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$24.99
The Bodegas Alto Moncayo, along with its sister property El Nido in Jumilla, combines the talents of local growers and winemakers with Australia’s super-star winemaker, Chris Ringland. Read More...
The partnership has the ability to cherry-pick the best parcels of old vine Garnacha from Borsao’s extensive holdings in the region, nearly 2,000 acres. “Veraton” is a hedonistic wine. Look for a nose of incredible intensity showing Asian five spice powder, ginger, boysenberry, cedar and toasty oak. The palate fills out with luscious fruit that can only be described as a “bowl full of black cherries.” The exotic spiciness of the nose also follows through on the palate with hints of cardamom, cinnamon and brown sugar. There is a thread of acidity enlivening it all thanks to the high-altitude of Moncayo's range. Don’t wait for the score on this one.
$8.95
ROBERT PARKER 91 POINTS -“Another incredible value and full-throttle wine made from 100% Grenache, Herencia Altes’s vineyards are situated high on the Read More...
hillside above the village of Batea, where grapes have been grown since the 15th century. This offering, from very old vines and aged completely in concrete, is a naked, unadulterated, unmanipulated effort with great minerality (from the chalky, limestone soils) and an intensity and richness (from the old vines) that are normally found in $50+ wines. As I told Eric Solomon, at these ridiculously low prices, consumers will never suspect the wines are at this level of quality. This outstanding 2011 offers loads of kirsch, raspberry, licorice, garrigue and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied and dense, it is best consumed over the next 2-3 years. A killer value, it is a custom cuvee made for Eric Solomon by proprietor Nuria Altes."
Famed importer Eric Solomon’s mantra has long been “place over process”. If there ever was a wine that embodied this slogan it this Garnatxa (i.e. Gernache) from Catalonia’s still obscure Terra Alta region. As its name implies, this is a highland region (elevation is approximately 1300 feet) that is tucked away in the extreme south of Catalonia. It borders Aragon and Valencia and possesses precious plots of old bush-trained Grenache vines. The soils are excellent for fine wine production with plenty of limestone and good drainage. Really, the region has all the right elements of climate, soil, and vine material to make world class wines that, in time, should rival those of nearby Priorat. What Terra Alta lacks are more producers like Nuria Altes with the vision and passion to fully maximize the vast potential of the area. For many generations Nuria Altes' family has cultivated vines around the Terra Alta village of Batea. The Altes Herencia project was conceived to fulfill her dream to put Terra Alta on the map and showcase her family’s viticultural herencia (heritage). For this Grenache she has succeeded in spectacular fashion in capturing the electric fruit purity and mineral essence of this special place without the use of oak or high tech winemaking tricks.
Famed importer Eric Solomon’s mantra has long been “place over process”. If there ever was a wine that embodied this slogan it this Garnatxa (i.e. Gernache) from Catalonia’s still obscure Terra Alta region. As its name implies, this is a highland region (elevation is approximately 1300 feet) that is tucked away in the extreme south of Catalonia. It borders Aragon and Valencia and possesses precious plots of old bush-trained Grenache vines. The soils are excellent for fine wine production with plenty of limestone and good drainage. Really, the region has all the right elements of climate, soil, and vine material to make world class wines that, in time, should rival those of nearby Priorat. What Terra Alta lacks are more producers like Nuria Altes with the vision and passion to fully maximize the vast potential of the area. For many generations Nuria Altes' family has cultivated vines around the Terra Alta village of Batea. The Altes Herencia project was conceived to fulfill her dream to put Terra Alta on the map and showcase her family’s viticultural herencia (heritage). For this Grenache she has succeeded in spectacular fashion in capturing the electric fruit purity and mineral essence of this special place without the use of oak or high tech winemaking tricks.
$119.99
Wine Enthusiast - "A huge load with sophistication and style to go with tons of raw power. Tobacco, balsam wood and pure blackberry aromas are stylish and enticing. Shows Read More...
body and structure on the palate along with black fruit, mocha, chocolate and toast flavors. Long and heavenly on the finish. Drink now through 2015."
$39.99
Bodegas Alto Moncayo is located in Campo de Borja, Spain, well known for the varietals Grenache and Tempranillo. Chris Ringland is the lead winemaker and is known for creating Read More...
some of the most highly sought after wines in the world. The vineyards sit atop some of the most unique soils of iron rich red clay and red slate mixed. A unique spot with 125-year-old, ungrafted vines that deliver an extremely low production. The Borsao folks own more than 3,600 acres of vines in the Spanish Pyrenees. With partners like that, it is easy to find a few special parcels to make 600-800 cases a year of Alto Moncayo and Veraton. Don't wait for the score on this one!
