Finished under screwcap. Estio is a young wine made with a blend of Monastrell, Syrah and Tempranillo grapes. This year the wine was especially appreciated by our customers for its luscious strawberry-pink colour, and for its very fruity nose with a predominance of red fruit, raspberries, strawberry and touches of pear. When drunk at the right temperature it is extremely refreshing and velvety on the palate. It is easy to drink and ideal as an aperitif or accompanying any dishes that goes well with a young wine.

The Monastrell's dried fig and honey gives a pleasantly weird sweet-but-actually-not-sweet aspect. The palate is just great: really ace food pink, it's flavoursome, but not cloying - fruitful but bone dry; achingly cheap. Scott Wasley

Founded in 1999, Laurona is a joint venture between Christopher Cannan, owner of Europvin, and René Barbier of the famous Clos Mogador estate in Priorat. It was the first – and remains the leading – pricate winery in the region dedicated to the production of high quality wines from the superbly situated vineyards that surround the now famous Priorat appellation. The potential here was recognised shortly afterwards with the creation of a new D.O Montsant, covering the villages around Falset and at the foot of the imposing Monstant mountain.

The wines are made from the various varieties planted in the area, mainly old vine Grenache and Carignan, plus newer plantings of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ageging of the ‘regular’ Laurona is in 500 litre oak casks, a large proportion of which is new. The Seleccio de 6 Vinyes is actually micro-fermented in the oak casks, adding to the complexity of the wine. The origin of the name Laurona dates back to Roman times when Pliny the Elder mentioned only one single vineyard of distinction from Tarragona called Laurona. It was quoted by him as being of very high quality. Now in the 21st Century, Christopher and René are making every attempt to revive the excellent reputation enjoyed by Laurona some 2000 years ago.

The 2003 Laurona, composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Carignan, has a multifaceted nose of minerals, earth, soy, black currants, blueberry, and licorice. This full-bodied effort is mouth-filling, sweet from glycerin, and supple, with layers of flavor. This loaded wine should evolve for another 2-4 years and drink well for a decade. Wine Advocate # 169 Feb 2007 Jay Miller 92 Drink 2009 - 2017

The 2002 6 Vinyes de Laurona, a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, and 10% Merlot, is purple in color with a heady nose of minerals, blue fruits, and licorice. This full-bodied effort comes off as slightly dilute on the mid-palate and a bit thin on the finish, perhaps as a result of a difficult vintage. Nevertheless, it is a very fine effort for drinking over the next 6 years. Wine Advocate # 169 Feb 2007 Jay Miller 90 Drink 2007 - 2013

Founded in 1999, Laurona is a joint venture between Christopher Cannan, owner of Europvin, and René Barbier of the famous Clos Mogador estate in Priorat. It was the first – and remains the leading – pricate winery in the region dedicated to the production of high quality wines from the superbly situated vineyards that surround the now famous Priorat appellation. The potential here was recognised shortly afterwards with the creation of a new D.O Montsant, covering the villages around Falset and at the foot of the imposing Monstant mountain.

The wines are made from the various varieties planted in the area, mainly old vine Grenache and Carignan, plus newer plantings of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ageging of the ‘regular’ Laurona is in 500 litre oak casks, a large proportion of which is new. The Seleccio de 6 Vinyes is actually micro-fermented in the oak casks, adding to the complexity of the wine. The origin of the name Laurona dates back to Roman times when Pliny the Elder mentioned only one single vineyard of distinction from Tarragona called Laurona. It was quoted by him as being of very high quality. Now in the 21st Century, Christopher and René are making every attempt to revive the excellent reputation enjoyed by Laurona some 2000 years ago.

The 2003 Vendimia Seleccionada is inky purple-colored. It has that slightly baked (from the searing heat of the vintage) aromatic character found in the best 1959 Bordeaux as well as fragrant notes of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. On the palate the wine is opulent, complex, intense, and super-concentrated. It has a firm structure and enough tannin to develop for another 5-7 years. The finish lasts for longer than one minute. Drink this superb effort from 2012-2030.

Because of its geographical location 10 km from the boundary of Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Mauro does not qualify for the more prestigious D.O. Currently it has 35 hectares of vineyard in production. Winemaking is in the hands Alberto and Eduardo Garcia, sons of renowned Vega Sicilia winemaker Mariano Garcia. Wine Advocate # 175; Feb 2008 Jay Miller 94 Drink 2012 - 2030

The Picante Tempranillo Shiraz is blended from there key components. A core of intensely flavoured Tempranillo provides structure and tannin with rich fruit Shiraz adding mid palate weight and a supple texture. Finally a component of de-classified Rioja Tempranillo adds complexity and length. The fruit is 100% de-stemmed and given a cool maceration before fermentation in stainless steel. In the Joven style, the majority of the wine is matured in stainless steel on lees to maintain fruit vibrancy with a component undergoing carbonic maceration. A further component is aged in two to three year old oak barrels.

