Acústic 2015

On the nose blueberries and mulberries, with the addition of a spicy accent. In the mouth smooth and well balanced, with a drying finish and an aftertaste that last long enough. It somehow reminds me of an Aglianico del Vulture I reviewed some time ago.

Acústic is a blend of 60% Samsó (Carignan) and 40% Garnacha (Grenache). Carignan if a grape variety most likely native to Aragon. Continue reading “Acústic 2015”

Gran Vin du Domaine L’Ostal Cazes 2012

On the nose black cherries, liquorice and black pepper, which gives a slightly prickly sensation. In the moth well balanced and consistent with the nose. Fairly long finish, but lighter than expected, with an earthy character.

This wine is produced under the Minervois La Livinière red wine appellation by the Domaine L’Ostal Cazes. Continue reading “Gran Vin du Domaine L’Ostal Cazes 2012”

Campo Vijeo Gran Reserva 2011

On the nose some wizened fruit, toffee and a light mocha character. In the mouth balanced, but only moderately structured, with a finish and aftertaste dominated by dark chocolate. The oak is not as overpowering as in other Gran Reserva. Overall, the wine is not very sophisticated, but drinks nicely.  Continue reading “Campo Vijeo Gran Reserva 2011”

Muga Seleccíon Especial 2011

Although they are very subtle, the milky nuances typical of Rioja wines are the first aroma I detect on the nose. The fruit is a bit lacking, with burnt notes, hints of spices and licorice (another trademark of Tempranillo based wines) coming forward.

Once in the mouth the wine pleases you from the first sip. Tasty and fresh, with an agreeable mouthfeel, thanks to well integrated tannins.  Continue reading “Muga Seleccíon Especial 2011”

Viña Ardanza 2009

On the nose a spicy and earthy character dominates: mushroom, tobacco, nutmeg, mocha and chocolate. From the background, hints of cherries and stewed plums come forward. In the mouth smooth and well balanced, with elegant tannins and a good acidity. The wine is tasty and leaves you with a fairly long aftertaste. Continue reading “Viña Ardanza 2009”

Psarades Dafni 2017

The nose is characterised by herby aromas, like rosemary, pine and the signature laurel, which is called “dafni” in Greek.

The mouth is also dominated by herbal sensations, with a finish that displays the flavours of the same rosemary, pine and laurel that welcome you on the nose. The long lingering aftertaste has a savoury character and a citrus fruit background. Continue reading “Psarades Dafni 2017”

Domaine Paterianakis 2014

On the nose at first meaty, but after a while some cherries and menthol notes come forward. In the mouth smooth and well balanced. The finish leans toward dry fruits. The aftertaste is pleasant, although it doesn’t last very long.

This red wine that matures for one year in French oak is produced under the Peza denomination. Continue reading “Domaine Paterianakis 2014”

Oro Puro

On the nose this Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG presents the apple and pear aroma (or white peach, depending on your point of reference) typical of Glera, the main grape variety used to produce Prosecco (at least 85% of the blend).

The apple-pear marriage is apparent in the mouth as well, where the high acidity is nicely balanced by the effervescence. Continue reading “Oro Puro”

Les Clefs d’Or 2013

On the nose at first kind of prickly, with herbs and spices dominating the aroma. Among them anise and eucalyptus. With some air, red cherry fruit and liquorice come forward and the sensation get smoother.

In the mouth sort of masculine as on the nose, Continue reading “Les Clefs d’Or 2013”