2004 Espelt Saulo

[dananne]

Another Spanish winner. This 60/40 blend of Garnacha and Carinena (aka Grenache and Carignane) from the Emporda region offers wonderful value. Deep color that borders on purple, dark fruit and cranberry aromas. Blackberry, plum, and black cherry flavors are delivered with a nice earthy rusticity, and the whole package is wrapped in dusty tannins that should begin softening in the next year or two. Finish adds a bit of brambly spices. Alc. a reasonable 13%. Sure worth the $8 I paid after a case discount at Whole Foods. Spash decant or give it a year or so in the cellar. Anne was very enthusiastic about it and found it to be great P/Q.

[brappy]

Dan, I'm not familiar with this region. Is it in the Northwest of Spain.... or where?

mark

[dananne]

It's located in the northeastern corner of Catalonia, extending right up towards the French border and the French AOCs of Cotes du Roussillon and Banyuls. It's been known in the past for rose wines and a sweet red called Garnatxa (made from sun-dried grapes on mats), but they're now experimenting more with red varieties such as Syrah, Cab, and Tempranillo.