Spain Bodegas P - R. By Derek Smedley MW. Last Updated 2/26/2017

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1 Spain Bodegas P - R By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 2/26/2017 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Bodegas Paco Garcia... 5 Rioja... 5 Palacios Remondo... 5 Rioja... 5 Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes... 6 Rais Baixas... 6 Bodegas Palacio de la Vega... 6 Navarra... 6 Papet del Mas... 7 Penedès... 7 HNOS Paramo Arroyo... 7 Ribera del Duero... 7 Cellar Pasanau... 8 Priorat... 8 Federico Paternina... 8 Rioja... 8 Pazo de Señoráns... 8 Rais Baixas... 8 Pazo de Villarei... 9 Rais Baixas... 9 Castillo Perelada... 9 Penedés... 9 Bodegas Perica Rioja Pesquera Ribera del Duero Piggy Bank Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Extremadura Pingus Ribera del Duero Bodegas Pinna Fidelis Ribera del Duero Bodegas Pintia Toro Bodegas Pirineos Somontano Portal de Montsant Monsant Protos Ribera del Duero & Rueda Rafael Palacios Valdeorras Bodegas Ramón Bilbao Rioja Viña Real Rioja Remelluri Rioja Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza Rioja Rincón de Navas Rioja La Rioja Alta Rioja Marqués de Riscal Rioja & Rueda Bodegas Roda Rioja Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Bodega Roqueta Catalunya Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Spain Bodegas P - R Date & place of tasting shown in italics Growers / Wineries are in alphabetical order with area underneath Bodegas Paco Garcia Murillo de Rio Leza Rioja Seis Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 The nose has richness and depth and the start of the palate is fleshy yet under the richness red fruits refresh lighten but there is more depth richer flavours on the back palate and finish. Crianza Tempranillo 90% Graciano 10% Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 Violets, spring flowers, mint give a lovely fragrance on the nose and the start of the palate has fresh fruits. The mid palate is richer depth power black fruits chocolate with the mix of fruits lingering on the finish. Palacios Remondo Alfaro Rioja La Montesa Garnacha Tinta 60% Tempranillo 30% Mazuelo 10% Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 The nose has a peppery freshness red fruits and dried herbs. There is depth of flavour on the palate mulberry hints of coffee but at the back the lighter fresher red fruits dominate and the finish has cloves and spices lots of interest. La Montesa Tasted at Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 07, 2012 SPAIN The nose has rich fruit the palate starts with sweet black fruits but there is an underlying freshness red cherry and mulberry and although it fills out at the back the finish is fresh light with a hint of black pepper. Rioja Vendimia Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians March 2016 Bright and fresh on the nose the palate has a mix of red fruits fresh at the start sweeter in the middle The richness and sweetness on the back palate is under pinned by peppery red fruited freshness Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes Rais Baixas White Wines Albariño de Fefiñanes Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting October 2014 Tasted in Clophill March 2015 The nose has a citrusy freshness and there is a mix of lime and lemon on the start of the palate. Tropical fruits give more depth in the middle but the citrus mix at the back gives a lively freshness. Bodegas Palacio de la Vega Dicastillo Navarra White Wines Chardonnay The oak is very obvious and tends to overpower the fruit on the nose. There is sweetness of fruit on the palate a mix of melon and greengage but the oak comes through strongly on the back palate and hides the fruit. Chardonnay Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting London March 2014 Fresh on the nose the palate has richer flavours greengage and melon. The sweetness on the mid palate is underpinned by lime and apple giving a lighter finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Tempranillo 50% Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting London March 2014 The nose is light with a mix of flavours some red cherry backed by bilberry freshness. The palate lacks real heart and the flavours at the back have a green herbal twist. Conde de la Vega del Pozo Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Merlot 50% The nose has lots of blackcurrants and the palate starts with the firmness of black cherry. It is beginning to show maturity with a strong leafy nuttiness showing towards the back. Papet del Mas Penedès Sparkling Wines Brut Cava NV 90 Tasted at the Carlton Club February 2015 The nose has a racy freshness the start of the palate is lime dominated. Firm in the middle with a touch of sweetness at the back the finish is light fresh and floral. HNOS Paramo Arroyo Ribera del Duero Eremus Joven Tasted at the Ribera del Duero tasting London October 2014 The nose is light fresh red fruited and the palate is very fruity with a mix of raspberry and strawberry. There is some mid sweetness but at the back freshness takes over the finish light with a red fruited mix. Eremus Roble Tasted at the Ribera del Duero tasting London October 2014 Red fruits tend to dominate the nose perfumed and fragrant. The palate is sweet quite rich in the middle but at the back it feels firmer the finish slightly tight. 7 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Eremus Crianza Tasted at the Ribera del Duero tasting London October 2014 The nose has a mix of flavours some bramble some red cherry quite fresh but the palate is sweeter with a good mid depth. Fresher at the back with quite a strong bramble character the finish though has more depth richness and sweetness. Cellar Pasanau La Morera de Montsant Priorat Ceps Nous Cariñena Garnacha /Merlot Tasted at the Wines from Spain Tasting London March 2008 Although the fruit on the nose feels sweet it tends to be overtaken by high acidity and rather aggressive tannins. Some black fruit pushes through on the mid palate but the firm tannins take over drying the finish. Federico Paternina Ollauri Rioja Reserva Tempranillo 85% Garnacha 15% Tasted at Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October 2016 A hint of maturity on the nose adds complexity the start of the palate is firm and fresh but there is sweet fruit a mid richness. Slightly lighter at the back yet the finish has depth with rich black fruits. Pazo de Señoráns