2015 Enate Somontano Syrah-Shiraz, Spain, Wine Review

This is a very nice Syrah from northeast Spain (the D.O. of Somontano). It is a unique take that is well worth exploring especially for the price. Deep garnet in color with a ruby rim, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, some black raspberries, with slight dried floral notes and a hint of char/graphite. Medium bodied. 15%abv. On the palate, the black cherries dominate with underlying minerality. Very tasty. Medium tannins. Good acidity. Nice finish. If pressed, this has some similarities to a St. Joseph from the Northern Rhone. It is drinking well now and should continue for five to eight more years. A nice match for Cassoulet but even a (veggie) burger off the grill would work well too.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2015

Current Price:

$35.00USD

Rhone Valley & Spanish Rhone-style Wines Tasted at the 2008 Hospice du Rhone Events

The Rhone Report: About Rhone and Rhone-Style Wines and Winemakers is part of an ongoing series. Last month we reported on American Rhone-style wines we tasted at the 16th annual Hospice du Rhone events in Paso Robles, California from May 1 to 3, 2008. We noted that this event was an opportunity to consider Rhone-style wines from a fresh perspective because, unlike most tasting opportunities, these events included Rhone-style wines from the Rhone Valley itself (51 wineries), elsewhere in France (4 wineries) as well as from Spain (4 wineries), Australia (17 wineries), South Africa (6 wineries), Chile (2 wineries), Argentina (1 winery) and the United States. While this was a California-dominated event, and while many of the Rhone Valley’s best producers weren’t represented, there was still sufficient European and other entries to make for interesting comparisons and contrasts.

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2007 Finca Sandoval Manchuela, Spain, Manchuela

Vintage:

2007

Score:

Grade:

A-

76% Syrah, 13% Monastrell, and 11% Bobal. This is a blend coming from central Spain. It is a more modern take despite being from an almost forgotten wine region. Purple in color. The nose is nice with black raspberries, some plums, black pepper, roasted meats and herbs. On the palate, this is at peak. No hurry but I would drink in the next five to ten years. Layers of black raspberry fruit with earth and pepper. A nice complexity. Good balance. Good on its own or with food. This was a powerhouse in its youth but has matured nicely. When you drink them really is more of an issue

2005 Rotllan Torra Amadis, Spain, Priorat, Wine Review

Vintage:

2005

Score:

Grade:

A-

Rottlan Torra is one of the oldest producers in Priorat dating from the early 1980's before the area's rebirth. A blend of 25% Garnacha, 25% Carignan, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, and 10% Merlot, this wine is drinking wonderfully right now. 2005 was a great vintage. Purple in color, shimmering bright with no signs of age. The nose has black cherries, salinity, black licorice and slate/minerals. On the palate, lots of fruit; black cherries and black raspberries with an underlying minerality. A nice complexity. Long finish. This should continue to drink well for another seven to

2016 Clos del Portal Priorat Negre de Negres, Spain, Priorat, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$28.00USD

This is a blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Ruby in color, clear and bright. Tasted among a variety of Priorat wines, this was significantly lighter in color with more ruby than purple tones. The nose is nice with raspberries, cherries and spice. Medium bodied. Lighter on the palate as well with notes of black cherries and cherries. Good acidity. Nice finish. This is ready to drink now and should drink well for three to five more years. It will work well with stews or chili.

2017 Celler Vall Llach Priorat Embruix, Spain, Priorat, Wine review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$22.00USD

Another top producer in Priorat, this is their entry level red. It is a blend of 27% Garnacha, 26% Merlot, 21% Syrah, 18% Cariñena, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky purple in color, shimmering bright and opaque. The nose has dust, black cherries, plums and coffee. On the palate, spicy black cherry fruit. Medium tannins. The alcohol is noticeable but not obtrusive. Long finish. This is delicious and in need of some cellar time. Perhaps another three to five years. This drinks great on its own but will need big food right now. Perhaps after a few years it calms down. This is the kind

2015 Enate Somontano Syrah-Shiraz, Spain, Wine Review

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2016 Clos del Portal Priorat Negre de Negres, Spain, Priorat, Wine Review

2017 Celler Vall Llach Priorat Embruix, Spain, Priorat, Wine review