Sardon De Duero Rivola

[Innkeeper]

2001 Sardon De Duero, Abadia Retuerta, Rivola ($10 Blue Hill Wine Shop). Another great Spaniard. This one is made from 60% tempranillo and 40% cabernet sauvignon. Purple, purple, purple; could not be more. Intense berry aromas on the nose, and flavors up front. Nice earthy notes in the complexity, hints of vanilla (a.k.a. oak), and smooooth tannin across the palate, and a very pleasant finish.

Matched with sliced roasted leg of lamb, warmed up in gravy; roasted (in OO) baby yellow Yukon potatoes, and limas. Very, very nice.

[dananne]

I've not had the '01 yet, but I just loved the '99 and '00. They must be doing something right! I always keep some Rivola on hand and never fail to surprise folks that it's a $10 dollar wine.

Though somewhat atypical, they make a "Selection Especial" that is very dense and concentrated. More "New World" style. Decent, also, but not a QPR choice when the Rivola is half the price.