Great Grenache
Chateauneuf du Pape
Robert Parker 99 points “The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre from the same parcels as the 2011. The wine is aged primarily in foudres with small percentages of the Syrah and Mourvedre kept in new 600-liter demi-muids. A spectacular effort, it displays a confit of camphor, blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries, lavender and other floral notes. This full-bodied, massive Chateauneuf du Pape is remarkably light on its feet despite what must be 15+% alcohol. Incredibly pure and remarkably intense, this is a tour de force from Nicolas Boiron. It should drink well for two decades.”Bosquet Des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape A la Gloire Grand Pere 2012 750ml ($79.95) $59 special
Robert Parker 94-96 points “Looking just as good, with a slightly more approachable profile, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape A La Gloire de Mon Grand-Pere is a field blend of close to 100% Grenache that comes from the Gardiole lieu-dit. Aged all in demi-muid, it is an awesomely textured, seamless effort that boasts knockout aromas and flavors of kirsch, wild strawberries, herbs de Provence and red licorice. Not quite as backwards or concentrated as the Chante Le Merle, it should be approachable at an earlier age and drink brilliantly for 15 years or more. Drink 2015-2027.”Brunier Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape Red 2012 750ml ($89.95) $69 special
Robert Parker 93-95 points “The top wine of the estate, the 2012 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape (which is always a blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault and other grapes, from 65-year-old vines) is a classic example of the cuvee and possesses gorgeous aromatics (kirsch, garrigue, big minerality and background meatiness), medium to full-bodied richness and a firm, tannic spine. As is common, it will require a handful of years in the cellar to come around and have 15+ years of longevity. Drink 2016-2027.”
Charbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape Brusquieres 2011 750ml ($59.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “Vivid ruby. Powerful spice- and smoke-accented aromas of dark berries and cherry. Shows very good clarity and lift to its black raspberry and floral pastille flavors, which gain weight with air. Chewy tannins come on late and add grip to a powerful, incisive finish.”
Charbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape Mourre Perdrix 2011 750ml ($59.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “Vivid red. Spicy, mineral-driven aromas of red berries, spicecake and lavender show impressive purity and power. A racy, sweet midweight that offers pliant strawberry and raspberry flavors, with zesty minerality adding lift and spine. A floral quality builds with air and carries through a spicy, tannin-free finish. Very elegant, in an almost pinot noir-like way.”
Charbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 2011 750ml ($59.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 90-92 points “Bright purple. Heady aromas of blackcurrant, mocha, pipe tobacco and incense. Lush and expansive, with seamless, complex flavors of dark berries, candied flowers and spicecake. A suave, accessible wine, finishing with supple tannins and impressive length.”
Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 375ml ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Reminiscent of a lighter weight 2009, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape offers up a sweet bouquet of spiced black cherries, plum, truffle, saddle leather and underbrush. Coming from tiny yields (which were down 50% from 2010), this medium to full-bodied 2011 is gorgeously textured and has solid mid-palate depth, terrific purity of fruit and ripe tannin. Relatively approachable and enjoyable even now, it should nevertheless evolve gracefully for 15-20 years. Drink 2015-2031.”
Clos Des Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 750ml ($49.95) $39 special
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “Tasted in three components. #1: Intensely perfumed in a distinctly pinot way, offering intense red berry and floral scents and a strong mineral component. Weightless and pure, with superb focus and depth. #2: Deeper cherry and dark berry character, with notes of licorice and black tea. Shows serious depth and power, with strong finishing grip. #3: Even richer than #2, offering bitter cherry and dark chocolate aromas and flavors and a hint of candied violet. The ultimate wine should be richer than usual for this estate, whose wines are always among the purest and most delineated of the Chateauneufs that I taste every year.”
Clos Des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 750ml ($179.95) $148 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “Really tight now, but packed with dark fig, currant, espresso, licorice and chocolate notes. Superfleshy but seriously structured, there’s layer after layer of sweet spice, fruit and minerality pumping through the finish, with lots of latent depth and power. Far more backward than the 2003 or 2004 on release, but since this red typically puts on weight as it ages, it should be a monster–à la the 1990–when it reaches its peak. Best from 2009 through 2030.”
Clos Des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2009 750ml ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Sinewy and reserved, with a light dusting of cocoa powder over the tangy damson plum, red licorice and cassis notes. The long, supple finish, with a lovely wafting note of Lapsang souchong tea, is packed with minerality and tight-grained tannins that will need time to fully evolve. One of the more backward 2009s, though this should pick up steam in the cellar. Best from 2013 through 2025.”
