Castillo Perelada GR-174 2014 Red Blend
Priorat, Spain
Cash Price $14.99
I recently visited this winery in the hills of Priorat. The vines are planted on a steep incline that is impossible to machine harvest. We were there at harvest time, so I was able to taste the grapes that will eventually be in the 2016 wine. Pretty cool! The wines of Priorat are almost always extravagantly good, but are pricey enough to put themselves in a niche market. Just as great Brunello Di Montalcino can cost upwards of $50+ per bottle, so too can great Priorat. Perelada is an amazing value for under $15 and easily the best value that I have tried from Priorat this year. It is a region that has a soil unique to almost anywhere in the world called Licorella. Priorat has attained DOCa status, Spain’s highest level of notation, behind only Rioja. Old vine Garnacha grows particularly well in this region. This decadent red is blend of Garnacha, Cabernet, and Carignan. Flavors of blackberry and plum explode on the palate with ripe tannins situated throughout the core. Notes of roasted coffee bean and chocolate sinew into a silky finish of toasted oak and spice. GR-174 is fresh and vibrant with an elegant grace that really drinks much higher than its price point. James Score: 91 Points
Vina Cumbrero Tempranillo Crianza 2010
Rioja, Spain
Cash Price $10.99
This steal was #62 on The Wine Spectator’s ‘Top 100’ list of 2014 with a rating of 90 points! Delightfully crisp with fleshy flavors of tart cherry and red currant that are delivered through medium plus acids and tannins. Notes of vanilla and cinnamon are prevalent on the finish with smidgeons of rose petal and cranberry. Female winemaker Maria Martinez has produced a gem from the Rioja Alta with this 100% Tempranillo. I’m excited to see what future offerings will show! James Score: 90 Points
Casajus Vendimia SeleccionadaTempranillo 2012
Ribera del Duero, Spain
Cash Price $27.79
Ribera del Duero is considered one of the finer wine producing regions in Spain. Wines from this region are typically more fruit forward than Rioja and usually offer more alcohol in their wines. The Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) vines that produce this wine are eighty five years old. This wine is 100% Tempranillo produced in the heart of the Ribera del Duero DO. The grapes were hand-harvested and the ensuing wine was produced with the utmost care. Flavors of sweet blackberries and currant are surrounded with medium plus tannins and medium acids. The wine is aged for 14 months in French barrique which gives the wine subtle nuances of cinnamon and vanilla bean. The finish is long and lingering with hints of licorice and crushed rocks. James Score: 92 Points
Dibon Brut Reserva N/V
Cava, Spain
Cash Price $9.99
Cava produces the best priced traditional method sparkling wine in the world. This is an extremely well made Cava. The wine is a blend of Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo. Dibon is dry with flavors of citrus, pear, and orange pithe that play into hints of minerality and baked apples. The finish offers tinges of yeasty complexity and whiffs of nuttiness that weave through small, tight bubbles. James Score: 89 Points
Cruz de Piedra Garnacha 2014
Calatayud, Spain
Cash Price $7.99
Calatayud is chalked full of great value wines produced from Garnacha. 80% of the vines used to produce this Garnacha are between 50 and 100 years old. Older vines produce less grapes, but intensify the flavor. This wine is built for BBQ season. Bursting flavors of black cherries and blackberry are surrounded by medium tannins and acids. The finish offers no oak, but does divulge touches of pepper and plum. James Score: 88 Points
Arrumaco Verdejo 2014
Spain
Cash Price $6.99
Verdejo is a classic white grape from Spain. It is usually found in the region of Rueda, but can be found throughout Spain. This grape is wonderfully suited to quench Texans thirst in the hot Texas heat. It is light, clean, and quite refreshing on the palate. Arrumaco is 100% Verdejo with fresh fruit flavors of mango, nectarine and melon. The mid palate offers zesty acids with a touch of almond on the finish that is unencumbered by oak. James Score: 88 Points
Thank You,
James C. Barlow, CWE
Spec’s Wines, Liquors, and Finer Foods
Houston Region Sales Trainer
