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summer martin
2005 Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Crianza (Rioja, Spain)
2005 Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Crianza (Rioja) $11.99
“Ramon Bilbao’s winemaker, Rodolfo Bastida, is making waves in Rioja not only by producing great wines, but also for introducing new technologies in winemaking at a traditional old world winery in Rioja. Bastida’s 2005 Crianza is so yummy! It starts off with a nose of black fruits and berries which follow through on the palate. Very ripe fruit flavors with a velvety texture. It has a great essence of chocolate that “had me at hello” with its dark chocolate covered cherry flavors. It’s a big delicious jammy red that is drinking beautifully right now.”
90 Points, Summer Martin
Staff Selection, May 2010
Hot off the Press! Spain continues to soar!
2007 Clos Erasmus ($179.99) 98 Points, Wine Advocate
Robert Parker just released his always anticipated issue of The Wine Advocate. Spain continues to soar and as Jay Miller puts it, “Let the Good Times Roll!” Very happy to see that the 2007 wines by Clos Erasmus rated as high as expected. The 2007 Clos Erasmus (98WA) $179.99 – 750ml, $449.99 – 1.5L and the 2007 Laurel $49.99 received a whopping 94 points (hurry up, only a few bottles remain in inventory of this one!)
Some more highlights:
- 2008 Emilio Moro Resalso 90WA $11.99
- 2008 Borsao Tres Picos 91WA $13.99
- 2007 Juan Gil 90WA $14.99
- 2007 Alto Moncayo Veraton 92WA $24.99
- 2007 Alto Moncayo 94WA $39.99
- 2006 Numanthia 94+WA $49.99
These are just a few of the highlights. Also 2009 is supposed to be an amazing vintage in Spain for whites according to Jay… so keep an eye out!
Cheers,
Summer Martin, B-21′s Spain & Portugal Advocate
How do you top off a weekend of wine? By opening another bottle!
It has been a long weekend filled with wine. We had a wine tasting in-store on Saturday with wines of Argentina, then a dinner at Currents with Jeffrey Davies on Saturday evening, and to top it off a day chocked full of seminars and Bordeaux that some people only have a once in a lifetime chance to taste! My favorite was the Chateau Pavie seminar put on by Jeffrey Davies. We had the fortunate opportunity to taste the 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, & 2005 Pavie all in one seating with the ever entertaining Davies to guide us through them all. My favorite was the 2000 … or will be in a few years when it is ready to come back to! I was also impressed with the 2004. Its a great wine and I think its greatly underestimated. Needless to say the weekend was winenormous!So how did I wrap up the night? With a juicy steak and a bottle of the 2007 Laurel by Clos Erasmus. All I can say is ”Wow!”. I think its better than the 2006 from my recollection. Very big and velvety with blackberries and licorice. It was the perfect ending to a great wine weekend.
2007 Laurel by Clos Erasmus $49.99
Some history on Laurel:
The Laurel cuvee is produced 100% from the Clos Erasmus vineyards but from the more recent plantings and is the result of declassification of some of the barrels of Clos Erasmus. It is approx. 50% grenache, 30% syrah, and 20% cab. In 2005, Clos Erasmus was chosen by Robert Parker (the million dollar nose) to be included among the 175 estates in his book “The World’s Greatest Wine Estates”. That says a lot, especially being that only six of the estates chosen were from Spain.
- Summer Martin, B-21′s Spain & Portugal Advocate
2006 Viña Zaco (Rioja, Spain)
2006 Viña Zaco (Rioja, Spain) $11.99 90 Points from Wine Spectator and a Top 100 Wine of 2009
“Bodegas Bilbanias in Rioja takes a very similar approach to making wine as Emilio Moro in Ribera del Duero in the fact that they don’t label wines Crianza or Reserva because they spend “x” amount of time in barrel. Rather, they release the wine when they feel the wine is ready, be it 11 months or 18 months, in true artisan style. They are the rebels of Rioja going against the system, and it seems to be paying off. Their 2006 Vina Zaco made it into the Top 100 Wines of 2009 by the Wine Spectator with a whopping 90 point score, and I figured it was time I gave this wine a chance, so I popped a bottle. True Tempranillo in style with great fruit, beautiful blackberry and hints of licorice. The more it sat in the glass it really opened up showing hints of vanilla, a touch of spice, and ended with nice tannins. Top 100 or not…that’s for Spectator choose, but for me it definitely deserves a place on my wine rack, and so it has one. For a Rioja under $12, you can’t beat it.”