Rich, dark, plummy fruit on the nose, sweetly ripe, rich aroma. Lots of dark fruits - blackberry and a hint of blueberry, and ample soft tannins coat the mouth. There's good length and it has Gravitas. This is a substantial wine for the price with what it takes to age, it drinks well now too. 94 Points; Huon Hooke; Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine

Best Spanish Red Wine under $50
94 Points - Five Stars
"Picante Espana took top honours from an impressive field of Spanish Reds" AGT

A mostly Tempranillo wine from Castilla la Mancha, with a fifth of Shiraz, the first thing I noticed literally seconds after opening was how bright and pretty the wine was - without even a minute to breath. The first taste gave way to well weighted ripe, berry and spicy tones with elements of spice. As it warmed it gained complexity with hints of fennel and darker fruits. All of these wonderful juicy nuances are balanced by a crisp, savoury finish. An Excellent wine, it is hard to see this offending anyone, the quintessential crowd-pleasing Spaniard. I look at many wines on a daily basis and the value here is top shelf, indeed the story goes that this has a portion of declassified Rioja Tempranillo which explains the complexity and length. At $150 a case, delivered to most - with excellent packaging to match, this really is no brainer territory. Drink: Now-2016+; Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© January 2011

A more complex and musky wine from Rioja that shows the elevated position of the region. Smells of boysenberry and light spice; there are plenty of fine, fluffy tannins, purple fruit flavours, plums and cherries, bright acidity and an earthy twist. 93 Points; Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine: Top 200 European Wines

Roda Reserva is the wine formerly known as Roda II. It’s a blend of tempranillo (85 percent), graciano (9 percent) and garnacha (grenache) from the famed Rioja region of Spain. It spends 16 months in a mix of old and new French oak. It’s one of the stars of the new Spain.

This reserva wine is made from vines over 30 years with a yield of 1.5 kg per vine. The vineyards are always their own and are distributed in 17 different locations. Fermentation is in oak. The aging is made in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% of the wine. It is clarified with egg white.

Red+black fruit palate extends with freshness and balance. Nice crispness works into the back where fine oak, natural acid, mineral flourishes, trademark velvet fruit tannins and purple florals feature in a quiet riot. Composed, sensual, taut; a supremely delicate and deft wine. 97% Tempranillo with Graciano. The Spanish Acquisition

Trimmed dark ruby brown. Dense tear. Intensely aromatic with great presence of toast and vanilla, with a background of ripe red fruit, leaves of snuff and a little chocolate. In the mouth the red fruit is the star, with a fresh palate, long, smooth and continuous volume. With a background of vanilla, mineral touches and memories of leather that form a harmonious whole. Winery Notes

Defined as a strong, youthful wine, ‘Sela’ sits in the fresh fruit spectrum; expressive although young. With good body, and shorter ageing than its siblings ‘Sela’ maintains Roda’s unmistakable hallmark of elegance and tannin fineness. Sourced from sustainable vineyards. 96% Tempranillo with Graciano.

"Aromatically ‘Sela’ is highly expressive with well-defined fruit character and fresh red berry-cherry, rosehip, chocolate, tobacco and fivespice complexities. The wine shows a youthful, lively, carefree personality but at the same time is complex and serious with slight mineral notes showing through. The palate is very fruity, with the same red berry fruit sensations found on the nose. Juicy red cherry bon-bon and a little soft chocolate underneath, medium-bodied with no hollow on the mid-palate, which is the hallmark of this winery. Very fresh, lively and flavoursome, with fine tannin giving silkiness. A mouthful of lovely fresh fruit with a cool, mineral finish. The oak is almost totally integrated in the fruit. It gives a subtle sensation of unctuousness against a background of spicy, floral hints." Scott Wasley

Hidden in the centre of the bodega, Sanchez Romate nurtures a very limited amount of extremely old wines, some of them do not even have dates of birth known to any one. These wines were originally reserved for the private use of the Sanchez Romate family, but are now being offered to the best clients of the company, throughout the world.

A generous wine elaborated with Palomino Fino grapes. Aged for over thirty years in the traditional fashion.

Grape variety  Palomino fino
Appearance Dark amber, transparent, lively
Aroma Intense, almondy, hints of oak, very old
Taste Dry, profound, persistent, "classic"
Gastronomy Aperitif, cured ham, grilled meat, old cheese, nuts

Hidden in the centre of the bodega, Sanchez Romate nurtures a very limited amount of extremely old wines, some of them do not even have dates of birth known to any one. These wines were originally reserved for the private use of the Sanchez Romate family, but are now being offered to the best clients of the company, throughout the world.

