2014 Bodega Numanthia Toro Termes, Spain, Toro, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$19.96USD

A perennial great value and this one was no exception.  Garnet in color, clear and bright.  The nose is a bit sweaty with nice cherry fruit.  Also a slight minty note.  On the palate, this has deep cherry fruit.  A sort of root beer quality creeps in which is interesting.  Medium tannins.  Nice finish.  Still youthful, this should have five to ten more years and will develop tertiary notes.  Will work with bigger foods right now.  

2012 Kirkland Signature Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$14.00USD

Kirkland is the Costco store brand name.  For many, they are dismissive over the wine, but my experiences with Kirkland wines has been positive.  Not amazing wines, but very good wines for very reasonable pricing.  This one is a Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero.  It was my WOTN in a tasting of value wines.  Ruby in color though a bit flat.  The nose has dusty red cherries with a bit of baking spice.  On the palate, this has a soft texture, but the tannins are firm and build with air.  Really nice cherry fruit.  It is a bit warm on the finish.  Very food friendly for most foods.  And all fo

2014 Elvi Wines (Bodegas Castillo de Sajazarra) Rioja Herenza Crianza

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$25.00USD

A very nice bottle of Rioja that also happens to be Kosher.  This vintage is still available for around $25, but younger vintages can be found for under $15.  Ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose is dusty with cherries and slight dill.  Still has some firm tannins, but the overall texture is soft.  Lots of cherries and some sour cherries on the palate with some underlying dry earthiness.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  For those looking for Kosher wines, this is a nice alternative and will go great with seafood but also chicken.  This bottle is 5 years from vintage and drinking great, b

2017 Ramon Cordova Albarino, Spain, Rias Baixas, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

This was another crowd pleaser.  People kept asking to know more Albarino and how to say Rias Baixas.  I was able to help with the former, but they were on their own with the later.  Silvery green gold in color.  The nose is nice if not ebullient.  Slightly saline with crushed shells and slight pears.  On the palate, this has a nice slightly oily texture.  The palate is all about minerality.  The finishes turns tart green apples in a good and refreshing way.  Quite food friendly for all but the heartiest of dishes.  This is a bit more full bodied than most Albarino's from Spain.  That is ne

2010 Bodegas Olarra Rioja Cerro Anon Reserva, Spain, Rioja, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2010
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$19.97USD

Seems like a pretty modern take on Rioja.  Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, slight dust, and a bit of black cherries.  On the palate, this is drinking well.  Cherries, black cherries with medium tannins.  Nice finish.  Easy drinking but also a bit of depth.  This will please with or without food.  This retails for around $20 which is a great value.  

2013 El Escoces Volante Garnacha Es Lo Que Hay Viñas Viejas, Spain, Calatayud, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

This is an inexpensive Spanish Garnacha (Grenache) from Spain.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has dusty black cherries.  Sweet and slightly candied on the palate with black cherry fruit as well.  Clean.  This sells for around $20.  It will work with heartier foods.  This should be consumed in the next few years.  A fun wine that should be a hit among non-wine geeks.  

2016 Bodegas Cobertizo Mencía Joven, Spain, Bierzo, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
85
Grade: 
A-

This is 100% Mencia from the Bierzo region in Northwest Spain.  It is a young wine and meant to be consumed in the first few years.  Ruby in color.  The nose has black cherries and some raspberries.  On the palate, there are some tannins.  Black cherry and cherry fruit.  Some underlying earthiness.  Good acidity.  This wine is really all about the fresh fruit though.  Easy to drink and delicious.  Some depth.  Good finish.  This will work on its own or with a wide variety of foods.  

2016 Bodegas Canopy Castillo de Belarfonso, Spain, Méntrida, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

This is a Garnacha from near the city of Toledo in Spain.  Ruby in color.  The nose has some cherries with an herbal quality and some anise.  On the palate, this is light bodied with good acidity.  Some tannins though give it a bit of extra weight.  Cherries and slight bitter cherries on the nose with just a bit of earthiness.  Good finish.  This should be very food friendly for a wide range of foods.  Drinking well now and should be for 5 years.  

2017 Biurko Gorri Rioja Joven, Spain, Rioja, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B

Ruby in color.  The nose is dusty with cherries.  On the palate, this has cherries turning to bitter cherry on the finish.  No tannins.  Easy to drink.  Nothing complex here, but for 12 bucks, this is a food friendly wine that will work for a variety of foods that are not too light or heavy.  Great for parties or cookouts.  Drink over the next couple of years.  

2017 Bodegas Cobertizo Bierzo El Blanco, Spain, Bierzo, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

This is 100% Godello from mostly older vines in northwest Spain.  Light silvery gold in color.  The nose is about minerals and crushed shells.  On the palate, this has nice acidity.  Not a big wine but steely/clean.  Lots of minerality.  Slightly oily texture.  Nice finish.  Will work great with sea food.  Made for early drinking.  $18 retail is fair.  

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