89+ Points, Summer Martin
Staff Selection, April 2010
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
B-21 Hosts a Wine Dinner at Currents
Currents Restaurant in Tarpon Springs
We are excited to be hosting a wine dinner at Currents Restaurant in Tarpon Springs on February 8th with Proprietor Juan Muga of Bodegas Muga and David Espinar, the Winery Director for Bodegas Emilio Moro. Currents is a restaurant that recently opened here in Tarpon Springs and has become a hometown favorite. Laura Riley, food critic for the St. Pete Times has been by to visit and wrote a glowing review. (Click here to read Currents review in the Times.)
Unfortunately, the wine dinner was sold out within 2 weeks of announcing it! But, no worries, you can catch up with the winemakers the day before on Sunday, February 7th from 2pm – 5pm at our Annual Wines of Spain & Portugal Grand Tasting & Sale! Both Juan Muga and David Espinar will be here to share their wines and sign bottles, plus you’ll have the chance to taste from 75-100 wines from Spain and Portugal (yes even some of those amazing 2007 Ports!) This is an event you don’t want to miss! (And men no worries, its over in plenty of time to get home and watch the big game!)
The tasting also includes entrance to 1 seminar (if you want to taste in a smaller seated setting). But signup soon! Seats are filling up fast and it is first come first server on reservations.
Its only $25 in advance ($30 at the door if space available) Click here to make a reservation.
For more on this event or to see pictures from previous tastings click here.
- Summer Martin
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
What are you drinking on Christmas?
Well today is Christmas, and all of us elves at B-21 have done our Christmas shopping and have our poisons picked! Here is a list of what we are drinking today! Be sure to comment and let us know what bottles you popped today!
BOB SPRENTALL - “I will be at Momofuku Ko for dinner tomorrow night in NYC. Will report from there!”
- Our sources tell us that Mr. B-21 himself was enjoying a bottle of 2005 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny on Christmas night.
SHANNON SPRENTALL - “Van winkle bourbons!!!”
Shannon and fam will be sampling a variety of Van winkle bourbons, and a good time is sure to be had by all!
- Old Rip Van Winkle 12 Year Old Special Reserve 90.4° $68.99
- Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13yr 95.4° $68.99
- Pappy Van Winkle 15 years old 107° Bourbon $78.99
- Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old Reserve 90.4° $135.99
RHETT BEILETTI - Its all Bubbles and Bordeaux for Rhett
- 2002 Agrapart Mineral ($59.99)
- 2002 Guy Charlemagne Mesnillisime ($69.99)
- 2003 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge
STEVE RAYMAN - Steve has picked out a variety of wine including a Top 100 fav for his family festivities.
- Agrapart Terroirs Champagne from Magnum – ($89.99 – 1.5L)
- Roederer Estate Brut ($17.99)
- 1999 Luneau Papin Muscadet L d’or ($19.99)
- 2008 Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc ($17.99)
- 2008 Mas Carlot Clairette ($9.99)
- 2007 Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition ($34.99)
- 2006 Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva (Top 100 Wine) ($24.99)
SHAWN REYNOLDS - Our Cali Correspondent is keepin’ it classy.
- Flowers Pinot Noir ($39.99)
SUMMER MARTIN - Yo me quedo en España y Chile. I’m staying in Spain and Chile this Christmas (at least for my wine selections) ¡Feliz Navidad!
- 2005 Muga Reserva ($24.99)
- 2005 Sierra Salinas Mira ($16.99)
- 2008 Montes Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 375ml ($19.99)
- (Oh, and my husband is sure to spike our eggnog with some Courvoisier or Remy Martin)
Top 100 Wine: 2006 Mas Doix Salanques
2006 Mas Doix Salanques was #53 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009 (34.99)
Coming in at #53 is Spain’s 2006 Salanques by Mas Doix. The Doix family has been making wine for 5 generations in Priorat where the vineyards of Mas Doix represent Priorat at its best, with slate soils and very old vines. Salanques is a “mini” Mas Doix and has always been a favorite of mine. It is an awesome blend of of Grenache that will please many of you Rhone Rangers out there. ¡Feliz Navidad!
Check out Wine Spectator’s review:
”A plush texture carries rich flavors of brandied cherry, dark chocolate, cocoa and mountain herbs in this expressive red. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the finish is bright and juicy. Drink now through 2014.” 92 Points, The Wine Spectator
Not only does Spectator think its great, but Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated it 93 Points. Top 100 Wines are a great way to kickoff the new year. Cheers!