Canadian Wine Guy » Spain

SABOR REAL VIÑAS CENTENARIAS TEMPRANILLO 2007

John Galea — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:42:15 +0000

Dark in color with a nose of red berries, dried fruits and oak. On it’s own the tempranillo is deep and rich on the mid pallet with some lovely dryness and a long finish along with some acidity. Dried fruits not to the point of raisiny but similar are dominant. The flavor builds nicely in the mouth as it coats your pallet! With food the wine is much smoother. Still, it’s best to not try this food that’s too mild or you won’t be tasting much of anything of the food! I would give it an 89-90.

From the LCBO web site:
SABOR REAL VIÑAS CENTENARIAS TEMPRANILLO 2007 VINTAGES 244772 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.00
Wine, Red Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : D

Made in: Toro, Spain By: Bodegas Campina

Release Date: Oct 29, 2011

Description
‘Bodegas Sabor Real was created in 2003; most of its Tinta de Toro [aka Tempranillo] vines are 70-100+ years of age.’ (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010). This is a very good partner for your steak and lamb courses.

Tasting Note
The 2007 Vinas Centenarias was aged in French and American oak, some of it new, some for one year. Its nose is a bit more brooding and on the palate it is richer, riper, and a bit more serious. With outstanding concentration, excellent length, and impeccable balance, this awesome value will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2022. Score – 91. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010)

BODEGAS LAN CRIANZA 2006

John Galea — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:39:33 +0000

Crianza is 100% Tempranillo. I like Tempranillo’s they can be big bold distinctive wines. This one is dark in color with earthy notes and some oak on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine is dominated by oak with the dark fruits completely overwhelmed. On the finish the wine has a pallet coating finish that is quite strong. This is not a particularly food friendly wine or much of a sipper either. Oak is out of proportion for my tastes. This is a poorly made wine. I would give it an 86. If I had any left I’d take it back.

From the LCBO web site:
BODEGAS LAN CRIANZA 2006 VINTAGES 166538 | 750 mL n/a Price: $ 15.00
Wine, Red Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD
Release Date: Mar 5, 2011

Description
Ranked #44 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list of 2010.

Tasting Note
Fresh and balanced, this red brims with cherry, spice and licorice, with light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The texture is generous yet delicate. Not heavy, but vivacious. Drink now through 2014. Best Value. Score – 90. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2010)

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SEÑORIO DE ARDURA CRIANZA 2006

John Galea — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:34:57 +0000

Crianza in case you are not aware is 100% Tempranillo grape is unique to Spain. This one is dark in color. On the nose there are some nice dark fruits coming out and a bit of oak. On the mid pallet are dark fruits coming through. On the finish this wine has some big tannins, some dry pucker power, a bit of acidity, a bit of chocolate cacao, leather and a longer finish. The wine softened as it breathed, I suspect this one is a bit too young still. Some time in the decanter would help too but I didn’t have one with me at the cottage. This is a reasonably varietal Tempranillo and we paired it to BBQ’d lamb chops. It held it’s own and complemented the lamb quite well. I would give this an 88. A year would like make a world of difference on this one if you have the patience and enjoy tempranillos.

SEÑORIO DE UÑUELA CRIANZA 2006 VINTAGES 172544 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.1% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D

Made in: Rioja, Spain By: Bodegas Patrocinio

Release Date: Jun 26, 2010

Description
Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2009 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Tasting Note
This 100% Tempranillo has a wonderful deep ruby colour. Engaging aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and sweet cedar delight the nose. Dry, medium bodied with plush tannins and ripe blackberry and raspberry notes on the palate. Enjoy this Rioja alongside beef tenderloin topped with cherry sauce. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2009)

Winecurrent.com’s write up:
14.0% alcohol A well-priced crowd-pleasing red there are aromas of toasty oak vanilla and ripe red cherry/berry. Mid weight with a silky mouth feel it gushes with gorgeous succulent flavors of cassis and blackberry balanced and moderated by tangy pie cherry. Theres ripe tannin and fruit flavor galore on the long mouth-watering finish. Give it a go with grilled chorizo. (Vic Harradine) Upstream in winecurrent Vintages Release: August 21 2010 (172544) $14.95 Featured 6/26/2010. 4/5 stars

