Friday, October 22, 2010

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.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

2006 Barolo


Yes, some will insist that these are way too young to open now but I have also had some that have come back after a recent purchase going "ga ga" over them. Decide for yourself. These are the first of the 2006 vintage now in stock. Top notch Nebbiolo.


2006 Renato Corino Barolo $47.99
(92: Wine Advocate) Corino’s 2006 Barolo is simply beautiful. Blessed with fragrant, expressive aromatics, the wine emerges from the glass with superior density and richness for an entry-level wine. This shows truly exceptional elegance and purity, with a long, harmonious finish. The oak is beautifully balanced; what comes through most is the integrity of the fruit. The 2006 Barolo is made from parcels in Roncaglie, the lower slope of Conca and the fruit Corino was able to salvage from Arborina. This is a terrific effort in its category.

2006 Seghesio Barolo La Villa $61.99
(93: Wine Advocate) I was completely floored by Seghesio’s 2006 Barolo La Villa, easily the best vintage of this wine I have ever tasted. Dark plums, cherries, violets, minerals and spices emerge from this deceptively mid-weight Barolo. The wine gains muscle in the glass; yet retains elements of etherealness that are quite attractive. This looks to be a rare 2006 that is accessible relatively early. The wine’s balance, poise and sense of harmony are terrific. This is a great effort from Seghesio.

2006 Giuliano Corino Barolo Vigna Giachini $68.99
(94: Wine Advocate) A beguiling, deep bouquet melds seamlessly into dark cherries, menthol and spices as the 2006 Barolo Giachini flows onto the palate. This shows gorgeous detail and delineation, with additional layers of textural richness from the well-integrated French oak. A superbly elegant and beautifully crafted wine, the 2006 Barolo Giachini is a terrific effort from one of La Morra’s top sites.