Vintage Spanish Tasting at Wine Watch

Vintage Spanish Tasting at Wine Watch 
Friday, March 27th
7:00

The Old dogs of Rioja - Round 1

1950 Berberana Rioja Gran Reserva 

1964 Franco Espandes Royal Reserva Rioja 

1970 Berberana Conta De Oro Reserva Rioja 

Rioja and Ribera- Round 2

1984 Lopez de Heredia Tondonia 

1987 Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Gran Reserva 

(90 Points) The Vina Tondonia cuvee is packaged in Bordeaux-shaped bottles versus the Burgundy-shaped bottles of the Vina Bosconia. The 1987 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva reveals a light, feeble-looking, pinkish/garnet color with some amber at the edge. The nose offers up notions of sweet caramel, cherries, and strawberries as well as damp earth, forest floor, and burnt herbs. Medium-bodied and gentle, with a distinctive graphite/earthy component in the mouth, it is definitely an acquired taste, particularly for consumers weaned on fruit-forward Riojas. Nevertheless, there is a lot to respect and enjoy in this complex offering. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.Wine Advocate #159, Jun 2005

1994 Artadi Grandes Anadas Reserva Rioja

(96 Points)  The 1994 Rioja Grandes Anadas Reserva Especial (made from a single Tempranillo vineyard planted 80-100 years ago) was aged for 40 months in 100% new French oak casks. Approximately 100 six-bottle cases were imported to the United States. This intellectually and hedonistically satisfying wine is one of the most compelling and prodigious Riojas I have ever tasted. It possesses amazing richness, and a fabulous smoky, black fruit-scented nose that soars from the glass. Full-bodied, with extraordinary richness, layers of fruit, beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, and wood, and a whoppingly long 45+ second finish, this wine must be tasted to be believed. It is also one of the most expensive Riojas I have ever tasted, but this wine has a 20-year upside potential. It is a tour de force in winemaking. Kudos to Artadi! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2020.  Wine Advocate #116, Apr 1998

1994 Vega Sicilia Unico Ribera Del Duero 

(96 Points) The 1994 Unico is a blend of 80% Tinto Fino, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot (presumably 2% is unknown varieties) that was picked from September 28. It is very intense with notes of raspberry, wild strawberry and mulberry with sensational minerality and vigor. There is a Margaux-like florality to the 1994 that blossom with aeration. The palate is rounded and supple on the entry with great weight and backbone. There is real substance here, similar to the 1996. It expands in the mouth with ravishing notes of blackberry, strawberry, citrus lemon, orange peel and a touch of cedar. There is enormous weight on the finish, a behemoth of a Unico. This is very potent, but it still requires several years in bottle. 96,280 bottles produced. Drink 2019-2040.  eRobertParker.com #202, Aug 2012

Ribera Versus Rioja - Flight 3

2001 Aalto PS Ribera Del Duero 

(98 Points) Not surprisingly, in a vintage that afforded great raw materials, the 2001 PS is out of this world. Smoke, graphite, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, violets, and spicy oak jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored 2001. Texturally and color-wise, it is reminiscent of dry vintage port. With terrific purity and a full-bodied, rich palate that offers multiple dimensions, there is a seamlessness to this wine even though it remains young and unevolved. I would recommend another 1-2 years of cellaring (as hard as that may be), and consuming it over the following 10-12 years.  Wine Advocate #152, Apr 2004

2001 Flor De Pingus Ribera Del Duero 

(90 Points) The deep, smoky, unevolved but richly fruity 2001 Flor de Pingus reveals black cherry, berry, and earthy notes along with notions of barbecue spices and cigar smoke. Medium to full-bodied and opulent, it is best consumed during its first decade of life. Wine Advocate #152, Apr 2004

2001 Muga Ano Rioja 

(98 Points)  The 2001 Aro has begun to unwind slightly but is still in the early stages of its development. It is a complete wine that will profit from another 10-15 years of cellaring and which should easily achieve a 40 year lifespan. eRobertParker.com #189, Jun 2010

This tasting is $195 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Menu 

Jamon De Serrano, manchego, Marcona Almonds and Spanish Olives

Tortilla Espaniola with Pico di Gallo

Seafood Paella

Creme Caramel