Tag Archives: garnacha

Franck Massard Garnacha 2019, Spain

11 Sunday Apr 2021

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Grenache is normally used as a blending grape but occasionally it’s a standalone. I enjoy it for what it’s worth, soft and supple with bright red fruit flavors. This particular wine is from Spain and is a pale purple in the glass and almost see-through. The nose is a mix of cherry and raspberry, with some earthiness and a bit of spice. There is a hint of red twizzler on the nose which bothers me just a touch- but I’m sure I’ll get over it. On the palate it is bright, very tasty, fruit forward and blushing with red fruits. Raspberry is the predominant theme but I do get Cherry in a supporting role with some bakers space. This is a rather lightweight wine that relies on freshness and fruits. Lithe acidity and subtle tannins give it a nice, easy mouth feel. The finish of this one has a hint of charred oak alongside the red fruits and spices. I’m enjoying it for its ease and charm and would drink until 2024. It gets 88 points for me, and for $13, it gets 4 stars. Pair it with lighter grilled dishes, cheese boards or roast Cornish Hens. Salut….

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Hacienda El Indiano 2011, Rioja DOCa, Spain

09 Tuesday Feb 2021

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This Tempranillo blend is 10 years old but still showing youth in the glass- inky purple and opaque. The nose is classic Rioja with leather, bramble, blackberry and singed alder. I love that combo. The palate is showing just a touch of age with tertiary nuances popping up. Black currants, juicy acidity and medium strength tannins all greet me. The leather, alder and dried bramble notes are also present. The mid palate has a vanilla component as well as coffee bean. Black licorice hits me on the back end where the finish is a touch dry and long. Black cherry, blackberry and tertiary flavors are persistent, as is the juicy acidity and tannic grip. This wine was a steal at $12. It is still young and should drink nicely till 2027. I am pairing it with grilled Hanger steak, air fried potatoes and steamed asparagus. 90 points and 5 stars. Salut….

Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva 2015, Rioja DOCa, Spain

28 Friday Aug 2020

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It’s a very bright, shimmery purple in the glass with thin legs showing off the potent 14.5% kick.  The nose is classic Rioja- dark plums, bramble, well integrated oak and currants of the black kind.  The palate is very smooth, with delicious black fruit components, leather, well ingrained tannins and a touch of acidity.  The earthiness of the wine is somewhat subdued, making way for the concentration of black currants, blackberries and mouth coating tannins.  The mid palate is really full bodied with black fruits galore, dry mouthfeel from the beautiful tannins and just enough acidity to make my jaw water.  The finish is longish and really dry.  Iodine and plum reduction come to mind.  Oak is ever present and the tannins go on forever.  This is a well made wine built for the long haul and some serious, juicy steaks.  Drink till 2035.  92 points and for $40, 5 stars.  Read all about the 2010 vintage here.  Salut….

Castillo de Monseran ‘Evil Eye Mal de Ojo’ 2013, Carinena, Spain

05 Tuesday Nov 2019

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Good blackish color.  The nose is smoky, meaty and has hints of fig and charcoal.  This 50% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 20% Carignan blend is right up my alley.  The nose leads me to a delightful palate of blackberry, more charcoal, some tar and really tight tannins.  The mid palate concentrates on the fruit with tasty blackberries and some currant.  The tannins are ever-present but not overpowering, they caress instead of attack.  There is a juicy acidity towards the finish that reveals a touch of wood.  The oak is nicely integrated and gives a touch of vanilla.  The finish is medium length and really tasty.  I’m digging this wine- 91 points and 5 stars for this $15 effort.  I’m pairing it with Bacon Alfredo and it’s on pointe.  Salut….