2003 Alion Castilla Leon
109 at $77.95 - WA 96+
The good news is that the 2003 Alion is even better than the 2002. It has a similar personality but with more depth and concentration as well as structure. The ripe tannins suggest much more will be revealed with another 6-8 years in the bottle. It will drink well for 15+ years thereafter. - JM
1995 Vega Sicilia Unico Riserva Castilla Leon
2 at $404.95 - WA 97
The 1995 Unico is a worthy successor to the profound 1994 (awarded a score of 98+ in Issue #159). Opaque purple in color, it has aromatic complexity which nearly defies words. There are notes of earth, licorice, hard wood charcoal, and black currants. Full-bodied, and powerful, the wine has beautiful balance with a multi-dimensional character and the structure to last for 25-40 years. The 1960 and the 1965, drunk within the last several months, appear to have many more years ahead.
2004 Pintia Castilla Leon
53 at $59.95 - WA 95
Bodegas Pintia is owned by the famous estate, Vega Sicilia. The 2004 Pintia comes from a superior vintage. Similarly styled to its older sibling, it is simply more flamboyant and opulent. The temptation is to drink this heady effort now but those who can delay gratification for a few years will be amply rewarded-JM
2004 Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Amancio
12 avail at $138.95 - WS 93
This powerful red shows assertive, mouthfilling tannins, but still delivers intense, dark flavors of cassis, bitter chocolate, tobacco and mineral. Brooding and a bit clumsy now, but this is concentrated and long. Best after 2009. -TM
2004 Flor de Pingus Castilla Leon Ribera del Duero Tempranillo -
3 at $145.00 - WA 97
In the wonderful 2004 vintage, owner/winemaker Peter Sisseck has outdone himself. If I were just starting to build a wine collection and had limited income, I can think of no better foundation than a dozen bottles of 2004 Flor de Pingus. In the context of the world's great wines, it is a stupendous value, a steal. It is 100% Tempranillo from very low yields and is aged 14 months in 100% new French barriques. Opaque purple in color, it emits already complex aromas of smoke, toast, coffee, blueberry, blackberry, and licorice. Lush on the palate, super ripe and sweet, as well as multi-dimensional, this great effort can be drunk now, but I'd opt for cellaring it for 6-8 years to allow further evolution. -JM
2003 Rotllan Torra Tirant Priorat
35 at $59.89 - WA 96
The 2003 Tirant is a similar blend as the Amadis. Fermented in foudre and aged in French oak for 12 months, it is a more refined version of the Amadis with more complexity and elegance, but nevertheless still a beast of a wine. The purple/black color is followed by aromas of melting tar, blueberries, blackberries, and a touch of vanillin. The wine is dense and rich with layers of flavor, the tannin well hidden by the fruit. Give this bad boy another 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it for 15 years thereafter.- JM
Other Spanish Favorites......
1971 Marques de Caceres Rioja - 2 at $74.99
1999 Monasterio La Grasnja de Monasterio 750ml - 3 at $49.99
2005 Numanthia Toro Tempranillo - 104 at $63.89
1973 Rivarey Rioja - 3 at $49.99
