Tasting Notes 9/30

A JOURNEY TO SPAIN, 9/30/11

VINA MAYOR VERDEJO 2009

This just in:  Generalisimo Francisco Franco is still dead.  Don’t worry, this isn’t what killed him.  Franco ruled Spain with an iron fist for almost four decades, but he might have been more democratic if he’d chilled with a glass of this once in a while.  Melon and floral aromas lead to a balanced, medium-bodied expression of Spanish quaffability, with a finish as bright as a Valencia sunrise.  87 points Jim Tobin.  $9.97.

MUGA ROSE OF RIOJA 2010

A stunning example of Spanish Rose.  Columbus only agreed to undertake his adventure if Isabela gave him a few cases of this to ease the journey.  The bouquet is gorgeous, with fresh citrus, pineapple and kiwi aromas blending with ripe apples and quince.  More ripe fruit shows on the palate, livened by acidity but given nice width due to contact with the lees.  Try it and see; this ain’t no cheap White Zin.  88 points Robert Parker.  $10.97.

HONORO VERA JUMILLA 2009

So you’re sitting in a Barcelona café, enjoying this Merlot from the region of Jumilla, and a raven-haired Spanish hottie keeps gazing at you from the bar.  You marvel at the heady aromas and flavors of red and black cherry and oak spice as you stare back.  You keep enjoying the richness, realizing that the wine is as soft and invitingly warm as she is (or he; we’re equal opportunity here).  87 points Jim Tobin.  $6.97.

MUSEUM TEMPRANILLO CRIANZA 2003

Now you’re trying your hand at bullfighting, but don’t worry.  The picadors and banderilleros will be helping you out, and you can relax with this afterwards.  Tobacco and cedar notes cruise through cherry, fig and raisin flavors like the bull dashing through your cape.  Tannins as silky as your costume give way to floral and berry notes on the finish.  88 points Wine Enthusiast.  $9.97.

IZADI RIOJA CRIANZA 2005

If you make the same mistake I did on my first day in Madrid and go out looking for action during siesta, you won’t find much happening.  So kick back with a glass of this rustic Spanish classic and wait for the city to come to life.  Its chewy texture yields flavors of black cherry, plum, coffee and earth, and it’s got as much concentration as you’ll need if you’re driving in this town.  $14.97.

VINA SASTRE RIBERA DEL DUERO 2009

This wine is as pretty as the sights you’ll enjoy while relaxing on the topless beaches of the Costa Brava.  “Fragrant aromas of spice box, lavender, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry are followed by a sweetly-fruited, dense, lengthy red that … is an outstanding value.”  90 points Wine Advocate.  $18.97.

EMILIO MORO RIBERA DEL DUERO 2007

This reminds me of a night spent in a bar in Bilbao where the food was awesome, the jazz was smokin’, and the wine brought everything together perfectly.  Which is weird, because I’ve never been to Bilbao.  Tons of fruit layered with spice and smoke and supported by a firm structure.  92 points Wine Spectator.  $21.97.