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$7.95
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PG 90
IWC 89
Spain
-
Red
In stock,
8
available
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List $9.00
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90 points Peñín Guide: "(100% garnacha). Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: red berry notes, ripe fruit, mineral, spicy. Palate: powerful, flavourful, fruity, balanced. (2013)"
89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($9 list; fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak for four months): Inky ruby. Dark berry liqueur and mocha on the nose, with complicating notes of licorice and sassafras. Sappy blueberry and blackberry flavors show very good depth and pick up a spicy quality with air. Finishes with good breadth, supple tannins and lingering smokiness. (Sep 2012)"
Producer notes: "100% Garnacha. Ripe cherry with and intense nose of ripe red fruits (raspberry, currant), balsamic sensations and mineral aromas. This is a fruity wine, very fresh and easy to drink, that gives the pleasant sensation of saviring a fruity candy."
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$8.95
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IWC 90
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $10.00
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90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($10 list; 85% syrah and 15% garnacha, aged for three months in French oak): Opaque purple. Intensely perfumed aromas of cherry and blackberry are brightened by zesty minerality and a subtle peppery quality. Lively red and dark fruits on the palate, with black pepper and licorice nuances emerging with air. Sappy and strikingly intense for the price, finishing with excellent persistence and gentle tannic grip. (Sep 2012)"
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$6.95
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RR 89
WA 88
WE 88
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $8.00
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89 points Rhone Report: "A smoking value, the 2010 Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja Garnacha, 80% Garnacha and 20% Tempranillo that's fermented and aged all in stainless steel, delivers loads of Garnacha character with upfront blackberry, mineral, sappy underbrush, pepper, and licorice aromas and flavors. Round, upfront and with juicy, edgy acidity, a medium to full-bodied mouth feel, and fine tannin on the finish, this is serious wine for not much buck. It's a perfect candidate for a house red, should be purchased by the case, and consumed over the coming 2-3 years. (Mar 2012)"
88 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$8 list] The 2010 Borsao Tinto is composed of 85% Garnacha and 15% Tempranillo fermented and aged in stainless steel. Aromas of Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits are surprisingly complex. Supple, concentrated, and lengthy on the palate, this excellent value will provide enjoyment over the next 4 years. (Jun 2011)"
88 points and 'Best Buy,' Wine Enthusiast: "Big, black and alive in the glass, with earth and black fruit aromas. The mouth is lively and pure, with blackberry and red plum flavors covering both the dark and red fruit bases. Grabby and long on the finish; very likable value-priced Grenache. (Nov 2011)"
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$8.95
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IWC 88
Spain
-
White
In stock, 12+ available
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List $12.00
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88 points Josh Raynolds International Wine Cellar: "($12 list; 40% treixadura and 20% each of torrontes, palomino and godello) Light gold. Mineral-accented pear and orange scents are complemented by lemon zest and floral notes. Silky in texture and dry, offering fleshy orchard and citrus flavors along with gentle mineral cut. Finishes with good clarity and spicy persistence. (Sep/Oct 2009)"
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$7.95
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PG 87
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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87 points Peñín Guide: "(90% monastrell, 10% syrah). Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: fresh fruit, red berry notes, scrubland. Palate: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, round tannins. (2012)"
Producer notes: "Campos de Risca is essentially Monastrell, with blends of wines from different plots to give its complex character. Very small proportions of Syrah may be added in some vintages for complexity and balance."