$8.99
Artazuri Garnacha is a project from Juan Carlos Lopez, founder of Rioja’s world-renowned Artadi estate. His goal was to produce a high quality garnacha, and it was in the small village Read More...
of Artazu in Navarra that he discovered the extraordinary old vines that were to make this a reality.
$44.95
Proprietor and winemaker Paul Wilkins came out of the gate screaming with his 2007s, and subsequent vintages have the same exciting results! The Law of Return Grenache is comprised Read More...
of 100% free run juice...NO PRESSED JUICE! Very few producers employ this practice as it increases overall costs dramatically. But Paul feels that this gets him the best possible wine he can put in the bottle, and considering the price, it kind of makes you wonder why others charge more, yet their quality isn't as high???
This is 95% Grenache from the Uriel J. Nielson Vineyard, and 5% Syrah from the Minetti Vineyard. Paul utilized whole cluster fermentation on 25% of the grapes, and aged the wine for 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The Law of Return bears the hallmarks of Paul's obsessive attention to detail and fruit potential. Pouring a dark royal purple, the wine reveals unreal density without sacrificing vibrancy and nuance. Oh, by the way...only 83 bottles were produced!
This is 95% Grenache from the Uriel J. Nielson Vineyard, and 5% Syrah from the Minetti Vineyard. Paul utilized whole cluster fermentation on 25% of the grapes, and aged the wine for 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The Law of Return bears the hallmarks of Paul's obsessive attention to detail and fruit potential. Pouring a dark royal purple, the wine reveals unreal density without sacrificing vibrancy and nuance. Oh, by the way...only 83 bottles were produced!
$17.95
In a recent issue, Wine Spectator stated, “California Grenache is capable of stardom. But there needs to be a lot more made so that the average consumer can buy it.” Well, here’s Read More...
your star!
The Barrel 27 guys have long searched for that perfect vineyard for the Rhône Valley’s bedrock grape... Grenache. That search has ended and the result is the most seductive Rock and a Hard Place to date! The wine exhibits a dark ruby-black color with a compelling nose of pureed raspberry, black berry jam, crushed mint leaf, sweet Tellicherry black pepper and cocoa, followed by hints of Chinese 5 Spices, cranberry, prosciutto, warm tar, lychee and rhubarb pie. In the mouth, the wine's purity shines out with flavors of dried raspberry and cranberry, mint, sage, cured meat and fresh herbs, with elements of wood smoke, nori, citrus and smoky paprika. Superb acidity balances the excellent tannin structure and the wine's generous body, yielding a long, pure finish of fruit and spice.
The Barrel 27 guys have long searched for that perfect vineyard for the Rhône Valley’s bedrock grape... Grenache. That search has ended and the result is the most seductive Rock and a Hard Place to date! The wine exhibits a dark ruby-black color with a compelling nose of pureed raspberry, black berry jam, crushed mint leaf, sweet Tellicherry black pepper and cocoa, followed by hints of Chinese 5 Spices, cranberry, prosciutto, warm tar, lychee and rhubarb pie. In the mouth, the wine's purity shines out with flavors of dried raspberry and cranberry, mint, sage, cured meat and fresh herbs, with elements of wood smoke, nori, citrus and smoky paprika. Superb acidity balances the excellent tannin structure and the wine's generous body, yielding a long, pure finish of fruit and spice.
$18.98
STEPHEN TANZER 90 - "Bright red. Intensely floral bouquet offers scents of strawberry, raspberry, rose, magnolia and Asian spices; smells Read More...
a lot like pinot. Very fresh and energetic in the mouth, offering sweet red berry flavors unfettered by tannins. The spiciness repeats on the finish, which is long, sappy and very pure."
$36.95
Born in Michoacan, Mexico, winemaker Edgar Torres has lived in the coastal town of Cambria, California since the age of 8. As it seems to happen to many people who live close to Paso Robles, Read More...
he fell in love with wine and decided to make his livelihood in the wine business. Hey…can you blame him?!? He has worked with many of the superstars of the Central Coast, including Matt Garretson, Augie Hug, and Alta Maria Vineyards. Today, he is the assistant winemaker at Barrel 27, and works alongside one of our best friends, McPrice Myers (what a mentor!), when Edgar isn’t tinkering on his own wines. We sampled his latest releases a few months ago, and they really knocked our socks off! The intensity of these wines are rivaled by few here in the United States, and we suggest you check out what Edgar can do!
