Tasting Notes 1/13/12

NCWC SUPERSTITION TASTING, 1/13/12

PAZO BARRANTES ALBARINO 2010

            This is the first of three Friday the 13ths this year, but don’t be afraid.  The fear of this day stems from ancient worries about both Friday and the number 13 being unlucky, but we think any day we get to enjoy wine is a good one!  This lovely Albarino from Rias Baixas in Spain has “aromas and flavors of jasmine, lemon and tropical notes displayed on a smooth-textured platform featuring lively acidity, plenty of spice notes, and excellent balance.”  90 points Wine Advocate.  $17.97.

HONORO VERA MONASTRELL 2010

                The old “step on a crack” superstition is still followed by some folks, but the price of this wine won’t break your momma’s back, or anyone’s.  “Derived from old bush vine Monastrell, this wine is silky, warm and spicy, ripe and generous but with heaps of backbone too. It’s hard to believe you can still get wine of this quality for this price! An honest and rugged wine combining the aromas of Burgundy with the ripe Port like flavors of the Douro.”  89 points Stephen Tanzer.  $7.97.

VAN ZELLERS DOURO RED 2007

                If you freak out at the thought of a black cat crossing your path, you’ve somehow bought into the old fear associating those animals with witches.  You might consider therapy.  Or just a glass of this delicious wine from Portugal, “a plush, juicy red, offering concentrated raspberry, blackberry, dark plum, with hints of pomegranate. It delivers silky tannins, with plenty of hazelnut and cream on the finish.”  90 points Wine Spectator.  $17.97

VOLVER TEMPRANILLO 2009

                Admit it – when you approach a ladder perched against a building, you go around, not under.  This one is actually sensible; that guy on the ladder might drop his hammer and break your head, or your wine bottle.  Which would be a tragedy in this case.  This gorgeous wine shows “dark berries, cherry pit, licorice and tobacco on the nose.  On the palate it slowly unfolds to offer sappy cassis and bitter cherry flavors lifted by tangy acidity and complicated by a peppery, spicy quality. Finishes gripping and long, with resonating cherry and spice notes.”  92 points Wine Advocate.  $13.97.

VINA SASTRE RIBERA DEL DUERO 2009

                Another superstition that makes a bit of sense is the warning against opening umbrellas inside.  Well, duh.  The pointy end could poke someone’s eye, plus there’s the basic fact that it tends not to rain indoors.  Unless it’s this tasty wine raining from the bottle into your glass.  “Fragrant aromas of spice box, lavender, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry are followed by a sweetly-fruited, dense, lengthy red.”  90 points Wine Advocate.  $18.97.

CONDADO DE HAZA RIBERA DEL DUERO 2006

                And what about breaking mirrors leading to 7 years bad luck?  That one comes from an old superstition about mirrors holding pieces of our souls, but whatever.  It’s wine that has a hold on my soul.  This one’s “vivid raspberry, blackberry, anise and floral scents are fresh and pure. Juicy dark berry flavors are complemented by succulent herbs and dark chocolate, becoming sweeter with air.”  92 points Stephen Tanzer.  $19.97.

ARZUAGA RIBERA DEL DUERO 2005

                Then of course there’s the thing about spilling salt, then tossing some over your shoulder.  Ask Bill why the second half of that equation is actually the dangerous part.  I don’t care about spilled seasonings, but don’t spill this wine! “ Deeply colored, the wine reveals a complex aromatic display of cedar, saddle leather, violets, lavender, blueberry and blackberry.  This leads to a medium-bodied, supple wine with ripe, spicy blue and black fruits and light tannin, as well as great balance and concentration.”  90+ points Robert Parker.  $29.97.