Tag Archives: Spain

Wine of the Day: Lopez de Heredia ‘Bosconia’ Reserva 2004 8-17-16

Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Bosconia’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special

Uncork a bottle of Viña Bosconia and time stands still. Have a sniff, a sip, and you travel back in time. In this case, to 2004, but as with any Lopez de Heredia wine, to the 19^th century origins of modern Rioja winemaking. This winery is as classic as they come in La Rioja, and the Bosconia Reserva represents one of their finest wines. Inspired by French winemaking since its inception in 1877, Bosconia is the Burgundy of Rioja: elegant, subtle, and seductively perfumed. A glance at the label suggests Bosconia’s deep-rooted past. Situated two miles from the winery, the Bosconia vineyard consists of 37 acres, mostly Tempranillo, with an average vine age of 40 years.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Fernando de Castilla PX Sherry NV 5-16-2016

Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Andalucia, Spain NV 500ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $39 special

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to sample a diverse range of Sherries, ranging from dry, salty and austere to sweet, silky and oxidized and seemingly every possibility between. There was a 1970 Bodegas Tradicion Oloroso (hidden under the table and only poured for those that asked, of course), the light and salty Innocente Fino from Valdespino, and even a couple of ever unusual Palo Cortados. Of the sweet options, the one that stood out did so not really by any crazy exotic flair but rather for lingering pleasantly for about 5 minutes after tasting. I’ve experienced a few other bottlings from Fernando de Castilla, but the PX is by far my favorite for its length, value and flavor. … Read the rest

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2012 – April 2016

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($219.95) Buy Now: $169 special

Wine Advocate 98 points “After no 2011 was produced, the 2012 Clos Erasmus comes with renewed energy, a much fresher approach and a more transparent wine while keeping the slate typicity of Gratallops even in a tiny-yielding vintage. Part of the wine aged in 700-liter clay amphorae and the rest in Burgundy barrels that added a spicy patina to the nose, yet very much respected the wet slate character of the vintage. Contrary to previous vintages, the core of fruit is red rather than black; the 2013 that I tasted (not in bottle) followed pretty much this same direction. The palate shows power, elegance and a special mineral savoriness akin to licking stones.… Read the rest

Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOCa 1981 – April 2016

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOCa 1981 750ML ($249.95) Buy Now: $189 special

Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1981 Vina Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva has a complex bouquet of barley sugar, candle wax, dandelion and a touch of melon. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, dried honey and a touch of lemongrass than lends it edge. The finish is bone dry, beautifully defined and persistent in the mouth. Drink now-2030+”

Antonio Galloni – Vinous 93 points “The richly-colored 1981 1981 Viña Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva captures the essence of this house’s wines. It is a wine of great complexity as well as contrasts. At once mature yet seemingly ageless, full-bodied yet somehow also miraculously delicate, it displays evolved sensations of earthiness, smoke, roasted nuts and dried apricots in a more oxidative style with great persistence on the palate and enough acidity to make me think it will drink well for at least another ten or so years.”… Read the rest