Clos Des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 750ml ($149.95) $125 special
Clos Des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 1.5liter ($299.95) $259 special
Wine Spectator 97 points –#7 TOP 100 2014--“A stunner, with a gorgeous cassis aroma that soars from the glass, reinforced by a core of cassis, cherry and plum pâte de fruit, hoisin sauce, warm ganache and well-roasted apple wood notes. Hefty, but suave and seamless. The finish lets graphite and licorice elements glide through. The structure is dense, polished and perfectly integrated, resulting in lovely length. Should be a beauty after cellaring. Best from 2017 through 2032.”
Wine Advocate 95-98 points “Tasted from multiple foudres, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is stunning! Showing surprising depth and concentration in the vintage, with full-bodied richness and texture, all of the samples showed perfumed, complex aromatics, fantastic mid-palates and serious back-end structure. Less forward than the 2011, with plenty of oomph, it will most likely require short-term cellaring to come around, and have a broad drink window.”
Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape L’accent 2010 750ml ($89.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Flavors of melted licorice, blood orange, black tea, macerated black currant, anise and smoldering tobacco have been woven together here with a thread of alder that ties up the full-bodied finish with grace. Shows power, but also definition, and retains a lovely, lingering feel. Best from 2013 through 2026. 89 cases imported.”
Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape 2010 750ml ($59.95) $39 special
Case-12 Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape 2010 750ml ($499.95) $399 case price special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Silky and briary, with lots of pepper, savory and tobacco notes coursing along, while a hint of shiso leaf separates them from the blackberry and black currant confiture flavors. Lovely, finely beaded acidity offsets the tarry grip. Great range and tension. Best from 2014 through 2028. 1,200 cases imported.”
Clos Du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz 2009 750ml ($109.95) $69 special
Case-12 Clos Du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Quartz 2009 750ml ($899.95) $599 case price special
Robert Parker 94 points “The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from one of the appellation’s more obscure lieu-dits. This stunning 2009 offers copious floral notes intermixed with crushed rock, wet stone, kirsch and black currant characteristics.”
Clos Du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve 2009 750ml ($179.95) $99 special
Robert Parker 94+ points “Intense, full-bodied and opulent, it is presently as rich, powerful and promising as their top luxury cuvee, the dense purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve. The latter wine normally towers above the other two cuvees, but it is also more backward because 40% of the blend is split between Mourvedre and Syrah aged in new oak casks and the balance of 60% Grenache is aged in 600-liter demi-muids. Its deep purple color is followed by expansive, broad, sweet kirsch and black raspberry fruit notes intermixed with hints of licorice, graphite and spice box. Full-bodied with terrific purity as well as an attractive earthy, truffle, meaty character, it is much more evolved and forward than most vintages tend to be as this cuvee often needs 8-10 years of bottle age in the more tannic, backward years. However, that is not the case with this 2009 Reserve. It should drink well for 15+ years.”
Clos St Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Combe Des Fous 2010 750ml ($249.95) $169 special
Robert Parker 98 points “The limited production cuvee of 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape La Combe des Fous (60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Muscardin, Vaccarese and Cinsault) is awesome. There have been many great vintages of this wine (2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011), but the 2010 flirts with perfection. One of the most complex aromatic expressions of Chateauneuf du Pape, it offers up notes of Christmas fruitcake, spring flowers, mulberries, blueberries, black raspberries, espresso beans and spice box. Full-bodied, opulent and voluptuously textured, its luxurious, lavish fruit conceals amazing levels of glycerin and alcohol. This wine possesses prodigious intensity, massive layers of fruit and an incredible 45-50-second finish. Forget it for 4-5 years, and drink it over the following 20-25 years.”
Cuvee Du Vatican Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 750ml ($59.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 90-92 points, Rhone Report 91-93 points “Bright purple. Intensely perfumed red and dark berry aromas are complicated by subtle smoke and floral qualities. Sweet raspberry and blackberry preserve flavors show impressive depth and pick up a licorice nuance with air. Closes on an attractively sweet note, with excellent clarity and lingering smokiness.”ST
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 750ml ($79.95) $66 special
Wine Advocate 93-96 points “More backwards and tannic, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape (same blend as the 2012) was tight and structured at the time of this tasting (as was the 2011, which was much more approachable and open when I tasted it from a bottle in the U.S.), with serious pepper, herbs de Provence and assorted darker berry-styled fruit. Cutting a broad path across the palate, with full-bodied richness, bright acidity and edgy tannin, it should soften up over the next year and be reasonably accessible with short-term cellaring. A solid 12-15 year drink window sounds about right. Drink 2016-2027. Consistently producing lively, fresh and elegant efforts that never lack for structure or richness, Domain Charvin is run by the soft spoken and generous Laurent Charvin. The winemaking here is very traditional, with some stem inclusion and aging completely in tank.”