Sweet wine elaborated with Palomino Fino and Pedro Ximénez grapes. Aged for over 20 years in oak using the traditional method.
 
Alcoholic content  18°
Aged >20 years
Grape variety  Palomino fino and PX
Appearance Dark mahogany, radiant, dense, seductive
Aroma Rounded, fruitty, hints of oak, clean
Taste Smooth, sweet, velvety, harmonious, profound
Gastronomy Pudding wine, cakes

Hidden in the centre of the bodega, Sanchez Romate nurtures a very limited amount of extremely old wines, some of them do not even have dates of birth known to any one. These wines were originally reserved for the private use of the Sanchez Romate family, but are now being offered to the best clients of the company, throughout the world.

A generous wine elaborated with Palomino Fino grapes. Aged for over thirty years in the traditional fashion.

Grape variety  Palomino fino
Appearance Old mahogany, radiant, lively, seductive
Aroma Rounded, profound, old oak, nutty
Taste Smooth, long, lots of body, oak, nutty, classic
Gastronomy Old cheese, nuts, meat and stews

Tarry, meaty fruit with lovely berry profile, lifted florals and slurpy tannins—classical Monastrell, with the inimitable touch of Telmo Rodriguez. Great, very low-cropped old vines fruit, fermented in concrete, aged in
stainless, bottled fresh.

Fine and polished nose - floral, figgy and gently meaty, it’s a delicate and perfectly varietal expression of Monastrell. Soft, wide tannins start the mouth off and a long rip of ripe acid in the back half really straightens
things out. Almuvedre has long been one of the bargain wines of the world and the style-quality-value amalgam continues to boggle the mind. Now in screwcap! Scott Wasley, The Spanish Acquisition

Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain’s most celebrated winemakers. As well as looking after the wines at family property Remelluri (in Rioja), he’s making a wide range of wines from all over Spain under his own name. These are tremendously appealing wines: they are modern, but still show regional typicity, they are beautifully packaged, and they offer value for money.

Subtle vegetal-meets-tropical fruits, in a toned-down register. Yellow fruit peel and Rueda sandy-mineral aromatics. Mild-mannered, despite a passionfruit sauvignon peek-out, gorgeously smooth easy-drinking. Best Basa yet, bar none, unequivocally, and a very, very good wine (in fact, unbeknownst to me, I judged it in a blind line-up recently and gave it a gold medal 18.5/20 on outright quality terms!). A not-so-fruity Rueda Verdejo with gently-softly-crunchy-driving palate nerve. Gorgeous texture without overt fructose, perfectly savoury minerality and really unbelievable length. Oh, yeah and some really yummy fruit, too. Scott Wasley, The Spanish Acquisition

The very antithesis of the juicy, oily and angular Australian verdelho, with an unusually perfumed and floral aroma of intense tropical/citrus varietal fruit backed by underlying herbal, mineral and lemon rind-like complexity. Produced from 40 year-old vines cropped at about 1kg/vine at 750 metres altitude. Jeremy Oliver

D.O. Toro is about 1.5 hours due north of Madrid and specialises in Tempranillo. Toro's soil is rich, alluvial, and the temperature is blistering in summer, which makes it famous for very boisterous, full-bodied dry reds. It will not surprise if Toro continues to evolve as a key site for those attempting to garner Parker points by following the sugar-&-oak recipe for success!

Historically, Toro is an area of ancient yet impoverished viticulture which had been largely forgotten until recently. At the end of the 1990s, Toro started to be discovered once again, mostly because the influence of nearby Ribera del Duero. Unlike Ribera del Duero, Toro can draw on a wealth of old vineyards. Compañia de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez is part of Toro's renaissance. The replanting of ungrafted vines, without American rootstocks, has allowed them to explore Tempranillo intimately in its purest expression.

Like all the Telmo wines from Toro, Dehesa Gago is 100% Tinto de Toro (the local clone of Tempranillo). Dehesa Gago is picked by hand from bush vines, and fermented in neutral cement casks and stainless steel. It is then aged for 4-6 months in cement tanks.

Riotous brambly black-berried fruit, with soft earthy tannins and a buzz of natural acidity. Dark, meaty, delicious. It’s a full style—glyceric richness of canned black cherry is impregnated with red florals; but mainly through great natural acid, manages still to finish fresh and bright.

