Our second comparison of Ribera del Duero wines resulted in something very unusual: Our preference was for bottles having older vintages, in specific order. That is, our favorite bottle was easily the oldest vintage, followed in second place by one five years younger, then third place by one four years more recent. And so on. […]
Ribera del Duero Battle #2 Read More »
Team Rioja for the win! The April tasting was a battle between the three top Spanish appellations for Tempranillo, with bottles representing Ribera del Duero, Rioja, and Toro. While our favorite wine turned out to be a relative value from Ribera del Duero, it was Rioja that came out on top with the most votes
Types of Tempranillo Read More »
We changed up the format for the July tasting by sampling six completely different white wines, rather than the usual comparison of one grape or appellation. Six distinct appellations were represented, and we were happy with the diversity displayed in our glasses. Most did express a common note of minerality, however. None were expensive.
Spanish White Battle #2 Read More »
Anticipation for this tasting was high, since Priorat reds are among our best-loved categories of wines, and because it had been since April 2016 that we compared six bottles in our blind format. Priorat reds have an exceptional combination of power, concentration, and terroir that we find irresistible. Grown in a rugged, remote area of Catalunya
Clash of the Priorat Reds #4 Read More »
This was our second comparison of Albariño bottlings (the first was in July 2009), and we concluded that not only are these tasty, food friendly summer sippers, they are also excellent values. While the top two bottles were the most expensive of the night, they were a very reasonable $18, and all bottles deserved some praise,
Albariño Scuffle #2 Read More »
Dominated by the Tempranillo grape (also known as Tinto Fino in this part of Spain), this was our first comparison of Ribera del Duero wines. We came away pleased with our top wines, though our bottom entry was among the very worst bottles we’ve ever tried. Ali did not admire these as much as
Ribera del Duero Battle Read More »
In a slight departure from our usual format, the August tasting was more of a cross-section of white wines from all over Spain, including a very tart bottle of Txakoli to inviting Verdejo-based wines. Everyone was happy with our top three bottles, showing very good balance of freshness and fruit, with easygoing prices that
Spanish White Battle Read More »
This was only our second Rioja tasting in the many years we have been doing these (the last was in February 2007). In a rather unusual occurrence, two tasters brought the exact same wine (even purchased at the same store), with another taster bringing the same wine, but different vintage. This was surprising, since there is
Regular readers of davidjohnhansen.com already know that we’re huge fans of the wines from Spain’s Priorat. Last compared in January 2012, this appellation continued its run of excellence, with impressive aromatics, depth of flavor, and striking texture. The night’s winner was an astonishing value and a unanimous favorite, displaying everything that we love about Priorat
Clash of the Priorat Reds #3 Read More »
This was our third tasting of Catalan reds (we’ve done Priorat twice), and these wines continued to impress for their dense, masculine qualities and overall harmony. All improved with air, and none were very expensive, especially compared to the high prices bottles of Priorat get these days. While there was a clear winner, all