2006 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha Vinas Viejas (Calatayud, Spain)
“The old-vine cuvee, the 2006 Las Rocas Vinyas Viejas, was recently reviewed in the Value issue but is worth reprinting because the 2007 has yet to be released. Aged entirely in French and American oak, it is purple-colored with a cedary, spicy, cherry and cranberry bouquet. More structured than the “regular” bottling, it has layered fruit, savory flavors, excellent depth, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.” Rated 91 by The Wine Advocate
2004 Cellers Escoda Rivero Isaral (Priorat, Spain) “The 2004 Isaral is composed of 60% Carinena, 20% Garnacha, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Dark ruby colored, it has an attractive bouquet of cedar, mineral, black cherry, and blueberry. The wine is full-bodied, mouth-filling, and ripe but straightforward. However, the structure suggests that it will evolve for 5-7 years and that may provide additional complexity.” Rated 90+ The Wine Advocate
2004 Clos del Conde (Priorat, Spain) – 50% Grenache, 30% Carignane, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
“A beautiful blend of Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet & Syrah. This wine has rich dark fruit flavors and ends powerful and full with nice tannins. A great steak wine.” vino100newburgh.com
2006 Artadi Vinas de Gain (Rioja, Spain) – 100% Tempranillo grape
The 2006 Vinas de Gain is old-vine Tempranillo aged in 40% new French oak for 12-14 months. Deep crimson-colored, it offers an alluring perfume of truffle, pencil lead, vanilla, blackberry, and black cherry jam. Full bodied, the wine is opulent yet elegant. It has enough stuffing to evolve for 4-5 years and should drink well from 2012 to 2025. Rated 92 by The Wine Advocate
2004 El Coto de Rioja Imaz Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – 100% Tempranillo grape
The 2004 Imaz Reserva offers unusual elegance for this powerful vintage. Aromas of cedar, spicy black fruits, and balsamic lead to a savory, smooth-textured, flavorful wine that will offer pleasure over the next 6-8 years. Rated 88 The Wine Advocate