Haul out the superlatives for this trend-setter from the easterly Manchuela section of La Mancha. Not the wine-on-steroids that it could be; TNS, made from Touriga Nacional and Syrah, is elegant, sexy and in total control. Floral berry aromas, delicate raspberry flavors and a smooth, lightly oaked finish all help steal the show. Available only in magnums; awesome…
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)
Catchy names and fancy packaging mean little when the wine in the bottle is this good. Everything seems right with Pago Del Ama’s signature blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Incredibly floral and fruity, with elegance and poise as well as structure. More than impressive; a new and interesting taste of Spain from the Toledo area; perfect for midterm…
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)
A huge wine that’s tannic as nails but so aromatic and flavor packed. Toasted oak, mint, cola, maple, marzipan work the potent nose, while the saturated palate thumps along with massive black-fruit flavors and coffee, fudge and light herb accents. This is one of the most powerful wines from Spain or anywhere. Drink or hold.
— M.S.
(7/1/2012)
There are more similarities than differences among the Griñon varietal roster, but a favorite has to be this dense and meaty Syrah. While not the most sauvage or iconoclastic Syrah on the market, it excels with a delicious plum and berry palate and searing intensity. It’s all fruit and power, but in that style it’s quite something.
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)
Fans of Miguel Angel de Gregorio’s Finca Allende wines from Rioja will want to snap up this excellent, lush-styled blend of Graciano, Merlot and Petit Verdot from La Mancha. This wine almost proves that talent is as important as terroir, because no other La Mancha wine features this grape blend, these rich and pure medicinal flavors, and a smooth-handed sense of…
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)
Pure blueberry and blackberry pour forth from this dark-as-night Tempranillo, one of tiny production made in organic fashion. Wonderful texture, excellent fruit, and a smoky, rubbery finish announce it as a major leaguer. Not overly expansive on the finish, but lovely and serious throughout.
— M.S.
(9/1/2004)
Dark and ethereal, with raisin and vanilla on the pitch-black, manly bouquet. One of Spain’s best Syrahs, with dense cherry, raspberry and mocha flavors. It’s lavishly oaked, smooth yet big, and it’s packed to the brim with full tannins and lushness. Drink now or hold. Imported by Moët Hennessy USA.
— M.S.
(2/1/2006)
Saturated and dark, with black pepper, leather and boysenberry making for a fully pleasing bouquet. Juicy and serious, with berry and cherry fruit flowing on a wave of dense tannins. Finishes long and chocolaty, with a touch of prune. Layered and likable. Imported by Moët Hennessy USA.
— M.S.
(2/1/2006)