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A remarkable white aged 11 months on the lees in French oak from a grape we'd never heard of and one we've never seen in Ribero. The rich buttery oak is the perfect foil for vibrant acidity and richness. Flavors of key lime, peach, apricot, toasty oak, and more. One of our favorites!
My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
(Holding the #1 spot)
From the land of Amarone comes a delicious Merlot based blend. To perfectly ripe Merlot (60%) is added juice from dried Corvina grapes ala Amarone. Rich, deep and smooth, this is a remarkable Merlot that may just change your Merlot worldview! (behind by 25 bottles)
Made from four grapes harvested later than usual to achieve a greater ripeness and smoothness. A deep and inky wine, with ripe plum and blackcurrant aromas. Nice ripe fig and cherry with chocolate and licorice flavors. Just enough oak to give it some backbone. (behind by 18 bottles)
A secret little charmer. Good value, good wine that shows rich red and black fruit aromas with solid body. A hint of dusty oak around big plum and blackberry flavors. A big time over-deliverer (I hope that's a word!!). (behind by 2 bottles)
An excellent introduction to Bierzo's native varietal, the palate is fresh, elegant, and clean. Energetic aromas of fresh blue fruits, violet and white pepper, plus a subtle touch of licorice. Supple and gently sweet on the palate, offering sappy boysenberry and floral highlights with a hint of smokiness.
Lightly sparkling, fruity and sassy, Poquito is small in size but big on taste. Delicate floral aromas combine with a sweet yet refreshing palate of ripe peaches, pears and apricots. Apply liberally at any social occasion. Great right out of the bottle but really amazing with mint and rum as a mojito!
Wine geeks know of Gigondas and Vacqueras that show off Grenache like no other. Bordering both is Beaumes de Venise which is known for fortified Muscat. On a steep hillside (at 1500 ft!) twin sisters Sabine and Isabelle make this earthy, spicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. A gorgeous wine.
So pretty. Brings a clear nose of Gimblett Gravels terroir beneath lush soft blue and black fruit with lovely violet and lavender notes. Palate is clean, balanced and very approachable. Just a hint of the Northern Rhone's meatiness but mostly bright fruit and enough acidity to hold it in check. Maybe the best NZ Syrah out there??
