Spain Reds
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Mencia | Monastrell | Rioja | Tempranillo | Others
$15.95 – Lagar de Robla Premium Mencia 2012
What the Experts say: This firm red is reserved, but shows depth and integration, with mulled plum, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors that mingle over well-integrated tannins, giving way to the juicy finish. What do I think: I have been drinking this for years. This...
$12.95 – Lagar De Robla Premium 2012
Just stumbled across this one and it is a steal at $12.95. Excellent hard cork so I bought a bunch and am hiding them away, try a couple in each of the next 4 years. At that price why wouldn’t you? Or just drink them. Leon is in the Northwest of Spain on the...
$14.95 – Juan Gil Yellow Label Monastrell 2018
It might be too early in the year to call this the wine find of the year but I am pretty sure that it will be near the top. Hard to find a better red at 15 bucks! What you can expect: Dark red cherry look and aroma. Full bodied, flavorful and a long finish and mild...
$15.95 – Alceño 12 Meses Monastrell 2014, Monastrell (Mourvèdre)
What the Experts say: An ultra-ripe blackberry nose with grilled nuts and mocha. The palate has muscular tannins and a long blackberry core that holds impressively. Score - 92. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, July 24, 2017) What do I think: I don’t know why I...
$18.05 – Montecillo Rioja Reserva 2012
What do I think: Gotta love these Spanish reds – 2012 for under $20! Smooth and well rounded well taken care of before delivered and a smooth finish it does deliver! What the Experts say: Medium ruby colour; aromas and flavours of plum, herb and red berry with hints...
$26.10 – Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva, Rioja Region
Here is a sexy bottle for you! Gold fishnet stocking lets you know that there is a little elegance to behold or held – depends who you might be with! Another that I had not had for a long while and soon to be stocked up on. Rich and a little on the spicy side with...
$21.95 – Barón de Ley Reserva 2015
What you can Expect: A very solid red no wonder it was a Decanter Wine of the Year. A plush texture and ripe flavors, plum, currant and fig notes and a hint of licorice. Full bodied through the spicy finish. Score – 92. (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, June 30,...
$24.95 – Balbás Reserva 2012, Tempranillo / Cabernet Sauvignon
What do I think: Awesome Spanish Gem - well worth it. What the Experts say: This polished red delivers a core of currant and cherry flavors, backed by vanilla, floral and licorice notes. Light, firm tannins and orange peel acidity keep this focused. Fresh, with good...
$23.95 – Ardal Selección Especial Reserva 2006 (Robert Parker – 92 Points!)
What the Experts say: The 2006 Ardal Reserva sees 24 months in French and American oak and is blended with a relatively high (20%) of Cabernet Sauvignon. That addition of Cabernet works well on the vibrant, graphite-tinged nose with touches of wild heather. The palate...
$16.85 – Beronia Tempranillo Elaboracion Especial 2016
Think rich forest floor, tobacco, leather, cherry and alcohol-soaked strawberries. A subtle toasting of its barrels helps to balance this smooth Tempranillo. This special oak treatment is a tad more obtrusive on the fruit balance than last year, but there’s still nice...
$16.95 – LAN Crianza Tempranillo
Need to put this one in the “Best Bargains” category. Always in my home and always pleasing! Spending a year or more in oak before mellowing at least 12 more months in bottle prior to release, this Spanish beauty made from 100% Tempranillo is dry, medium to full body...
$14.45 – Torres Coronas Tempranillo, Catalunya
Another Spanish bargain. The Torres Family has been making great wines for over a century. Full bodied and ruby red in color this Tempranillo has a long finish bringing out flavors of ripe berry fruit with plum and vanilla.
$18.95 – Borsao Berola 2016
What to expect: This has a very rich and vibrant feel with a succulent, juicy and impressively ripe core of dark and redder-fruit flavors. Drink now. Score – 90. (jamessuckling.com, July 26, 2019) A bargoon!!!!
$17.95 – Vicente Gandía El Miracle by Mariscal Garnacha 2017
What do I think: It’s a Miracle that this wine has fooled so many along the way. How it made it into Vintages is beyond me. It’s wine, dry and relatively tasteless. Under $10 it might have a home. What the Experts Say: This Garnacha comes from hand-harvested...
$21.95 – Beronia Reserva 2014
What the Experts say: A blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo aged in a combo of French and American oak. Deep, dark and spicy with brambly raspberry and blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, smoke, anise and black pepper. Savour with blackened steaks or smoky...
$16.95 – Alceño Premium 50 Barricas 2016, Syrah Blend
What the Experts say: 85% Shiraz, 15% Monastrell. Intense and complex, this characterful wine has a fine tension and is chock-full of notes of tobacco, cocoa, herbs, cedar, sweet plums and roasted coffee. Score - 90. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2018) What do I...
$24.95 – Vina Herminia Reserva 2012, Rioja
Yup a 2012 Tempranillo Blend for only 25 bucks!!! What the Experts say: Expect big red fruit flavours with oaky shading and pour with your favourite barbecued meats. What do I think: A very solid, full bodied wine that is predominately Tempranillo – think of it as a...
$22.95 – Cune Reserva, Rioja Region, 2014
What the Experts say: Limpid ruby-red. Expressive red berry and floral aromas are accompanied by suggestions of woodsmoke, vanilla and candied rose. Supple and open-knit, offering sweet cherry and raspberry flavors that slowly deepen and take a darker turn with...
$7.95 – Toro Bravo Tempranillo Merlot 2018
No BULL at under 8 bucks and pretty damn good! So good a golf buddy came out to the golf course one day asking me if I had heard about it. Excited to be going to by some after the round. I told him that this stuff flies off the shelf – so get it when you can. What...
