2008 Finca Jakue Txakoli (region: Getariako Txakolina, Spain) – Hondarrabi Zuri grape
Vin de Vin (VdV): “With a name like that you are probably asking yourself a lot of questions. First, this wine is from the Basque region of Spain, and you may know they have their own language, spoken and written. Second, the grape in this wine is, hold on to your seat, Hondarrabi Zuri. Say what? Sounds Greek, but this wine is pure pleasure.”
2007 Bodegas Berroja Berroia Bizkaiko (Txakolina, Spain) – 90% Hondarribi Zuri, balance Folle Blanche & Riesling
“The 2007 Berroia is 90% Hondarribi Zuri with the balance Folle Blanche and Riesling. Pale straw-colored, this white wine offers an exceptional perfume of slate/mineral, green apple, and floral aromas. On the palate it has excellent volume and density with lots of bright fruit. Drink this well-made effort over the next 12-18 months with oysters and clams on the half-shell.” Rated 90 points The Wine Advocate
2007 Castro Ventosa “El Castro de Valtuille” Mencia Joven (Bierzo, Spain) – Mencia grape
“The 2007 El Castro de Valtuille Joven is 100% Mencia from the DO of Bierzo. Dark ruby-colored, it reveals an enticing perfume of baking spices, eucalyptus/pine notes, black cherry, and black raspberry. This leads to a smooth-textured, sweet, forward wine with no hard edges. Drink this lengthy effort over the next several years. It is a terrific introduction to the Mencia grape and the Bierzo region.” Rated 90 points The Wine Advocate
2007 Doniene Gorrondona Tinto (Txakolina, Spain) – Hondarribi Beltza grape
“The 2007 Gorrondona Tinto Txakolina is 100% Hondarribi Beltza fermented in stainless steel. Purple-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of earth, mineral, and red fruits reminiscent of a cross of Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Dry on the palate with vibrant acidity, it offers considerable complexity en route to a lengthy finish. Drink this unique effort over the next five years.” The wine region of Bizkaiko Txakolina is centered on the major Basque city of Bilbao. Rated 90 points The Wine Advocate
2006 Quiteria Loma Gorda (Almansa, Spain) – 65% Garnacha (Grenache) and 35% Syrah grapes
“Dark purple. Cassis and dark cherry on the nose, with smoked meat and black cardamom adding depth and a serious mien. A weighty, structured blend with sweet dark berry compote flavors and supple tannins adding support. Surprisingly lively on the finish, which repeats the dark berry qualities and leaves a zesty, peppery note behind. This is an outstanding value but needs some air to show its best.” Rated 90 Points/ Josh Raynolds/ International Wine Cellar
2007 Bodegas La Cartuja “La Cartuja” (Priorat, Spain) – 50% Garnacha, 30% Carinena, balance Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah grapes
“This is as good a deal as you are going to get from Priorat. The deep purple-colored 2007 La Cartuja is 50% Garnacha, 30% Carinena and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It offers up an enticing nose of roasted minerals, lavender, incense, black cherry, and blueberry. On the palate it has good grip, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.” Rated 90 points The Wine Advocate
2005 Vega Escal (Priorat, Spain) – 60% Carinena, 30% Garnacha, and 10% Syrah grapes
“The 2005 Vega Escal is a blend of 60% Carinena, 30% Garnacha, and 10% Syrah aged for six months in French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a spicy bouquet of cedar, mineral, plum, black cherry, and blueberry. This leads to a smooth-textured, layered wine with enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. This lengthy effort will drink well from 2010 to 2018.” Rated 90 Points – Jay Miller – The Wine Advocate