Zarate
Val do Salnés Albariño 2014
Just wow. Elegance, rich and ripe but with finesse, gorgeous balance between fruit and acid. Leesy. Ripe stone fruit with ever so slight whiffs of citrus. Great as a first course wine but beware: Pop before the guests get there at your own peril. Just buy two: one to drink half of as you are putting the finishing touches on the scene before guests arrive and a second for when they do. Just so damn good...with food or alone. What Burgans and Codax want to be, bless their hearts. And this is the bottom rung in the producer's quality ladder?Literally makes me want to hop a plane to Rias Baxias and sleep in the soil there in hopes of becoming a better man. Now to find the next few rungs up. — 9 years ago
La Rioja Alta
Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2008
This the third time I've had this in the last year and it shows beautifully right out of the gate. The wood and fruit are so interestingly and well melded at this point. Oak moves to cedar on the palate. Definite alcohol lift in the nose still and you can feel it the nostrils but not obtrusive...indeed it's actually a promising hint of what's to come on the palate. Dried cherry and stone fruit tastes on right away. Slightly mentholated. Definitely picking up distinct vanilla undertones on the nose and palate but not over the top. Satisfying medium tannins. Soft mouth feel but with really good/balanced structure. Perfect finish in line with what preceded it. Just a great fucking wine. And for the price? Getcha some! Can't believe this is still just around and available (not telling where!). Not for those who don't want wood in their wine but even here what you think will finish moderately chalky moves to soft-ish tannins at the perfect time. So many riojas are over top in the wood category or just so out of balance one way or the other. Everyone has heard of Rioja but have you really had a good one? Here's your chance without breaking the bank. I'd put this one up against the best or at least those considered the best. Maybe lacking a LITTLE finesse to be world class but damn close (can you use the word finesse with Rioja??). Drank in gulps with parmesan dusted NY style mushroom meatball mozzarella pizza from Peppino's in Athens, GA while watching Parenthood with my 17 YO daughter (who also pronounced the wine delicious). What a Tuesday night...thank you sir may I have another. Anyone really disappointed with this wine has WAY more money than me and is a spoiled brat. Geek out. — 9 years ago
Henri Bourgeois
Chateaumeillant Pinot Noir Gamay 2012
Medium ripe and dry fruit earthy spice better the second day. Balanced Medium bodied wine. Tasty gamay hinting at pinot noir. Would definitely get again. Value Wine — 9 years ago
Joe Pea
Joe had this 9 years ago