Will these “run, don’t walk to VINO” deals from Spain ever stop? We can only hope not, because these sensationally priced wines that continually over-deliver are so insanely good for this kind of money. Two things to love about this latest batch of bargain wines from the Iberian peninsula: a)- they both come from importer Eric Solomon, whose wines I have come to trust almost without fail. His producers make wines true to their respective terroirs, so you get a real taste of the land they come from; b)- they both possess immensely satisfying drinkability are perfect for the foods of winter (well any food, for that matter), and yet don’t sacrifice any of their underlying character and complexity to achieve this, which believe me is no mean winemaking feat (see what those Aussies did in homogenizing their wines for a lesson in what not to do). Also the fact that they garnered the following love from Parker’s Wine Advocate no doubt adds to the allure. And so you know, after tasting them I have zero quibble with Parker’s raves. The Espelt 2010 is in especially short supply, so if you’re interested acting promptly might be advised. Onward…
2010 ESPELT Garnacha “Old Vines”
$12.95 btl/ $125.00 case
WA: “A magnificent custom cuvee for Eric Solomon, this 2010 was made from high-elevation vineyards in the Costa Brava planted in granite. It was fashioned by the brilliant Jean-Marc Lafage. It reveals copious aromas of raspberry jam, black currants, kirsch, flowers and forest floor, full body, terrific fruit, lots of complexity already, and a multidimensional mouthfeel. Drink this stunning red over the next 4-5 years. 92 points!”
2011 HERENCIA ALTES Garnaxta Negra
$10.95/ $105.00
WA: “Another incredible value and full-throttle wine made from 100% Grenache, Herencia Altes’s vineyards are situated high on the hillside above the village of Batea, where grapes have been grown since the 15th century. This offering, from very old vines and aged completely in concrete, is a naked, unadulterated, unmanipulated effort with great minerality (from the chalky, limestone soils) and an intensity and richness (from the old vines) that are normally found in $50+ wines. As I told Eric Solomon, at these ridiculously low prices, consumers will never suspect the wines are at this level of quality. This outstanding 2011 offers loads of kirsch, raspberry, licorice, garrigue and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied and dense, it is best consumed over the next 2-3 years. A killer value, 91 points!”