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El Burro Shiraz

John Galea — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:23:34 +0000

This wine was given to me by a friend. The wine is dark in color with a nice nose of black fruits. On the mid pallet are some uncharacteristic sweet flavors. Something like strawberry jam. I had a little difficulty placing it. Similar to a Petite Syrah. There are also some dark fruits as well, but I was distracted by the sweetness. On the finish the wine has some peppers, a bit of spiciness and some tannins. The finish was medium in length but just barely. I paired it with a steak and it went Ok. All in all this is a unique Shiraz. With the right open mind this is a good wine, but not what I would call a varietal Shiraz. This is my first Spanish Shiraz. I would give it an 88 or so, which for the price is not horrible. If your able to open up your mind, give it a try. But don’t expect a typical Aussie Shiraz or you will be disappointed.

From the LCBO web site:
EL BURRO SHIRAZ LCBO 70938 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 12.90
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Spain, Spain By: Guy Anderson Wines

Tasting Note
Deep purple colour; aromas of cassis, plum, and white pepper; dry, full-bodied, rich texture, flavours of ripe black fruDeep purple colour; aromas of cassis, plum, and white pepper; dry, full-bodied, rich texture, flavours of ripe black fruit and a long spicy finish.

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PIEDEMONTE CRIANZA 2006

John Galea — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:36:38 +0000

A good friend of mine gave me this bottle. They call this a Crianza which is a little odd because normally a Crianza is 100% tempranillo but this one is a blend of tempranillo, cab sauv, and merlot. The wine is dark in dolor with a lovely nose of dark fruits. On the mid pallet the wine is a deep rich with some of the plum from the merlot coming through, lots of varietal tempranillo coming through and some dark fruits, cherries etc. The oak is quite pronounced but not out of control. The wine is lovely and dry with lots of tanins. The finish is on the long side, with some tartness and some nice complexity. All in all this is a lovely wine and a bargain for the price. I would give it a 90! I paired with with a BBQ’d steak and it held up very well. Thanks Manuel!

From the LCBO web site:
BODEGAS PIEDEMONTE CRIANZA 2006 VINTAGES 166603 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 13.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D

Made in: Navarra Province, Spain By: Bodega Piedemonte

Release Date: Jun 12, 2010

Description
A Silver Medal winner at the 2009 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Tasting Note
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. Deep ruby, with forward floral, cherry, fresh herbs, and earthy aromas leading to delicate flavours of plum, strawberry, herbs and spice mingling with coffee notes on the mid-palate. Medium bodied, braced by firm tannins and a bright cherry finish. Pair with grilled steak, hamburgers, or grilled vegetables. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2009)

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Don Jacobo 2005 Crianza Rioja

John Galea — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:03:32 +0000

This wine is a blend of 65% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha and 5% Mazuelo and Graciano according to their web site. The wine is inky dark in color with a lovely nose of dark fruits. On the mid pallet are some deep cab like cherry flavors with some noticeable oaks. On the finish the wine has a lovely bit of dryness and some complexity. Oaks and alcohol are well under control. This is a quite a nice wine, well made. We paired it with a steak and it went quite well. I would give this easily a 90. Very nice. Not available in the LCBO unfortunately.

From their tasting notes:
Color: Black cherry with bright red shades. Tasting: Rasberry, roasted jammy flavors. Well assembled with nuances of new oak. Taste: Delicately astringent, complex and well balanced with sweet sensations.

Their web site

MONTECILLO CRIANZA 2006

John Galea — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:22 +0000

My friend David pointed this one out to me from the general list (so very available). Rioja are known as one of the best areas for wine in Spain and Tempranillo (which is the grape used in a Crianza) are a signature grape for them. This wine is medium in color. On the nose the wine is quite mild with some black fruits coming through. On the mid pallet are typical Tempranillo flavors, black fruits, some cherries etc. On the finish there are some oak, and smokey/leather tastes. The wine has some dryness, some tannins and no tartness on it’s medium finish. This wine is very well made. Alcohols are well under control, a welcome change after the last two alcohol bombs. I paired the wine with a pork sausage and it went well. I would give the wine an 89-90. Very nice. Thanks David!