Made from 100% Godello, Gaba do Xil is grown in shallow, stony granite soils on terraces facing south, west and northwest. These coarse soils are low fertility and low water retention capacity, forcing the vines to struggle and limiting yields. The wine is fermented in steel tanks and sees some aging on lees before bottling.

There’s a hint of lanolin and wax as usual for Godello, but lemon-melon-pear are the main flavours, particularly canned pear. Texture is slinky-creamy with mineral and a nip of fresh acid at the finish.

Literally a new Rioja—fresh-but-concentrated, tight, unwooded. Impeccable fruit/tannin/acid harmony. Typical Rioja characters of red berry, roasted meat, and high note of dried herb and blue-note Tempranillo.
Decent ‘heft’ mid-palate, with a minerally-dancey finish.

Now in a 'burgundy' bottle - wonder what on earth Telmo and Pablo are getting at here? Well … A jam-packed cranberry+field herb nose (red lavender anyone?) is perfectly struck - fresh fruit and earth, lift and depth ... The palate is perfumed, ovoid, lissom, and really harmonious - built beautifully on Telmo's trademark natural fruit tannin-acid twin-track. Juicy and deft, it's not just good and typical, nor merely delicious … this is spectacular wine for the $$. Spain's Greatest Pizza Wine just climbed a higher rung. The Spanish Acquisition

The 2005 vintage of Pegaso sit somewhere in between the 2003 and 2005. It has the rich fruit and character of the 03 with the subtlety and herbal aspects of the 2004. Both of these previous vintages were a bit polarising, people either preferredthe 03 or 04 (myself included, I liked the 03). This 2005 hits the mark in my book, but do give it a fair decant before tucking in.

I’m a bit over Priorat/Monsant garnacha at the moment (although I do have a bottle in the tasting pile): too expensive, too extracted, too hyped. I’m sure I’ll get over it soon, but it seems that the every time I buy or drink a wine from Prioratlately, I’m just a little underwhelmed. I find that I get much better bang for my buck in the Douro if I’m looking for something shisty. Anyway, this is a ripping wine that has filled the vacuum perfectly.

The nose starts off with some medicinal herbs, crush rock, raspberry and bright cherry and some pink musk stick. A bit of raspberry leaf and a touch of chocolate creeps in with more air. Medium bodied with light tannins, minerally acid and a touch of richness on the palate. The fruit is concentrated but well balanced. Meaty notes with more of that bright cherry and raspberry, with some spice and gentle wood notes. Some darck chocolate notes apear after a while, as does some sage. While it’s not cheap, it’s fine drinking for this time of year. Plus it’ll do a couple of years in the cellar. Easy. 92 Points; Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $65 Closure: Conventional Cork; Dave Worthington; Tinto Y Blanco

The 2005 Pegaso from Barrancas de Pizarra was sourced 60- to 80-year-old Garnacha vines planted on pure slate soil. The wine was aged for 15 months in French oak. Aromas of smoke, pencil lead, scorched earth, mineral, espresso, and black cherry lead to a dense, full-bodied, sweetly-fruited, layered Garnacha with impeccable balance for its size and a long, fruit-filled finish. Drink this pleasure bent offering through 2020. 93 Points; Wine Advocate

A good intro to the Cigales region. Elegant, gentle uncomplicated and earthy, it’s unwooded, savoury, with classical dried raspberry, herb and meat resting on a soft, natural, tannin and acid frame. Relaxed, fun wine,
but with the unmistakable character of low-cropped old-vine material. Contains a touch of Garnacha.

Everything about this organically grown tempranillo from sunny Spain is appealing! Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with loads of red cherry, earth and smoke flavours, good weight and a long, chewy finish. Highly recommended. Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache) (less than 10%). Cigales is known for its rosé wines so this wine is the same blend only darker. Forward modern fruit with a spicy twist. The palate is spicy and full with nice fruit quality.

The Torres family has made wine in the ancient Catalán town of Vilafranca del Penedès since at least the 17th Century. However it was not until 1870 that Don Jaime Torres established the house of Torres whose wines have now become world famous. Torres is now ranked amongst the greatest wine dynasties in the world and certainly in the very top rank of Spanish wineries.

Elegant cherry colour over a light purple background. Fine floral aroma reminiscent of flowers such as mimosa and iris, complemented by discreet fruity hints (plums, cherries). Its smooth, rich palate and delicate aromas are prolonged in the finish. One of our most versatile wines, which goes especially well with informal food, such as pasta, vegetable dishes, picnics and traditional Spanish tapas. Exceptionally good with recipes that use tomato or tomato sauce, including Italian pasta. Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena grapes are used. Fermentation in stainless steel ensures all the fresh summer-fruits aromas and flavours are fully captured in this delicious wine.