First off, this is not wine, it is Brandy. That said, it is distilled from young, Palomino and Airén grapes. Then aged for ten to twelve years in American oak that had previously been used for oloroso sherry. It is 40% abv. Light golden in color. The nose has alcohol but also a nice nuttiness with a bit of dates. On the palate, this is warm but not hot. There are nice figs along with caramel. Warmth on the finish. For $30, this is a nice value in Brandy. Best sipped on its own.
Deep garnet in color with some lighter ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, slight cedar, dill and dust. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Good balance. On the palate, this is complex with tight layers. Flavors of cherries, some black cherries, spice and slight char. Good finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It will work well with roasted duck or chicken. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.
Another very nice Carménère from Chile and a great value. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, cherries, slight green pepper, some black pepper and char. Medium to full bodied. Medium tannins. Good balance with nice acidity. On the palate, there is some depth here. Cherries and black cherries with underlying spice and slight smoke. Good finish. This is drinking well now and should continue for another five to ten years. This would be a nice match with meatloaf or burgers.
This cava is a blend of 35% Chardonnay, 35% Xarel·lo, 15% Macabeo, and 15% Parellada. Light golden in color, clear and bright with a nice mousse of medium sized bubbles. The nose has seltzer, slight diesel notes (which blew off with air), almonds and green apples. Medium bodied. On the palate, this has a nice complexity to it. Lemons, grapefruit, yeast and slight minerals. Good acidity. Nice finish. Hard to beat this for value in sparkling wine. Nice on its own, but better with food. Paella would be an obvious choice. Drink over the next few years.
Another classic Rioja albeit a slightly more modern style. This is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. Ruby in color with a purple core, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with cherries, cedar, black cherries, forest floor, dust and chocolate. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Great balance. On the palate, this is delicious. Black cherries, tobacco and spice with some underlying char. Some chocolate comes out on the long finish. This is still young but already great. A couple more years in the cellar will be rewarded but this is fantastic drinking now. Drink over th