First off, hats off to Jason for working so hard to find the wine that might make the “Pick of The Month”. His tenacity and confidence is inspiring. He came to my office a couple of times in December with some very good wines, and one of them stood out to me in a special way. You see, a wine has to have a number of things to qualify as a pick for the month. Generally it has to be under fifteen bucks… (check). The wine has to show excellent qpr (quality-to-price ratio)… (check). It should appeal to at least 80% of my customers… (check). Finally, I have to feel it will stand out compared to other wines I have featured around the store…(check). My pick for this month shines in all these categories.
2011 Fincas de Landaluce Crianza (Rioja, Spain)… $13.
There are three sub-regions in Rioja, located in North Central Spain. Rioja Baja, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Each of these regions display different characteristics in the wines that come from them. This crianza from Landaluce hails from Rioja Alavesa. This region is maritime-influenced with the highest rainfall of the three. The Tempranillo grape dominates and the soils are chalky, producing wines with a lot of finesse. This wine might break the mold from this area.
100% Tempranillo from vines that are 20-40 years old and aged for 12 months in French oak, in an area where American oak dominates. The results of this treatment are outstanding. Aromas of rose petals, violets, old leather, cherries and hits of cranberries. Plush on the palate yet restrained at the same time. Creamy tannins support notes of ripe currants and a boat-load of baking spices. Leather and mineral notes show up on the mid-palate leading into a finish of cinnamon and ripe currants with a hit of tobacco and tar. There is just a touch of grip on the back-end. This is pretty powerful Tempranillo from an area known to produce wines with finesse. It reminds me a lot of a Napa cab with some old world attitude. I think this baby might hit the 90% customer appeal bracket. The price is stupid for what you get. (A-)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
