Dave Worthington
Pazo de Señorans Albariño 2009
I have a bunch of notes for samples that importers have sent in over the past 6 months. Poor form on my part for not writing these up soon, but they’ll all be up over the next couple of weeks…To be honest, I don’t know a hell of a lot about this wine and it’s story. It is one of the most popular and written about Albariños around however, and a bloody good drink.
Alion 2005
It’s always good to start the year off with an exceptional wine, and this 2005 Alion fit the bill nicely. I had a look at the 2004 and 2005 Alion at the Vega Sicilia road show in March 2009, and at the time I thought the 2004 had a slight edge over the 2005. But it’s irrelevant really, Alion is a fantastic wine even in poor vintages, which 2005 certainly was not. It ages like a champ, gaining complexity and finesse, but can be enjoyed young with a bit of breathing time.
Telmo Rodriguez ‘LZ’ 2009
Last year was a write off in terms of blog postings, but it’s almost the new year and time to get back on the horse…I had hoped to see this wine in tank when I was in La Rioja in Feb last year, but alas the snow and conflicting schedules got in the way. Now it’s in bottle and here in Australia, I’ve a very happy boy indeed
Morcilla
Blood sausage is certainly one of those foods that sorts the men from the boys. People either love or hate, or more truthfully hate the thought of it. Personally I love the stuff, but then again I’ve been eating lamb’s brains since I was a wee tot. While there are lots traditional blood sausages made around the world, unsurprisingly the Spanish versions are the closes to my heart, or belly more accurately. I find the English stuff is a bit plain for me, the French do a good job at times, the Germans make some great blood sausages, but morcilla satisfies my craving for an injection earthy, spicy flavour every time.
Bodegas Muga Reserva 2005
After a good dinner and a bottle of Muga Reserva 1990 a couple of years ago, an older friend told me his philosphy on cellaring wine: stock up on the classic wines that age well, the kind of stuff that goes well with food, and you’ll always be happy with your cellar. Sure, buy a bottle or two of big, expensive wines in good vintages, but concentrate on the mid range wines from excellent producers. Stuff like classic Riojas, Chiantis, lesser growth Bordeaux, red and white village Burgundy, Chablis, Victorian and Hunter Valley Shiraz. Sound advice.
Elefante Blanco 2009
A quick one today on this inexpensive but very drinkable white. A bit of a dogs breakfast of varieties: Macabeo, Verdejo, Viura and Savignon Blanc, but don’t let put you off. The bottle looks sharp too, it would look great on display in a tiny laneway bar.
Los Hermanos Homenaje a Cataluña 2009
I’ve been a big fan of this project, and I have to say that this is the best wine from the project in it’s short history. It’s a blend of Tempranillo (47% Tempranillo from the King Valley), Mataro/Monastrell (35%), and Grenache/Garnacha (18%, both from Patersons Lakes) aged in 3 year old barrels. As Campbell from The Winefront said in his review, there isn’t a lot of wine made from Mataro or Grenache in Victoria. If this is anything to go by, there should be a hell of a lot more of it.
Calo 2008
Calo 2008A cheaky little joven Tempranillo from Rioja Alavesa. While tempranillo is generally a fairly tannic grape, the wines from the most elevated, northerly regions tend to be a little more tannic. A good thing in my book. I’m not going to bang on about this one, enjoyable and good value….
Bodegas Mauro 2006
There is a great little vinoteca in San Sebastian called Solbes (Calle de Aldamar, 4, just accross the road from the Bretxia market. A full range of smallgoods and cheeses from all over Spain and France, great olive oil, great preserved produce and all kinds of cider, beer, spirits and wine. A well selected range inexpensive wines and a room full of the best stuff from Spain and Portugal with a smattering of France and Italy. All at very reasonable prices. Whenever I’m in Spain, I try to get here and stock up on whatever takes my fancy. Like a bottle of Mauro 2006. I bought this one at Boccaccio tho…I’ve had a couple of bottles of the 2004 lately, it’s really on song at the moment.
Tasting at Coda with Miquelangel Cerda i Capo From Anima Negra
Miquelagel is one of those winemakers you just know you are going to like on first sight. Stocky with crazy hair, he looks like a man who spends a lot of time out in the vineyard. Bucket loads of charm and energy, plus he can spin a good yarn. A real character, plus he has that great Mediterranean hospitality of making everyone feel welcome, especially the ladies!
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