May 2013
Portland Wine Tasting Group, Super Spanish Wine
2011 A Portela Mencia Valdeorras Spain - Mencia grape
"From vineyards planted in pure granite soils, the 2011 A Portela is an amazing, unoaked, naturally made 100% Mencia. Opulently styled with copious notes of blueberry liqueur, crushed rocks, spring flowers and a hint of camphor, it exhibits fabulous intensity, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, superb ripeness and an ethereal lightness in spite of its intensity and richness. ... stunning effort from Jose Luis Murcia ..." Rated 93 Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
2011 Zestos Old Vines Vinos de Madrid, Spain - Garnacha/Grenache grape
A staggering value, Patrick Mata brings in 10,000 cases of the 2011 Zestos Garnacha Old Vines, which was vinified in a combination of stainless steel and cement tanks. Made from old vine (over 40 years of age), high altitude (2800 feet) Grenache, this head-pruned vineyard planted on granite soils has produced an unbelievable wine for the price. Lots of kirsch, strawberry, black currant and licorice aromas jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, richly fruity, surprisingly intense red. Drink this pure, sexy effort over the next 1-2 years. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
2011 Rio Madre Rioja, Spain - Graciano grape
The same characteristics are also present in the 2011 Rio Madre. It exhibits slightly riper blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of licorice, wood smoke, camphor and a vivid floral display. These cuvees are aged in French oak prior to bottling. Both should drink well for 2-5 years. Rated 91 The Wine Advocate
2011 Bodegas Vizcarra Senda del Oro, Ribera del Duero, Spain - Tempranillo grape
The 2011 Vizcarra Roble, 100% Tempranillo from organic vineyards, was aged seven months in both French and American oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sumptuous nose of blackberries, new saddle leather, licorice, camphor and crushed rocks. With a superb texture and full-bodied mouthfeel, and built like a skyscraper, this multidimensional Ribera del Duero is already drinking fabulously well. It should continue to do so for up to a decade. These are sensational values from the highly renowned appellation of Ribera del Duero. Rated 93 The Wine Advocate
2011 TM Torremoron Ribera del Duero, Spain - Tempranillo grape
"An excellent bargain, this 100% Tempranillo (80-100-year old vines) was aged completely in stainless steel. Patrick Mata told me that the village from which it emerges has only 95 residents, all of whom are grape farmers! This may be the "bargain of the year" in my tastings. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black cherry jam, licorice, blackberries and subtle hints of earth, pepper and meat." Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2010 JC Vizcarra Ribera del Duero, Spain - Tempranillo grape
The 2010 JC Vizcarra, also 100% Tempranillo, was aged 15 months in French and American oak. A truly great wine, it boasts a dense purple color along with notes of camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, damp earth and forest floor. The beautiful fragrance is accompanied by a wine with a full-bodied, opulent texture, and a voluptuous, luxurious mouthfeel as well as finish. Drink this beauty over the next 7-10 years. These are sensational values from the highly renowned appellation of Ribera del Duero. 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate