SCHLOSS LIESER NIEDERBERG HELDEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2004
662031 (M) 750 mL $ 26
Tasting note: Textbook Mosel spätlese. Peach, lime and mineral notes with a hint of vanilla allied to a supple texture. It's all held together by a bright structure. Very pure, focused and harmonious, with a long finish. Drink now through 2020. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006)
Tasting note: Lovely aromas of mineral and apricot, followed by more of the same and a citrus and spice component. Well-integrated and focused, with a fine finish. Drink now through 2009. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2005)
Kloster Eberbach is a former Cistercian monastery founded in 1136 by Bernard of Clairvaux. Wine has been made at the property for centuries. The winery is now owned and operated by the state of Hesse. Their Pinot Noir 'R' Reserve is only made in the best vintages when the optimum ripeness is achieved. The 2003 vintage was one of the warmest on record, resulting in ripe, round and vibrant wines throughout Germany, including this fine example.
Tasting note: The 2003 Aalto is a purple-colored wine offering a stylish nose of smoke, toast, graphite, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, ripe, but slightly compact and the finish is firm. It would appear that the 2003 vintage has removed some of the generosity normally found in this wine in top years. Nevertheless, it is a fine effort that should drink well through 2027. Score - 92. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)
LAN CULMEN RESERVA 2001
Rioja
29579 (XD) 750 mL $ 79
Tasting note: [75% Tempranillo, 20% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano] Powerful and expressive. This massive red delivers ripe flavors of blueberry, plum and prune, backed by plenty of toasty oak and framed by muscular tannins, finishing with spices, tobacco and heat. International style, but with a sauvage note that keeps it distinctive. Best after 2007. Score - 94. (Tim Moriarty, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2005)
LAN EDICIÓN LIMITADA 2003
Rioja
581652 (D) 750 mL $ 55
This limited edition Rioja red appears on Wine Spectator's list of the Top 100 wines of 2006. (www.winespectator.com)
Tasting note: Powerful yet graceful, this rich, ripe red delivers blackberry and currant fruit framed by coffee and toasty oak notes. Though thick on the palate, it remains fresh and focused, and the finish is clean and sweet, with floral and mineral grace notes. Drink now through 2012. Highly Recommended. Score - 94. (Tim Moriarty, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2006)
MAS DOIX COSTERS DE VINYES VELLES 2004
Priorat
30486 (D) 750 mL $ 115
Tasting note: The 2004 Costers de Vinas Viejas is 50% Carinena, 48% Garnacha, and 2% Merlot aged for 16 months in new French oak. Deep purple, the aromas are other-worldly with truffle, tar, graphite, kirsch, and wild blueberry among the array of scents leaping from the glass. Flamboyant and opulent, the wine has remarkable richness and depth of flavor leading to a 60-second finish. Drink this hedonistic effort over the next 10-12 years. Drink 2007-2019. Score - 98. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)
MAS DOIX SALANQUES 2004
Priorat
30494 (D) 750 mL $ 55
Tasting note: The 2004 Salanques is the second wine of Mas Doix made from barrels not making the cut for Costers de Vinas Viejas. It is 65% Garnacha, 20% Carinena, and equal parts Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon aged 14 months in French oak. Inky purple, the wine has a lovely perfume of mineral, truffle, pencil lead, kirsch, black currant, and blueberry. Ripe and full-bodied, the wine has a velvety texture, superb depth, and gobs of flavor. Drink this pleasure-packed wine over the next 8-10 years. Drink 2007-2017. Score - 94. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)
REAL SITIO DE VENTOSILLA PRADOREY ELITE 2001
Ribera del Duero
19950 (XD) 750 mL $ 35
Tasting note: Muscular yet still expressive, this sleek red offers black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, nutmeg and floral flavors. Harmonious and long. The structure is modern, but the terroir shows through. Drink now through 2012. Score - 90. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 15, 2004)
PRADORAY RESERVA 1999
Ribera del Duero (Bodegas Real Sitio de Ventosilla)
995191 (XD) 750 mL $ 35
Tasting note: Rich and harmonious, this wine is more graceful than showy, with plum, coffee, mineral and spice notes that weave together through the firm, balanced structure. It seduces rather than overpowers. Drink now through 2012. Score - 91. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 15, 2004)
