Palacios Remondo Rioja La Vendimia 2018 (3 Bottles)
A blend of half and half Garnacha (aka Grenache) and Tempranillo, the nose is floral with blue/purple/black fruit, ripe tannins, and freshness. Intensity and persistence. If you have only been exposed to over-oaked, dry and tart Rioja, La Vendimia will put you on “reset” as to how delicious Spain’s most famous DOC can be. Some winelover prefer not to decant Grenache or/and Tempranillo. Personally, for La Vendimia 2018, I recommend 15 to 30 minutes.
Alvaro Palacios Petalos 2018 (3 Bottles)
Rated “exceptional”, 2018 is considered by many critics to be better than 2017. Bierzo in north-west Spain is attracting a lot of interest thanks to Alvaro Palacios and other winemakers putting their reputation behind the variety Mencia. The vineyards that supply grapes to Petalos are between 40 and 90 years old!! Fragrant, including violets. Deep, rich, dark cherry fruit of concentration and intensity. Ripe, succulent Rolls Royce tannins. Pour this into a big, round glass and – with family and friends – take sip after sip from the start to as long as you wish. Magic will unfold.
*****