The E-Squared bottling is a blend of Grenache and Syrah.
The E-Squared bottling is a blend of Grenache and Syrah.
$33.95
Born in Michoacan, Mexico, winemaker Edgar Torres has lived in the coastal town of Cambria, California since the age of 8. As it seems to happen to many people who live close to Paso Robles, Read More...
he fell in love with wine and decided to make his livelihood in the wine business. Hey…can you blame him?!? He has worked with many of the superstars of the Central Coast, including Matt Garretson, Augie Hug, and Alta Maria Vineyards. Today, he is the assistant winemaker at Barrel 27, and works alongside one of our best friends, McPrice Myers (what a mentor!), when Edgar isn’t tinkering on his own wines. We sampled his latest releases a few months ago, and they really knocked our socks off! The intensity of these wines are rivaled by few here in the United States, and we suggest you check out what Edgar can do!
$13.99
Borsao's top end wine, Tres Picos Garnacha, is a bit above the ten dollar price point Parker Tweets about, but it's always impressive. The 2010 Tres Picos is one of those MORE is MORE Read More...
vintages -- more color and extract, more black fruit, more spice and depth. It's appealing when the bottle is first opened, but splash it around in a carafe for a few minutes to see all the layers in there fullest. The 2010 Tres Picos has not been rated yet, but here is the recent track record from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -- We think it's also "F*@$%^@ unreal" for the money: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 vintages all scored 91 points and the 2009 vintage scored 92 points.
We are not huge followers of Twitter but we saw this mildly profane Tweet from the World's most respected wine critic and we just had to pass it on: “Robert M Parker, Jr ?@RobertMParkerJr - buy Bodegas Borsao 2010s and 2011s-all from Campo de Borja-all under $10,which is F*@$%^@ unreal for such quality-red, white, and rose."
We are not huge followers of Twitter but we saw this mildly profane Tweet from the World's most respected wine critic and we just had to pass it on: “Robert M Parker, Jr ?@RobertMParkerJr - buy Bodegas Borsao 2010s and 2011s-all from Campo de Borja-all under $10,which is F*@$%^@ unreal for such quality-red, white, and rose."
$42.99
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS: "Ripe and rich, but very, very silky, with a hint of shiso leaf giving way to lightly mulled raspberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, Read More...
backed by toasted anise, lavender and warm stone notes on the very stylish finish. A beauty. Best from 2015 through 2030. 830 cases made." –JM
$11.98
This is one of those wines that most people, upon tasting, would overshoot the price point by quite a bit. It's really fantastic. 100% Grenache from 100-year-old vines, the complexity Read More...
and quality of this wine go way above and beyond the entry fee. The nose is a gorgeous melding of earth, minerality, root beer and sassafras notes, red plum and sweet cherry fruit and a good measure of smoky charcuterie. The lush, viscous palate is balanced by appropriate tannins. The fruit is forward and ripe as black cherries and ripe plum take the spotlight with a supporting cast of light spice and minerality lending their voices to the chorus.
WINE SPECTATOR 91 POINTS - This fleshy red delivers a rich core of blackberry and blueberry compote, accented by toasty vanilla, sweet licorice and cinnamon spice. Well-integrated tannins give this backbone. A bold, modern style. Drink now through 2017. 2,000 cases imported. –TM
WINE SPECTATOR 91 POINTS - This fleshy red delivers a rich core of blackberry and blueberry compote, accented by toasty vanilla, sweet licorice and cinnamon spice. Well-integrated tannins give this backbone. A bold, modern style. Drink now through 2017. 2,000 cases imported. –TM
$13.99
WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS - "Medium-deep garnet colored, the 2009 The Custodian Grenache offers a very spicy nose over notes of prunes, raspberry preserves Read More...
and a whiff of sultanas. Medium to full-bodied, it offers plenty of spicy, warm berry flavors, velvety tannins and balancing acidity, finishing long. Drink it now to 2016+."
$33.95
Dragonette Cellers is the fruition of a long held dream between brothers John and Steve Dragonette, and their close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis, to produce wines of the outmost quality Read More...
and purity from the finesh vineyards in Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast. They invested countless hours carefully selecting the best possible sites and growers for each varietal they work with.Their sources are all located in the cool, coastal areas of the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley and York Mountain (west of Paso Robles). Most are sustainably, organically and/or biodynamically farmed. The vineyards used include: Grassini and Voglezang for Sauvignon Blanc, Fiddlestix and La Encantada for Pinot Noir and Stolpman, Thompson and Shadow Canyon for Syrah. Although we stock we urge you to try the lineup from this producer. The red is a blend of grenache, Mourvedre & Syrah.