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$9.95
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WA 90
IWC 90
Spain
In stock, 12+ available
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List $14.00
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90 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Hecula is 100% Monastrell grown in Jumilla and aged in French and American oak. Expressive aromas of underbrush, brier, mineral, lavender, and blueberry lead to a savory, ripe, nicely proportioned red with excellent volume and length. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 4-5 years. (Jun 2011)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Ruby-red. Intensely perfumed aromas of raspberry, cola and fresh flowers. Juicy and precise in the mouth, offering sweet red berry flavors and a touch of floral pastille. The floral note comes back on the long, penetrating finish, which features a spicy quality and zesty minerality. This is quite complex for the price. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
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$7.95
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IWC 90
PG 89
RP 88
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $9.00
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90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Dark ruby. Lively redcurrant and cherry on the nose, complicated by spice and floral elements. Juicy, vibrant cherry and floral pastille flavors show very good depth, with juicy acidity adding clarity and lift. Aeration brings up deeper blackberry and anise notes that carry through a spicy persistent finish. This has to be one of the best red wine values out there. (Sep 2012)"
89 points Peñín Guide: "(100% monastrell). Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: fresh fruit, red berry notes, floral, grassy. Palate: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, round tannins. (2013)"
88 points Robert Parker: "[$9 list] The 2011 Monastrell Vinas Viejas (100% Monastrell -- or Mourvedre -- aged in stainless steel) comes from a vineyard planted at nearly 2,400-foot elevation with non-irrigated old bush/head pruned vines. More herbal and peppery than the less expensive Molino Loco, it is a well-made, deep, spicy, savory, earthy effort with more complexity and personality than its sibling. Consume this unreal value over the next 2-3 years. It reminds me of a well-made French Cotes du Rhone. (Jun 2012)"
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$7.95
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WA 86
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $12.00
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This 100% Garnacha from 30- to 50-year-old vines comes from a co-op in the Cariñena DO of Aragón region with 40 different growers. An incredible bargain, it has no barrel influence, and is very fresh and fruity on the nose with cherry pie like fruit and fresh rose floral notes. Smooth and velvety on the tongue with a nice freshness. Simple with pretty floral notes.
86 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$12 list] The 2010 Garnacha spent 3-6 months in American oak. Aromas of rose petals and black cherries inform the nose of a grapy, ripe, easy-going red to pair with pizzas and burgers over the next 3 years. (Jun 2011)"
'Best Buy,' Wine Enthusiast: "Floral berry aromas are fresh and carry only the slightest grassy, green element. The wine feels crisp and tight, with nice red plum and raspberry flavors. Mild, focused and not very hefty or thick on the finish. (12/31/12)"
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Spain
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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Rich peach and perfumed ripe melon characters of the warmer area style Viura enhance upfront green melon, apple and pear flavors of the cooler area style Viura. A crisp finish with lingering green fruit. A fresh youthful wine makde to drink now. Enjoy with salad, pasta and shellfish dishes during the summer months to make the most of the vibrant fruit characters.
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$9.95
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WS 89
IWC 88
Spain
-
White
In stock, 12+ available
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List $13.00
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89 points Wine Spectator: "[$13 list] This firm, focused white displays a solid structure, with supporting flavors of pear, ginger, smoke and herb. This is not a showy wine, but has depth and vibrancy. A good match with richer dishes. Drink now through 2015. Smart Buys. (11/15/11)"
88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(100% viura): Bright straw. Fresh apple and peach aromas are complemented by honeysuckle and orange peel. Very fruity and smooth in the mouth, offering lively orchard and pit fruit flavors braced by tangy acidity. Just a bit loose-knit on the clinging finish, which repeats the pear note. (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$9.95
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PG 89
RP 88
IWC 88
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $13.00
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89 points Peñín Guide: "(80% tempranillo, 20% garnacha). Colour: cherry, garnet rim. Nose: spicy, fruit expression, sweet spices, cocoa bean. Palate: flavourful, spicy, ripe fruit, round tannins. (2012)"
88 points Robert Parker: "[$13 list] Another good buy, the 2009 Rioja Cvne Crianza (80% Tempranillo and the rest other authorized varietals) exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, loads of fruit (black currants and cherries), licorice and forest floor notes, a supple texture, medium body, and considerable flavor authority as well as character. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. (Aug 2012)"
88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(100% tempranillo): Dark ruby. Aromas and flavors of raspberry and cherry, with a vanilla overtone. Silky and smooth, with a lingering finish of clove, mocha and vanilla. Easy-going and very drinkable right now. (Sep 2012)"
87 points Wine Spectator: "[$13 list] Smoky and gamy notes shadow cherry, floral and licorice flavors in this smooth red, displaying a rather austere character. Tobacco and toast notes linger on the finish. Drink now through 2015. (2/28/13)"
Importer notes: "80% Tempranillo with the remainder composed of Garnacha and Mazuelo. All grapes come from the 'Rioja Alta' subzone, where higher altitudes and Atlantic influences make for a moderate climate which is ideal for producing wines of elegance and finesse. Soils are composed of iron-rich clay and limestone. The wine sees two years of aging before being bottled, with at least 12 months in American oak."