Ferrand Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 750ml ($69.95) $56 special
Wine Advocate 91-94 points “Moving to the Chateauneufs, and a blend of 95% Grenache, 2% Mourvedre, 2% Mourvedre and 1% Bourboulenc, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is a fresh, elegant and medium to full-bodied effort that offers up notions of crushed flowers, sappy underbrush and licorice. Very fresh, yet with solid mid-palate depth and perfect balance, it should be approachable on release and have over a decade of longevity. Drink 2014-2024.”
Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Baron 2011 750ml ($39.95) $30.90 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Offers a mix of kirsch, anise, plum sauce and cherry notes, with a polished feel through the cocoa-tinged finish. Shows the friendly, racy feel of the vintage. Drink now through 2021.”
Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Baron 2012 750ml ($41.95) $31.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Inky ruby. Blackcurrant, incense and dark chocolate aromas, with a meaty topnote. Juicy, firm flavors of dark berries and bitter cherry are complicated by nuances of smoke and succulent herbs. Youthfully taut and gripping on the finish, trailing notes of licorice and bitter chocolate. Pretty serious, even brooding in character right now.”
Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition 2012 750ml ($37.95) $29 special
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Deep ruby. Pungent aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and floral pastilles. Taut and focused, with bright acidity enlivening the dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes spicy and long, with chewy tannins and lingering notes of licorice and smoky minerals.”
Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Des Celestins 2009 750ml ($379.95) $319 special
Wine Advocate 95-98 points “The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins might be the wine of the vintage and got a big “Wow” in the notebook. Thrillingly perfumed, with kirsch, currants, herbs de Provence, dried meats and spice-like aromas and flavors, it is an absolute knockout on the nose. This is all backed up by full-bodied richness in the mouth, and it possesses terrific mid-palate depth, layers of sweet tannin and a finish that pumps out plenty of sweet fruit. I don’t know when it will be bottled, but certainly, I was blown away by the wine.”
Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin 2010 750ml ($149.95) $119 special
Robert Parker 98 points “The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin rivals the 2007 Chaupin (to date the best Chaupin I have yet tasted). Made from 100% Grenache (3/4 destemmed), it boasts a dense black/purple color as well as unbelievable notes of raspberries, black cherries, licorice, truffles, camphor, forest floor and garrigue. This wine is stunningly concentrated, incredibly noble, precise and expansive on the palate with mouth-saturating intensity, glycerin and extract. It is an amazing example of impeccably grown old vine Grenache translated into a natural yet full-throttle red.”
Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 750ml ($69.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “Deep ruby. A wild, complex bouquet displays candied cherry, lavender, smoked meat and licorice. Sappy and penetrating, offering sweet cherry and floral pastille flavors and a smoky nuance. A note of bitter chocolate comes up with air and carries through a long, sappy finish. In an old-school style and quite a bit more feral than recent vintages for this property, which will please long-time fans.”
Mas De Boislauzon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Quet 2012 750ml ($119.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 94-96+ points “Even more impressive and a candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Quet (pronounced “kay”) is a blend of 80% tank-aged Grenache and 20% barrel-aged Mourvedre. A big, massive wine, with decadent roasted herbs, black and red fruits, licorice and scorched earth, this full-bodied, mouth-filling and brilliantly concentrated effort doesn’t lack for texture or richness, yet remains fresh and very drinkable. It should drink well for 15-20 years. Drink 2014-2032. Run by the brother and sister team of Daniel and Christine Chaussy, this brilliant estate covers just over 20 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, most of which are in the northern part. They produce up to three Chateauneufs in top vintages and one white. In addition, their Vin de France and Cotes du Rhone Villages are always superb and sell for a song. Note: there was no Cuvee du Quet or le Tinto produced in 2011, and no Tinto in 2012.”
Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape Petits Pieds D’armand 2011 750ml ($119.95) $79 special
Robert Parker 92-95 points “The ancient vine cuvee of 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet nose of kirsch liqueur, incense, black raspberries, bouquet garni and loamy soil undertones. Full-bodied with luscious fruit, this beauty should drink well for a decade. This tiny estate, which used to be part of the Domaine des Relagnes, produces two cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape, the traditional cuvee from terroirs near Clos St.-Jean and Grand Pierre, and a 100% old vine Grenache offering called Les Petits Pieds d’Armand from ancient vines (nearly 110 years of age) planted in sandy soil. Besides making first-class wines, Olivier Hillaire is also the village’s top baker.”
Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape Petits Pieds D’armand 2012 750ml ($119.95) $99 special
Robert Parker 95-98 points “Even better, and possibly the wine of the vintage, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits d’Armand is about as fabulous an expression of old vine Grenache as you’re likely to find. Massive and decadent, yet lively and fresh, it offers up a sweet bouquet of berry fruits, licorice, incense, flowers, garrigue to go with full-bodied richness and depth, thrilling purity, good freshness and blockbuster length. Gorgeous all around, it should drink well on release, yet last for 15+ years. Don’t miss it! Drink 2014-2027.”
Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Girard 2012 750ml ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 89-92 points “Almost identical, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard is a slightly tweaked blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah and the rest Cinsault and Counoise, that’s aged in a combination of concrete, oak tanks and barrels. Voluptuous, textured and layered, with sweet black raspberry, licorice, spice and leafy herbs, it’s a medium to full-bodied, fruit-loaded effort to drink over the coming decade. Drink 2014-2024.”
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 750ml ($69.95) $51.90 special
Wine Advocate 89-92 points “Tasted out of barrel, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is also a super effort in the vintage. Coming from a different terroir in 2011 (not La Crau), it offers up plenty of dusty soil, ground pepper and leather that’s grounded by a solid core of darker berry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with beautiful mid-palate density and depth, this pure, very well put-together 2011 will have upward of 8-10 years of longevity. Drink 2014-2021.”
St Theodoric Chateauneuf du Pape Guigasse 2011 750ml ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 94 points ” Looking at the 2011s, both of which showed much better from bottle than barrel, the 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse (100% Grenache from sandy soils) has a Rayas-like perfume of sweet red cherries, currants, white pepper, spring flowers and underbrush. Fermented with 100% whole-cluster and aged all in neutral, larger barrels, this medium to full-bodied, dense and beautifully textured effort is superb now, yet should easily have 10-12 years of ultimate longevity. Drink now-2023..”
Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul 2009 750ml ($129.95) $99 special
Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul 2010 1.5liter ($249.95) $219 special
Robert Parker 97 points “The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul (cropped at 12-16 hectoliters per hectare) comes from the estate’s finest vineyards in the southern part of the appellation (Les Grandes Serres), the eastern sector (the famed La Crau) and the northern sector (Guigasse). The wine is aged primarily in stainless steel tanks with a small percent (less than 20%) kept in 600-liter demi-muids. Despite the 16.5% natural alcohol, there is not a trace of heat in this wine. It is stunningly concentrated with great intensity as well as classic blueberry, peppery, incense, camphor, fig and licorice characteristics. Rich and full-bodied with slightly more freshness than their profound 2007, the 2010 Mon Aieul should age effortlessly for two decades.”
Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul 2012 750ml ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Easily one of the top wines in the vintage, the superstar 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee De Mon Aieul is 100% Grenache that was aged 90% in concrete tank and 10% in demi-muid. Gorgeous all around, with incredible polish and purity, it offers up copious kirsch, licorice, toasted spice and crushed flowers with a seamless, full-bodied profile. Elegant, remarkably fresh and with fine tannin, it’s hard to resist even now. Nevertheless, it should benefit from a year or three in the cellar and have 15 years of longevity. Drink 2016-2027.”
Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi Priorat 2012 750ml ($79.95) $69 special
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “(100% garnacha): Brilliant ruby. Potent red berry liqueur and floral scents are complemented by deeper notes of licorice, cola and licorice, with a mineral nuance adding lift and focus. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated but lively spice-tinged raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of candied flowers. Silky tannins add shape to the extremely long, fruit-driven finish, which leaves a sexy spicecake note behind. In the context of elite Priorat wines this is a serious value.”Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses Vieilles Vignes 2012 750ml ($44.95) $36 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant ruby. Potent, mineral-laced raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by exotic floral and spice qualities, picking up white pepper and mocha accents with air. Seamless and sweet, offering silky red berry preserve flavors with a touch of allspice. Closes lively and precise, with sneaky tannins and a jolt of bitter cherry.”Cecilio Black Slate Priorat Gratallops 2013 750ml ($21.95) $19 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “(70% garnatxa, 25% carinena and 5% syrah; aged for a year in concrete tanks): Bright purple. Zesty redcurrant and cherry aromas show good clarity, picking up floral and allspice qualities with air. Silky and open-knit, offering pliant red fruit flavors and a touch of rose pastille. Finishes supple and spicy, with lingering raspberry and white pepper notes and soft tannins.”
Rotllan Torra Priorat 2010 750ml ($21.95) $19 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “Two brilliant efforts from the Bodegas Mas Alta include the 2012 Black Slate, a project of Rhone negociant Michel Tardieu, Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon. From vineyards planted at a 1,000+ foot elevation, it was produced from 50- to 60-year-old vines and reveals a Burgundy-like personality. Copious notes of black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with subtle spice, vanillin, crushed rock and spring flowers are found in this medium-bodied, elegant, stylish 2012. A blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was aged 12 months in French oak, of which 60% was new. It should drink well for 3-6 years.”
Scala Dei Priorat Escaladei Black Slate 2011 750ml ($24.95) $20.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(80% garnatxa and 20% carinena; aged for ten months in French and American oak tanks): Opaque ruby. Assertive, mineral-accented dark berry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of licorice, candied violet and black cardamom. Rich and broad but lively, offering sharply focused blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter with air. Closes tangy and long, with mounting tannins and impressive length. According to the importer, these vines range from 40 to 100 years of age.”
Zorzal Garnacha Vinas Viejas 2010 750ML ($14.95) $9.90 special
Case-12 Zorzal Garnacha Vinas Viejas 2010 750ML ($149.95) $89 special
Stephen Tanzer 88 points “Bright purple. Jammy black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Open-knit and juicy, with good clarity and lift. Not the last word in complexity but extremely easy to like. Finishes with good clarity and subtle spiciness.”Borsao Campo De Borja Tinto Garnacha 2012 750ML($11.95) $8.80 special
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Advocate 89 points ” (85% garnacha and 15% tempranillo; all stainless steel): Vivid purple. Expressive aromas of black raspberry, violet and white pepper. Supple, spicy and pliant, with an appealingly sweet quality to the dark berry, spice and floral flavors. Plenty of personality here, especially at the price. Finishes on a refreshingly bitter note, with silky tannins and very good persistence.”
Bodegas Borsao Campo De Borja Vina Borgia 2012 ($11.95) $8 special
Case-12 Bodegas Borsao Campo De Borja Vina Borgia 2012 ($99.95) $86 special
Stephen Tanzer 88 points “Bright purple. Jammy black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Plump, juicy and tannin-free, making for very easy drinkability. For the money, this really delivers, a point not missed by the numerous restaurants that are pouring this fruit bomb by the glass. “Breca Garnacha Del Fuego Old Vine Calatayud 2012($11.95) $9 special
Case-12 Breca Garnacha Del Fuego Old Vine Calatayud 2012 ($119.95) $99 special
Bernabeleva Arroyo Del Tortolas 2010 750ML ($41.95) $33 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(all garanacha, raised in small and large oak, 25% of it new): Vivid ruby-red. A powerful bouquet offers red and dark berry preserves, minerals, Asian spices and fresh flowers. Fleshy black raspberry and candied rose flavors are deep and palate-staining, but there’s no sign of excess weight. Turns spicier on the sweet, gently tannic finish, which clings with superb tenacity.”
Bernabeleva Camino Navaherreros Madrid 2012($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Bernabeleva Camino Navaherreros Madrid 2012 ($199.95) $169 case price special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of raspberry, potpourri and Asian spices. Silky, penetrating red fruit and rose pastille flavors pick up a mineral nuance with air. Clings with excellent tenacity on the vibrant finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a touch of blood orange.”
Bernabeleva Navaherreros Tinto De Madrid 2011 750ml ($24.95) $21.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright ruby-red. Flamboyant aromas of raspberry, Asian spices, pungent herbs and white pepper. Dense, juicy and focused, offering mineral-driven flavors of raspberry, spicecake and rose pastille. The incisive finish features silky tannins and an echo of juicy red fruit. This sexy wine is delicious right now.”