From the LCBO web site:
MONTECILLO CRIANZA LCBO 144493 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, Red Wine, 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Made in: Rioja, Spain By: Osborne Y Cia

Tasting Note
Medium ruby red colour; raspberry, sweet cherry, violet, lavander and cassis fruit aromas with hints of vanilla and oak; dry, medium-full bodied, good acidity with ripe plum, cherry, cedar and leather notes on the palate; long, smooth finish.

MAS ESTELA QUINDALS 2005

John Galea — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:54:52 +0000

Sometimes I read reviews and tasting notes of wines and think … huh? I find this comes from a variety of different places. I’ve never been trained as a sommelier and there are things I have just never tasted. So when I read it tastes like passion fruit and I have never had a passion fruit I can’t relate. I bet you are thinking I am digressing, but actually … I am going somewhere with this … I am not a smoker. So sometimes when I read a description and it says it tastes like tobacco or cigar I have no idea what they are talking about. A while back I tried a cigar just to get the flavor. I wonder if at some point I need to sit down with a cornucopia of different flavors and aquaint myself with some of the things the reviewers mention.

Ok onto the tasting, the wine is deep in color. On the nose there are some of that Italian like, dried fruit flavors. On the mid pallet they are there again, some raisin like flavor and then on the finish, there it is … some tobacco/cigar flavors! Woohoo I actually made a connection! There are some tannins and some nice dryness to the wine. It is on the higher side of medium on the finish. If I had to give it a number I would say 88 or so.

From the LCBO Web site:
MAS ESTELA QUINDALS 2005 DO Emporda Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur. TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Quindals is 90% Garnacha 5% Syrah and 5% Carinena aged for 12 months in French oak. Deep crimson-colored it presents an alluring perfume of toasty oak pencil lead mineral violets black cherry and blueberry. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with layers of sweet fruit excellent depth and concentration spicy flavors and a pure finish. It will unfold for another 2-3 years and drink well through 2020. Score – 90+. (Jay Miller www.erobertparker.com Feb. 2008) 133033 $19.95

Here’s an interesting point, did you know that only organic wines get tested for sulfur? Sulfur can be naturally occurring in the wine and it can also be added to the wine. Some wine makers add sulfur dioxide to keep the wine from browning (an anti oxidant).

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ETIM SELECCION 2006 DO Montsant

John Galea — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:16:53 +0000

I’m always skeptical when I see high rating from Parker and buy with caution. A $15 if it were a 91 would be the bargain of the century. However … past experiences say my tastes and Parkers differ widely. A while back I read a book called How I saved the world from Parkerization . Yes I do read from time to time This book focuses on how winemakers are starting to craft wines explicitly for Parker scores and the effects this is having on decades old techniques. I do digress …

This is deep in color with a mild nose similar to some cabs. On the mid pallet there are some lovely fruit flavors reminiscent of some cabs as well. On the finish this is quite a dry wine on the longer side of medium. There some oak present and tannins are well under control. There even is a quite a nice bit of complexity to the wine. This is a lovely blend. Right out of the bottle without breathing this is accessible now. I have no idea how well this will keep. I hesitate to say that Parker and I might actually agree on a wine. I would give this a 90-91. You will be rewarded for trying this one! Run out and grab some.