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Spain
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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100% Tempranillo rosé from one of the benchmark Rioja producers. With a bright watermelon hue, this rosado is made in a fresh, friendly style offering bright, ripe strawberries, and a balanced, medium-bodied mouthfeel. This would be fantastic with grilled pork chops and a fresh green salad.
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$6.95
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IWC 88
Spain
-
White
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(made from a 50/50 blend of airen and macabeo): Light, bright gold. Lively aromas and flavors of orchard and pit fruits, with a lemony topnote. Fruity and supple in texture, with good finishing cut and a lingering citrus zest note. As always, this is an excellent value. (Sep 2012)"
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$6.95
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IWC 88
WA 87
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(100% tempranillo): Dark ruby. Cherry and licorice on the nose and palate, complicated by dark chocolate and cracked pepper. A smoky note lingers on the gently tannic and persistent finish. Shows surprising structure for a wine at this price point. (Sep 2012)"
87 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Protocolo Tinto is 100% Tempranillo aged for 3 months in American oak. It is a forward, spicy wine with pleasant black fruit flavors, floral and spice aromas, and good balance. Drink this excellent value over the next 3-4 years. (Jun 2011)"
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$8.95
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IWC 88
PG 86
Spain
-
White
In stock, 12+ available
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List $12.00
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88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($12 list; 90% verdejo and 10% viura) Pale gold. Spicy, high-pitched aromas of grapefruit, green apple and lemon thyme. Dry and focused, offering nervy citrus flavors and deeper orchard fruit qualities. On the austere side but I like this wine's clarity and finishing cut. (Sep/Oct 2010)"
86 points Peñín Guide: "(85% verdejo, 15% viura) Colour: bright straw. Nose: ripe fruit, citrus fruit, white flowers. Palate: flavourful, fruity, fresh, fleshy. (2011)"
Producer notes: "75% Verdejo, 25% Viura. Straw yellow color with greenish hues. Clean and sensual on the nose displaying tropical aromas of pineapple that lead to big, lovely, powerful fruit, fresh grass and a subtle touch of fennel typical of Verdejo. Soft attack of glycerine followed by fruity, fresh, citrus and sparkling sensations. Extremely refreshing and very soft wine. Serve with a light chill and you will be seduced by the soft texture of this complex wine."
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$8.95
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PG 87
Spain
-
White
In stock, 12+ available
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List $10.00
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WHWC staff notes: "This freakishly delicious little gem is 100% Grenache Blanc from the Terra Alta region of Spain. Terra Alta lies about 130 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, next to Priorat. In fact, this is basically a poor man's Priorat blanca. This wine comes with everything you desire from a bottle of wine...it's inexpensive (heck, it's cheap!), it's intoxicatingly delicious and the alcohol comes in at under 13%. Buy it now!! I tell you for your own good." -Kaj Stromer, 8/14/12
87 points Peñín Guide: "(100% garnacha blanca). Colour: bright straw. Nose: fresh fruit, white flowers, citrus fruit. Palate: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, balsamic. (2013)"
Producer notes: "While Terra Alta, tucked away in the southeastern corner of Catalonia bordering Aragón and Valencia, is not yet a well-known region, it is one of the largest areas in Catalunya under vine. This Garnatxa Blanca is very aromatic with notes of melon and white fruits on the nose. On the palate, it is balanced with a medium body and a nice crisp freshness. Pairs well with simple tapas and grilled squid. Alcohol 12.95%."
