Featured Wines - January 2005

Deep, rich, corpulent, and profoundly structured, the 2002 Three Valleys Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine to ward off the chill of a cold winter’s night. Upon first airing, this Australian rendition of “Bordeaux visits Hermitage” exhibits a ripe core of blackberry, angostura, and finely fired barrel that captivates the senses. In addition, oodles of layered fruit lay over textured tannins and a boatload of flavor in this comely beauty. With ad...

Bold, brilliant, and pointed, the 2003 Morgadío Albariño Rías Baixas is one grand statement of a wine. Dry, pure, and hauntingly scented, this remarkable white wine exhibits light clean fruit, overt minerality, and a crisp fresh finish. Although somewhat ethereal and difficult to label, one thing is certain; in no way does the 2003 Morgadío Albariño resemble the fruity oak infused confections that many New World producers label as Chardonnay nor ...

A delightful blend of Monastrell, more commonly known as Mourvèdre (50%), Merlot (30%), and Tempranillo (20%), the 2003 Muri Veteres showcases the attributes of Jumilla: charm, flavor, and a youthful exuberance that is hard to beat. Yet, so majestically colored in a royal purple robe, one could easily expect a tannic monster whose only attributes are power and strength, but the Muri Veteres quickly disarms the wary taster with a hedonistic set of...