From the LCBO web site:
ETIM SELECCION 2006 DO Montsant (Falset-Marça) TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Etim Seleccion is a blend of 60% Garnacha 30% Carinena [Carignan] and 10% Syrah aged for 6 months in seasoned French and American oak. Opaque purple-colored it exhibits a brooding bouquet of minerals black cherry and blueberry. Layered on the palate with hints of dried herbs and an amalgam of blue and black fruits the wine has excellent grip and depth followed by a lengthy finish. If you want to experience Priorat without paying the price this is the way to go. Score – 91. (Jay Miller www.erobertparker.com Aug. 2008) 681346 $15 Featured 8/29/2009

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CELESTE CRIANZA 2005

John Galea — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:01:56 +0000

This is another big Tempranillo. If you like these this is a pretty good one. Very little bitterness on the finish, nice bold flavor, reasonably complex. The fruit is relatively subtle/overwhelmed. Tannins are big but under control. Alcohol and Oak are well balanced. I would give it an 89-90. Not a bad wine at all. No breathing/decanting required. Serve with a nice juicy steak and enjoy!

From the LCBO web site:
CELESTE CRIANZA 2005 DO Ribera del Duero (Torres) This vibrant Tempranillo-based wine will shine alongside barbecued chicken and sweet peppers spiced with paprika and cracked peppercorns. TASTING NOTE: A voluptuous texture enfolds firm tannins in this powerful red. It offers plum coffee earth and game flavors a bit rustic in character but harmonious and balanced. Best from 2008 through 2015. Score – 90. (Thomas Matthews www.winespectator.com June 15 2008) 672691 $19.95 Featured 7/4/2009 Check LCBO Stock

SABOR REAL VIÑAS CENTENARIAS TEMPRANILLO 2005

John Galea — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:26:49 +0000

Wimps need not apply Ok if you like your wines big and bold, this is a wine for you. If you don’t, there is plenty of room about happy little elves in theater number two (a reference from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events Moving on … Upon first opening I knew this would be a big bruiser and it did not disappoint. This wine is big and bold. The bouqet right up front hits you in the face and says pay attention. The wine has tons of deep fruit flavors on the mid pallet with a beautiful long finish on it. This wine has lot of alcohol at 15% and it is reasonably under control. This is classic tempranillo which you either like or hate. There is a slight bit of pepperyness on the finish but not outrageous. The wine has lots of complexity to it as well. I did not decant it, but 1/2 in the glass did help. For the price this wine is a bargain. If you like Tempranillos, grab a bunch. A bit of time in the cellar will likely help it out … I would agree with the 91 rating. Smack on my taste buds!

From the LCBO Web site:
SABOR REAL VIÑAS CENTENARIAS TEMPRANILLO 2005 VINTAGES 122325 | 750 mL bottle

Price: $ 19.95 Wine, Red Wine, 15.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Toro, Spain
By: Campina De Toro
Release Date: Jun 20, 2009

Tasting Note
The 2005 Vinas Centenarias, as the name implies, comes from vines over 100 years of age. Purple-colored, it offers up a complex perfume of pain grille, violets, mineral, spice box, black cherry and blackberry. Bigger, richer, and more sweetly-fruited than its younger colleague, it would benefit from 2-3 years of additional cellaring. Balanced, lengthy, and altogether hedonistic, it should drink well through 2015. Score – 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2008)

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Lealtanza Crianza 2004

John Galea — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:59:21 +0000

This wine was the wine of the month and got a good write up so I thought I would give it a go … Crianza (Tempranillo by another name). I always expect these to be big wines. I decanted this one for 1/2 hour (an oversight) and it really needed an hour min, likely more like 1.5 hours. First taste out of the bottle was a strong alcohol flavor with lots of tannins but not a lot of fruit. It softened as it breathed with some of the harshness going away. Fruits became more evident as well. This wine is still young for my tastes and would not be my choice. While I would not rush to take it back, I would not be rushing to buy more. Both of the tasting notes below quite raved about this wine so I can only surmise it’s just not to my palette.