$18.95
Winery's Notes: Dry Rosé is the ideal wine for warm summer days, as an aperitif, or as a match for appetizers and spicy food. We also love to sip it while we cook, especially Read More...
outside on the grill. Thus we take our Rosé seriously and meticulously apply all of the techniques we use on our white and red wines, most importantly, grape and site selection, lower yields, careful handling, and fermentation to complete dryness. Dry Rosé is a crisp, refreshing, expressive wine, with fruit and acidity in perfect balance to stimulate the palate.
$110.00
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS-The 2009 Espectacle del Montsant has more fruit intensity on the nose than the 2008, with mulberry, sage and just a faint touch Read More...
of chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth, chocolate-tinged entry. There is very good acidity that hides the alcohol particularly well, maintaining balance and precision, while a lovely dash of white pepper appears on the aftertaste. Drink now-2023.
Located in the commune of La Figuera, just outside the DO of Priorat, Espectacle is a two-hectare parcel of 100-year-old Garnacha owned by Christopher and Charlotte Cannan, Rene and Isabelle Barbier and Fernando and Marta Zamora.
Located in the commune of La Figuera, just outside the DO of Priorat, Espectacle is a two-hectare parcel of 100-year-old Garnacha owned by Christopher and Charlotte Cannan, Rene and Isabelle Barbier and Fernando and Marta Zamora.
$9.95
ROBERT PARKER 92 POINTS - "A magnificent custom cuvee for Eric Solomon, this 2010 was made from high-elevation vineyards in the Costa Brava planted in granite. Read More...
It was fashioned by the brilliant Jean-Marc Lafage, whose wines are reviewed elsewhere in this article. Composed of 100% Grenache aged 3 months in new French oak, it reveals copious aromas of raspberry jam, black currants, kirsch, flowers and forest floor, full body, terrific fruit, lots of complexity already, and a multidimensional mouthfeel. Drink this stunning red over the next 4-5 years."
Although the Espelt family has been growing grapes for quite some time, it was not until 2000 that they began to produce their own wine. With over 500 acres of vineyards planted to a multitude of varieties, Espelt’s ultra modern winery is responsible for some of the greatest values in the region with a whimsical sensibility. The property is located in the Northeast of Spain close to the Mediterranean sea and the Pyrenees mountains, an area with low rainfall and healthy cool winds from the north. It has very old vineyards planted on two National Parks on slate and granite soils. The road to the famed restaurant, El Bulli runs through the Espelt vineyards.
Although the Espelt family has been growing grapes for quite some time, it was not until 2000 that they began to produce their own wine. With over 500 acres of vineyards planted to a multitude of varieties, Espelt’s ultra modern winery is responsible for some of the greatest values in the region with a whimsical sensibility. The property is located in the Northeast of Spain close to the Mediterranean sea and the Pyrenees mountains, an area with low rainfall and healthy cool winds from the north. It has very old vineyards planted on two National Parks on slate and granite soils. The road to the famed restaurant, El Bulli runs through the Espelt vineyards.
$7.99
ROBERT PARKER - "This Eric Solomon custom cuvee is made from a high-altitude vineyard planted in schist and slate soils. Composed of 100% tank-aged Garnacha, Read More...
it is a mineral-laced, elegant, finesse-styled effort displaying plenty of raspberry, sweet and sour cherry notes intermixed with a distinctive minerality. Drink it over the next 2-3 years."
$49.95
Similar do Dave Phinney's D66 bottling, the Fin Amor wines come from the French region of Maury. Although this region has been producing sweet wines, they have have flown relatively Read More...
under the radar. Well, it seems word is getting out about this warm region, and more and more people are taking note of Maury's potential. The steep vineyards of schist have a long history of magnificent wines, turbulent history and wild beasts; it is land called the "Frontera." Made from vineyards over 80 years old, these splendid rocky schist vineyards yield a wine of iris and violet aromas macerated with strawberry, black cherry and ripe boysenberry. The dense, structured majestic mouth feel is framed in minerality. Power and elegance lay the foundation for a complex wine of dark brooding fruit, savory and meaty, licorice and violets, dried fruits and floating rose petals.
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