Valserrano Crianza 2009

SWIC score: 87 (JMG)
Tasting notes: Blackberries, sweet fruit, vanilla, direct, intense.

Available: ON (VINTAGES 338863 - $ 18.95)

Winery: Viñedos y Bodegas de la Marquesa

Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja (Alavesa)

Varieties: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo

Ageing: 18 months in American and French oak barrels

Alcohol level: 14.0% alc./vol.

Family, their own vineyards, respect for quality and well done work are the main concepts that Viñedos y Bodegas de la Marquesa has followed since its foundation by the second half of 19^th century. Nowadays, the fifth generation of the De Simón family (brothers Pablo, Jaime and María) takes on the tasks and responsibilities of the business, taking care of the 160 acres of family-owned vineyards and the whole process of winemaking. This Valserrano Crianza 2009 is a good example of a Rioja Alavesa wine, made mainly with Tempranillo (90%) with a small addition of Mazuelo. It was aged for 18 months in American and French oak barrels, and then stored for a few months in large vats before bottling to ensure good harmonisation. It was scored with plus than 90 points by both Wine Advocate and International Wine Cellar.

Vintage tasted: 2009 (July 2013)

El Maestro Sierra Oloroso 15 years old

SWIC Score: 92 (JMG) 
Tasting notes: Rosemary, anise, dried apricots, sharp, long.
Available: ON (VINTAGES 330571 - $ 12.95) 375 ml bottle

Winery: El Maestro Sierra

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalucía)

Varieties: 100% Palomino

Ageing: 15 years by the solera system

Alcohol level: 19.0% alc./vol.

El Maestro Sierra shows again its mastery in the traditional production of sherry wines. This Oloroso has been made under an oxidative ageing by the typical solera system. Actually, it has been in 500 liters American oak barrels for 15 years, finally acquiring the structure and complexity expected in a very good Oloroso. It’s powerful and elegant at a time, and it offers a complete wine experience, especially if paired with matured cheeses. You can already tasted as a different matching for meat stews and game dishes.

Vintage tasted: N.V. (February 2013)

Celeste Crianza 2010

SWIC Score: 91 (IFS)

Tasting notes: Black cherry, plum, vanilla, liquorice, smooth.

Available:

QC (SAQ 11741285 - $ 21.25)

ON (VINTAGES 210872 - $ 22.95)

BC (BCLS 384040 - $ 24.99)

AB (deVine, CSN - $ 27.99)

MB (LM 14310 - $ 20.80)

NB (ANBL 8410113003508 - $ 28.29)

YK (YLC 384040 - $ 27.00)

Winery: Torres

Region: D.O. Ribera del Duero (Castilla y León)

Varieties: 100% Tinto Fino

Ageing: 12 months in oak barrel

Alcohol level: 14% alc./vol.

The Ribera del Duero bid of Miguel Torres demonstrates a successful improvement vintage after vintage, as you can feel in this 2010 Celeste Crianza. It shows the characteristic Torres touch of high quality at affordable prices that the Penedes-based family imprints in several other Spanish regions as well (not only Penedes, but Catalunya, Rioja or Rueda, for example). Celeste Crianza is made 100% with the indigenous Tinto Fino (the name given to Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero), planted at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. This 2010 vintage is notable for its smoothness, emphasizing its elegancy and balance. It goes very well with red meat dishes.

Vintage tasted: 2010 (August 2013)