Summer Martin
2007 Bodegas Atalaya (Almansa, Spain)
2007 Bodegas Atalaya (Almansa) - 12.99
“Juan Gil is one of my favorite wineries, so when I heard they were in cahoots with the King of Spanish Wine, Mr. Jorge Ordonez, I knew only good things could come of it. This project in its very inception is already turning heads (91WA, 90ST) with the 2007 (their first vintage). Made mainly of Monastrell and Garnacha, Atalaya is a big red wine full of depth and complexity yet smooth and readily approachable. On the nose I get black fruits, spice and a little smoke. On the palate it is full-bodied and rich. It should pair perfectly with red meats be it a grilled filet or a juicy burger. This is a wine to watch!”
90 Points, Summer Martin
Staff Selection, March 2010
2007 Black Slate (Priorat, Spain)
2007 Black Slate (17.99 on sale) - 91 Points, The Wine Advocate
“New Spanish wines are popping up every day, each of them flaunting a score over 90 points and flashing a fancy new label. What makes the 2007 Black Slate different, is simple. It has pedigree. This isn’t the brain child of an unexperienced businessman trying to start a winery with wikipedia’s guide to viticulture. Winemaker Joan Sangenis was born and raised in Porerra, a tiny village in Priorat. His family has been making wine for 200 years. Joan himself got hands on experience at the bodegas of Alvaro Palacios and René Barbier. In 1996 he jumped at the chance to renovate his parent’s old bodega and begin “Celler Cal Pla” also known for their Mas d’en Compte wines that have achieved high Parker praise. With vines 60-100 years of age, this new project is the inspiration of Burgundian nomenclature, hence the reference to it being a village appellation on the label. It is hard enough to find a wine from Priorat under $40 much less under $20.”
90 Points, Summer Martin
February 2010
2007 Mestizaje (El Terrerazo, Spain)
2007 Mestizaje ($13.99 or 12.59 by the case!)
On a daily basis I have to tell my 4 year-old, “Try it, you might like it.” Why are we so hesitant to try new things? If you don’t try new wines you’ll never know if you like them. The Bobal grape was originally produced for bulk wines for its rich color and acidity. Known as the “Black Sheep” of Spanish grapes, it’s been underappreciated for the quality of wine it truly could produce. Finally, wineries like Bodegas Mustiguillo are giving Bobal serious attention and producing some outstanding wine. The 2007 Mestizaje is exactly what the name suggests, “a mix of European” grapes with 70% Bobal and the rest Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is smooth and
complex with layers of dark fruits, blackberries and dark chocolate and spice. It’d be great with burgers or steak. For those of you who liked the 2006 Mestizaje, you’ll love the 2007. For those of you who weren’t sure, or haven’t tried it, I urge you to step out of your box. You may just realize you love it! “Don’t be a Boba (Eng. – dunce), try Mestizaje.
90 Points, Summer Martin
January 2010
2008 Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha (Spain)
2008 Borsao Tres Picos ($13.99)
Tres Picos is that good ol’ friend that delivers, over and over again. Both the 2004 and 2005 made it into Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, and there’s no doubt in my mind, the 2008 should be there. But, taking away its scores and its fame from importer Jorge Ordonez, what do you have? A darn good wine. On the nose it shows off red fruit and black peppercorn. The palate is big and juicy and sneaks in seductive layers of raspberry and blackberry pie with notes of chocolate and spice.
Stephen Tanzer from the International Wine Cellar recently tasted it scoring it 91Pts. saying its, ‘as ridiculous a value as one can find these days.’ This is what I like to call a no-brainer.
- 90 Points, Summer Martin, Email: summer@b-21.com, Direct #: (727) 722-9106