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PG 88
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Peñín Guide: "(100% tempranillo) Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: expressive, red berry notes, floral, wild herbs, mineral. Palate: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, round tannins, powerful. (2012)"
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$9.95
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PG 93
WA 90
W&S 90
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $14.00
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93 points Peñín Guide: "(garnacha) Colour: deep cherry, garnet rim. Nose: varietal, balsamic herbs, ripe fruit, dry stone. Palate: flavourful, good structure, complex. (2012)"
90 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$14 list] The 2009 Las Rocas is 100% Garnacha sourced from 80-year-old vines from the DO of Calatayud with 25% of the wine aged in wood. It is a forward, savory, ripe, succulent offering that should prove to be a crowd-pleaser. It is an outstanding value that will deliver enjoyment over the next 5 years. (Jun 2011)"
90 points and 'Year's Best Catalan Wines,' Wine & Spirits: "[$14 list] The mix of almond, dried fruit and earth notes give a certain air of mystery to the aroma of this wine. The palate is taut, with a fine layer of tannins and firm acidity that padlocks the flavors for now. Give it time in a decanter to open and serve with charcuterie. (Feb 2013)"
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Spain
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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One of the darker, fuller styled rosés. Made in the Calatayud area of north central Spain with 100% Garnacha fruit, which lends a rich texture, fleshy spiciness, and red berry flavors. Enjoy this wine with curries, mushroom frittata, or all on its own on a warm afternoon.
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Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "This elegant, complex wine exudes fresh aromas with decadent flavors of sweet dark cherry integrated with nuances of vanillin oak."
Wine Spectator on the 2008 vintage: "Toast and chocolate envelop sweet cherry and kirsch in this velvety red, which is ripe and a bit thick, but has enough acidity to stay lively. Drink now."
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Spain
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Red
In stock,
2
available
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List $12.00
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This wine, formerly from Australia, is now made in Aragon, Spain. Not yet reviewed, but following are notes from winemaker Chris Ringland: "I blended Bitch Grenache Aragon 2009 from a selection of un-oaked Grenache wines from various sub-regions of Aragon and Navarra, around the Southern regions of the Ebro river valley... Grenache (Garnacha) survives here without the need for irrigation. Yields are typically low and this, combined with a historical selection of small-berried, deeply colored clones, produces wines of a more 'masculine' expression of the variety. Dark cherry and raspberry aromas are underpinned with spicy, peppery notes with hints of anise. Aragon Grenache displays extraordinary natural acid balance, even at elevated ripeness levels. I have selected wines, which convey vibrant, juicy fruit together with a very soft, sweet-fruited palate structure... the style for Bitch Grenache is all about fruit aromas and flavors. Maturation without oak influence enhances the natural fruit expression of these selections... Bitch Aragon Grenache is very approachable now, but don’t be deceived into thinking that it won’t age. I predict that the wine will develop further personality with 3 to 5 years in the cellar."
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Spain
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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Bitch is a line of fun, approachable, quality-driven wines from winemaker Chris Ringland. 100% Viura from the Aragon region in northern Spain. It is fermented in tank at low temperatures followed by extended aging on its lees. Tasting notes: Aromas of honeydew and musk, followed by soft, juicy fruit and underlying acidity.
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RP 91
IWC 90
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $10.00
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91 points Robert Parker: "[$10 list] The same characteristics are also present in the 2011 Rio Madre. It exhibits slightly riper blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of licorice, wood smoke, camphor and a vivid floral display. These cuvees are aged in French oak prior to bottling. Both should drink well for 2-5 years. (Oct 2012)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(100% graciano, aged in French oak for ten months): Inky ruby. Spice-accented aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits and cola, with notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Concentrated and powerful on the palate, with a spicy note building with air. Intense licorice, blackcurrant and bitter cherry notes linger on the spicy, youthfully tannic finish. Outstanding value here; there are very few all-graciano Riojas made, and they all cost a lot more than this one. (Sep 2012)"
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$8.95
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Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Light, bright red. Lively aromas of strawberry, raspberry, with muskier notes of herbs coming up with air. Light in body and refreshingly pure, offering spicy red berry flavors and no rough edges.
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