by Ray Johnson | Jul 18, 2009 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Muga, Rioja DOC, Reserva, Seleccion Especial 2004 There are sweet brown spices, cherry and light earthiness in the nose. The mouth shows structure, with plenty of tannin and acidity, filled out by the cherry fruit to make this a keeper in the cellar – very long...
by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2009 | California, Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Bodegas Palacios Remondo, Rioja DOC, Crianza, La Montesa 2005 In the nose there are brown spices and a sense of the forest floor while the mouth is supple and fruity, with the acidity I associate with the wines of this region – delicious. The grapes are...
by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain, Tempranillo
Bodegas Borsao, Campo de Borja DO, Crianza, seleccion 2007 There’s plenty of sweet oak to greet you when you pick up the glass. The mouth features more of the same with ripe fruit and enough acidity to make this wine a food friendly value. The grapes are 50%...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 27, 2009 | Aragon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carinena, Spain, Syrah, Tempranillo
Jordan de Asso, Carinena DO, Crianza 2005 This wine features a great balance of oak and fruity flavors, driven by a long sense of acidity. The grapes behind this blend are 40% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah. The wine was aged in 100% French oak for...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2009 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Artadi Vinedos & Vinos, Rioja DOC Vinas de Gain 2005 The wine is a bit reductive and needs some air. With a bit of airing, there is a green spice/herbal character in the nose while the fruit is still buried in the background. Give it 20 minutes and the black...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2009 | Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Muga, Rioja, Reserva DOC 2005 The nose combines vanilla, smokiness and ash with cranberries and just the right amount of horse blanket and leather. In the mouth, the tannins make a ripe blanket on top of the tart cherry fruit – the acidity makes this perfect to...
