Carmen Rodríguez Méndez 2012 “Carodorum” Seleccion Especial Toro Reserva
Toro is often overshadowed by the famous and much larger Ribera del Duero wine region. However, Toro is a special place in its own right, with some of the oldest vineyards in …
Reserva
Contino 2014 Rioja Reserva
ContinoContino is the first and remains one of the greatest single-vineyard Rioja producers in the marketplace. Based on 19th Century French château’s ideals, Contino has been CVNE’s premier label since 1973. …
Spanish Wine Regions
It is no secret that Spain has a lush terroir, bringing us the world’s most exciting cultivars and high-quality wine. As a result, Spain is now known for being one of …
Bodegas Montecillo 2011 Reserva Rioja
A 19th Century winery still manages to put out some serious juice, year in and year out. If you need an everyday bottle of Rioja, this will fit the bill. Aromas …
Bodegas Montecillo 2009 Rioja Gran Reserva
On occasion, I sit next to a normal at a wine conference. After a few minutes of awkward conversation, they invariably ask me one question:“What is your favorite wine?”I don’t have an answer to that question. …
Three Top Spanish Wines
Bodegas Briego Tiempo Crianza, Ribera Del DueroI’ve reviewed vintages of Bodegas Briego since 2009 and have always been impressed by the quality and price points for their Crianza bottlings. This is a bottling …
Bodega Montecillo 2010 Reserva Rioja
One of the first wineries in Rioja. Well, other than the medieval farmers who aged their wines in gutted-out pig skins. Located in the Rioja Alta region, Montecillo is an important …
Quinta do Vallado 2012 “Field Blend” Douro Reserva
A top-notch product that is making a name for itself on the international stage. Winemakers Francisco Olazabal & Francisco Ferreira are putting together some of the best dry wines, as well as assembling …
Lagar de Bezana 2011 “Aluvion” Gran Reserva, Rapel Valley (Chile)
A beautiful wine with dense smoke and incense aromas. It’s lushly textured with deep soft tannins and flavors that pool into creme de cassis and ocean air. The finish is long with saturated …
Jean Leon 2006 “Reserva” Cabernet Sauvignon, Penedes
If you are Scrooge McDuck wealthy, you don’t need this wine. If you habitually drop a few hundred on a bottle, this wine isn’t for you. If you have been a wine collector for over …
Dinastia Vivanco 2010 Rioja Reserva
After all these years (and all those wines!), the high level of winemaking and the low cost of Spanish wines still amazes me. For instance, this bottle of reserva should cost …
Koyle 2012 “Gran Reserva” Carmenere, Colchagua Valley
Koyle is one of those wineries that pops into the marketplace once or twice a year, only to disappear as quickly as it came. The wines are fantastic, but inventory is …
Burgo Viejo Licenciado 2008 Rioja Reserva
A full metal wine label? That is a badass as it comes. This bottling hails from the Baja region of Rioja. The winery–which started as a cooperative back in the ’50’s— is …
Puramun 2012 “Reserva” Malbec, Valle de Uco
Puramun is a new project by Jose Galante, one of the finest winemakers in Argentina. He was the man behind Catena Zapata from the 1970s until a few years ago. Sourced …
Altocedro 2012 Malbec Reserva
A bold, full-bodied wine with lots of complexity. Aromas of smoky oak, vanilla, cola, black cherry, and spice. The palate pushes into mocha and cinnamon territory with a draping of dark …
Cune 2009 Rioja Gran Reserva
The wines of C.V.N.E. (or Cune) will always have a warm place in my heart. They are classical Rioja, and their Gran Reserva stands the test of time. If you have …