offbeat spanish reds tasting

[Duane Meissner]

with some cheating (a rosado and a white dessert wine).

Prices in Euro

2008 Macia Battle Rosado (Callet and Manto Negro) 8.90
2006 Bodega Mustiguillo, Mestizaja (70% Bobal) 11.90
2005 Bodegas Ribera de Pelazas, Abandengo (Juan Garcia) 10.90
2006 Bodegas Descendientes de Jose Palacios, Petalos del Bierzo (Mencia) 13.90
2005 Bodegas Guelbenzu, La Lombana Graciano 7.90
1927 Alvear, Pegro Ximenez Solera 16.90 (500ml)

Nothing exceptional here, but a very interesting tasting (which is what I was looking for). I have only tried a small handful of rosados before - not much of a fan - but this one was quite nice. The Mestizaja and Abandengo tasted much like traditional blends, but were quite nice, especially the latter, which reminded me of a left bank Bordeaux (great for the price). The Petalos de Bierzo was very interesting, not displaying much fruit, but plenty of something else (floral? chemical? mineral?). Not off-putting. The graciano was unique, but not particularly pleasant. It gave off more tobacco on the palate than any other wine I have ever tried, and was quite tart. It was the only wine that nobody picked as a favorite for the night. The Pedro Ximenez was delicious - the typical sweet syrupy goodness of raisins, figs, dates, and nuts.

[winoweenie]

Looks like your not only getting an education but are REALLY getting an education. Attaboy! WW

[VouvrayHead]

I really like that Bierzo. Blueberry and flowers all the way.