From the LCBO Web site:
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 VINTAGES 114835 | 750 mL bottle

Price: $ 19.95
Wine, Red Wine, 13.3% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Rioja, Spain By: Bodegas Altanza
Release Date: Mar 28, 2009

Tasting Note
The 2004 Lealtanza Crianza was sourced from 30-year-old [Tempranillo] vines and aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers a complex bouquet of cedar, tobacco, blackberry, and black cherry. Smooth-textured, ripe, and sweetly-fruited, this nicely balanced wine has excellent depth and length. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008)

Winecurrent.com said:

Lealtanza Crianza 2004 DOCa Rioja
13.5% alcohol This is a great value wine the Vintages panel has chosen as Wine of the Month. The nose is big and fruity with significant notes of tobacco and cigar box alongside black plum cherry vanilla pepper and eucalyptus. The first impression in the mouth is somewhat soft with refreshing acidity. As the wine washes over the palate the tannins increase in impact. With its medium-bodied frame this wine is relatively well balanced today and will reward three to five years cellaring. At this price buy some for now and a whole lot more for down the road. Enjoy with any manner of roasted game. (MT) (114835) $19.95 Rating 4.5/5

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TOMÀS CUISINÉ VILOSELL 2005

John Galea — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:51:05 +0000

I really enjoyed this wine tonight. I paired it with a striploin steak with rice and cauliflower with cheese. Dessert was a chocolate brownie! It went well. The subtleties of this wine are best appreciated without food but it is food friendly. It could use a bit of breathing say 1/2 hour before serving. The wine is deep rich with some lovely complexities. It has a nice strong oak taste but not overwhelming. There is some fruit to taste but it is definitely not dominant. I bought this back in June but unfortunately there are none left around the province. You snooze you loose! I’d give this easily a 90-91

From the LCBO web site

TOMÀS CUISINÉ VILOSELL 2005 DO Costers del Segre The wine is a blend of 58% Tempranillo, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carignan, 4% Syrah and 3% Merlot, aged for 9 months in a new French oak. The aromas are complex, featuring blackberry, black currant, black pepper, cedar and spices. Dry with good fruit surrounded by softening tannins and a good acid streak. This superb wine is an ideal choice for grilled steak, plus it will also reward 3-5 years in a cellar. 066928 (XD) 750 mL $20.95
Featured 6/7/2008

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Here is what Winecurrent.com had to say:
From a little-known northern wine region in Catalonia NW of Barcelona this producer will help change that. Look for involved and complex aromas and flavours that include bright red cherry black plum compote leather spice and cassis. It’s fully flavoured and medium weight with a lengthy and luxurious finish that delivers well balanced and delicious juice. Gorgeous on its own it also pairs well with a slab of smoked and grilled pork back ribs. (VH) (066928) $20.95 Rating 4/5

2001 Taja Reserva

CanadianWineGuy — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:18:54 +0000

Opened this Spanish wine up a few nights ago thinking it was probably ready to go. We have had this in the cellar for at least 2 years and I was hoping to take an inexpensive red with potential for complexity and allow it some time to sort itself out. I am not the biggest fan of Spanish reds as I find that despite the low price (for the most part) I am often left with a rough chewy experience. This wine is a blend that often gets good reviews and is called one of the better “bang for the buck” out of Spain. Bordeaux producer Mähler-Besse is behind this wine and they produce three different tiers of wine from this Spanish operation: Taja, Taja Reserva and Taja Gran Reserva. The grapes behind the Reserva are Monastrell (Mourvedre), Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot in a 50/20/20/10 split. The 2003 Reserva is currently retailing at $16.95 so I am sure this vintage tasted was in the similar price range. Of note though is the Gran for 2001 is only $22.95 and currently in stock, so something to think about (top end from this Vineyard for under $25). On to the tasting!

As we decanted this we got a light rusty colour coming out of the deep red and the nose was very soft. In fact there was little nose at all. Even with good swirling only hints of fruit and oak came out of this. Once we got into tasting it the subtle flavours came out. This wine spent 12 months in oak but it does not overwhelm this wine. Good spice, some berries and cherry are evident with an untone of earthiness showing up. Medium tannins with an even finish made this a very drinkable wine. Would I buy more? No, but I would go out and get the Gran of the same vintage and give it a go since this little brother was quite decent. This is a good blend that does not blow you away or disappoint. Try the 2001 Taja Gran Reserva and send me some feedback.

The CWG Subjective rating is 87 out of 100

Mrs CWG says

“I was expecting a bit more out of this, but it was drinkable!”