Do Points Matter?

Probably not, but they are out there. Our tasting features three 91 point Spanish reds. It will be curious to see what everyone's opinion is. I like all of them for different reasons. They each have different personalities. The quality level is quite good for the pricing. Cudos to Rare Wine Co for curating some nice wines.

2008 Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya, Spain $12.99
(91 Points: International Wine Cellar) Deep, smoky, seductively perfumed bouquet of dark berries, macerated cherries, licorice and Indian spices. Powerful blackberry and cassis flavors are surprisingly lively, with notes of black cardamom and candied violet adding complexity. A zesty note of cracked pepper adds snap to the long, spicy, subtly sweet finish.

2008 Jose Palacios Petalos del Bierzo, Spain $21.99
(91 Points: International Wine Cellar) Inky ruby. Spicy red and dark berry aromas are complemented by notes of cherry pit, licorice, black tea and violet. Racy and focused, offering zesty cherry and red berry flavors and a firm mineral spine. Fleshes out with air and finishes on a sweet note of blackberry, with very good clarity and spicy persistence.

2007 Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat, Spain $21.99
(91 Points: Wine Advocate) The 2007 Camins del Priorat is a blend of 60% Carinena, 30% Garnacha, and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah aged for 3-4 months in barrique followed by tank and cask aging. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a captivating nose of mineral, lavender, underbrush, and black cherry. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has excellent concentration, plenty of sweet fruit, a forward personality, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.