly powered by
WordPress
Entries (RSS)
and Comments (RSS).
