Tasting Notes For Friday, 1/18/13

NCWC SPANISH TASTING 1/18/13

VALDESIL MONTENOVO GODELLO 2011
Bet you’ve never had a Godello before! This one carries “smoky, mineral-dominated scents of peach and jasmine, plus a subtle note of anise. Deeply concentrated and fleshy but also spicy and vibrant, with potent peach, candied ginger, tarragon and chalk flavors and a refreshingly bitter quality. Shows very good power on the clinging finish.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $11.97

LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2009
Rocas means rocks, which is what you have in your head if you don’t like this. “The 2009 Las Rocas is 100% Garnacha sourced from 80-year-old vines from the DO of Calatayud with 25% of the wine aged in wood. It is a forward, savory, ripe, succulent offering that should prove to be a crowd-pleaser. It is an outstanding value that will deliver enjoyment over the next 5 years.” 90 points Wine Advocate. $9.97

VOLVER TEMPRANILLO 2010
You’ll “return” over and over to this one. “Explosive, seductively perfumed aromas of candied red and dark berries, incense, rose pastille and Asian spices. Sappy, penetrating black raspberry and blueberry flavors show excellent depth and clarity, with smoky mineral and star anise nuances gaining strength with air. Closes sweet and very long, with lingering spiciness and gentle tannins.” 91 pts Tanzer. $13.97

BORSAO BEROLA 2008
This blend of Garnacha, Syrah, and Cabernet displays “sexy aromas of blackberry, mulberry and violet, plus a strong note of incense. Deeply pitched dark fruit preserve flavors are given an exotic character by notes of candied flowers and star anise. Supple and expansive on the finish, lingering with impressive tenacity and length.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer. $12.97

VINA ARDANZA RIOJA RESERVA ESPECIAL 2001
“The 2001 Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha and it represents only the third vintage to be declared after 1964 and 1973. Aged in American cask for 36 months, it has a bucolic, natural bouquet of bright red cherries, balsamic, mint and a touch of dried honey all with superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful delineation and supple, lithe tannins. The acidity is very well judged and it leads to a pert, tense finish of bitter cherry, loganberry and licorice. This is an outstanding wine drinking perfectly now, but it should age effortlessly. Drink now-2030.” 93 points Wine Advocate. $35.97

PAGO FLORENTINO TEMPRANILLO 2009
In this part of La Mancha Tempranillo is called Censibal. Either way, it’s delicious! “A variety of rich berries on the nose, and an array of deep earthy tastes on the tongue – wood, smoke, some mushroom. But laying over the top of everything is the taste of honey-sweetened bacon. Perfectly balanced. Eye-opening and crowd-pleasing. Highly recommended.” 89 points Jim Tobin. $20.97

ARZUAGA RIBERA DEL DUERO CRIANZA 2009
Mostly Tempranillo, this has a splash of Cab and Merlot as well. The nose is intense and complex, with cherry, plum, and vanilla accented by smoke and tobacco. The palate reveals undeniable grip but stays smooth nonetheless, with integrated flavors echoing the nose. You’ll notice nice balancing acidity and a lengthy finish, with the smoky, savory notes hanging on and on. 90 points Jim Tobin. $29.97