Bodegas Finca Vaqueros I’Corus ‘Vendimia Seleccionada’ 2003

I reviewed the two entry level wines from this bodega a month or two ago and this is the big daddy of the range.Older vines (80 years old) and some special oak treatment (16 months in a mix of French and American oak) give this more ompphh for long term aging. I think anyone would have a hard time picking this from any of the Mauro wines.

Wild and thrilling is a good summary for this wine. It starts of with a nose of brambly cherry, mulberry and plum, adding some vanilla bean and mocha with some barnyard undertones. Supple with fine edges, quite charming and rustic tannins that build to give impressive texture. Its juby and meaty in the mouth with more cherry and black jelly beans, a touch of blackberry and black currant as well as some earthy herbs. I really enjoy drinking these wines, highly enjoyable and drinkable. You could keep it for a while, but I’d have trouble keeping my hands off them. 92 Pts.

Source: Broadway Liquor Distributors Price: $50 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.bodegasfincavaqueros.com

Telmo Rodriguez Pegaso Garnacha 2003

For some reason I haven't seen this wine around town, its kind of been under the radar.  More likely I'm just not going to the right places.  Anyway, its a cracking wine, one of the best garnarchas I've seen. Pegaso is produced from an old vineyard, high in the hills of Castille near a little town called Brinas.  The vineyard is full of slate and sits at 1000 meters above sea level. 

A vibrant ruby red in the glass, showing aromas of sweet raspberry and cherry, subtle spicy oak, winter green herbs, and earth.  Really refined in the mouth, rich and silky with great balance.  On the palate the wine shows raspberry and cherry fruit jubes with pepper and spice, woody herbs and roasted meats.  Ripe fruit, savory finish and great balance make this great drinking right now. You could put it away, but I'd drink now.  92 Pts.

Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $65 Closure: Conventional Cork

Marques de Riscal 1860 2004

Marques de Riscal have branched out from their home base in Rioja with a couple of projects, this one just outside of DO Toro and a white wine project in DO Rueda.  I haven't tried any of the whites as yet, but this one is quite interesting.

Made from Tinto de Toro, the wine sees 6 months in American oak.  It was more integrated and approachable on the second night, so give it some time in a decanter.  Like most of the wines from this area, the alcohol is into the 14% range.

Very deep red in colour with aromas of blackberry with some smoke and shot of toasty oak.  Meaty, concentrated dark berry fruit in the mouth,  with a bit of woody herbs like sage and thyme in the background.  There was a truck load of raspy tannins on the first night, they had calmed a fair bit on the second night.  Acid is not a primary feature here, but the is a bit to keep things moving.  A moderate finish with more some subtle oak influences.  A good example of wine from this area, well worth try with a rustic meat dish.  87 Pts.

Source: Boccaccio Cellars Price: $25 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.marquesderiscal.com