Vilanoviña Rais Baixas White Wines Albariño Tasted in Spain May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 SPAIN August 07, 2012 There is a lovely mix of fruits on the nose first tropical fruits then fleshier grapefruit underpinned by racy lime and lemon. The freshness is so well balanced by some sweetness. Pazo de Villarei Pontevedra Rais Baixas White Wines Abadia do Seixo Albariño Tasted in Lilley March 2014 Tasted at the LWF June 2014 Tangerines and apricots give a lovely rich mix on the nose and the palate starts with some honeyed flavours. The mid palate is lean very fresh with a mix of citrus fruits lime and lemon with a hint of grapefruit. The back palate like the start is fuller a touch of honey but the finish has a lovely racy freshness. Abadia do Seixo Albariño Tasted at Lincoln s Inn February 2015 Lime fresh on the nose the palate starts light and crisp. Slightly richer in the middle more of a grapefruit character just a hint of sweetness but at the back lime and lemon are very much in evidence refreshing the finish. Albariño Villarei Tasted at the SITT tasting London February 2015 The nose has depth the palate starts with pineapple richness fleshy and rich. Under the sweet fruit lime and lemon refresh the back palate lighter the finish racy and long. Sacrima Mencia Tasted at the LWF Kensington Olympia May 2015 Bright and fresh on the nose the palate has a black and red autumn fruit mix. Sweet in the middle there is mid depth with fresh fruit at the back giving brightness on the finish. Castillo Perelada Perelada Penedés Sparkling Wines Cava Castell d Olèrdola Brut 88 Macabeo Xarel-Lo Parellada 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Tasted in Lilley July 2012 The ripe melon on the nose fills it out and the palate has the same sweetness of fruit at the start. The mid palate is fresher lots of grapefruit and this gives a slightly lighter crisper feel to the finish. Bodegas Perica Rioja Perica Oro Tempranillo 95% Graciano 5% Tasted at Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October 2016 Bright fresh the nose has red fruited fragrances the start of the palate is fresh and light. Ripe wild strawberry gives richness and sweetness in the middle fleshy at the back with depth of fruit on the finish. Pesquera Pesquera Ribera del Duero Pesquera Tempranillo Tasted in Spain October 2011 The nose has a good depth of flavour lots of sweet black plum and although the palate is supple and fleshy with ripe rounded tannins the reds fruits that show underneath refresh, lighten and give a lovely elegant feel. There is real complexity coming from the layers of fruit power and richness of flavour yet the balancing freshness of red cherry. Tasted in Lilley June The nose is rich and ripe black plum and black cherry. Supple and fleshy on the palate rich fruit depth the tannins discreet the layers of fruit give complexity. There is some bramble freshness a perfect balance with the sweet ripe fruit giving fleshy richness on the finish. Pesquera Crianza Tasted at the Condado de Haza winery May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 SPAIN August 07, 2012 The nose has the depth and richness of ripe black fruits lovely and sweet. The ripe fleshy fruit is further enriched by rounded tannins and but there are red fruits in the background balancing the sweetness and giving a slightly fresher feel to the finish. Pesquera Crianza Tasted in Spain May 2010 The black fruits on the nose feel ripe giving sweetness. The ripe fleshy fruit is enriched by rounded tannins and although there are red fruits to balance the finish has an attractive lush feel. Pesquera Crianza Tasted in Leathersellers Hall May 2016 Rich and ripe the nose has depth the start of the palate sweet. Layers of flavour red fruits then black fruits richness balanced by freshness. Sweet ripe fleshy supple at the back the finish has depth and length. Tinto Pesquera Reserva Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) 100% Pesquera de Duero Tasted at Condado de Haza October2012 Black cherry some cassis and black plum gives richness on the nose and depth concentration of flavour on the palate. The mid palate is profound full of rich fruit the concentrated power balanced by freshness a mix of bramble and mulberry. Pesquera Grand Reserva Tasted at Innholders Hall February 2015 The fruit feels ripe the nose has depth and the palate a rich mix of mainly black fruits. Fine rounded tannins help the mid richness the powerful mix of black fruits backed by fresher reds. Lighter on the back palate yet a rich mix of fruits give power and depth on the finish. Janus Gran Reserva Tasted at the Condado de Haza winery May 2010 The power of the black fruits enriches the nose and gives weight on the palate. Behind the black are red fruits, red cherry and redcurrant that refresh and lighten ensuring that the finish has length and charm. Piggy Bank Extremadura White Wines Verdejo Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon Tasted in Lilley August 2012 Winemaker Norrel Robertson MW The nose has the generosity of ripe apricot and this sweetness of flavour fills out the start of the palate. Behind the richness apple and grapefruit refresh lifting the flavours and although the finish has some crisp apple it is balanced by some richer apricot and pear. Tempranillo Extremadura Tasted in Lilley August 2012 Winemaker Norrel Robertson MW Ripe hedgerow berries fill out the nose and give a sweet rich start to the palate. Blackberry and black plum intermingle with red cherry all backed by a herbal leafiness. The sweetness of the nose fills out the back palate but the finish has a spicy peppery freshness. Pingus Ribera del Duero Psi Peter Sisseck Tasted at Corney & Barrow tasting October 2013 The nose is rich the fruit is sweet lots of black fruits. The richness of the flavours fills out the mid palate supple fleshiness but under the dominant black fruits there are hints of red that give a slightly lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Flor de Pingus Tasted at Corney & Barrow tasting October 2013 The nose has a complex mix of flavours some rich black cherry with fresher redcurrant. Ripe fruit gives a fleshy richness in the middle underpinned by vibrant red fruits. Rounded tannins add to the suppleness with lots of powerful flavours enriching the back palate and finish. Bodegas Pinna Fidelis Ribera del Duero Pinna Fidelis Roble Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2013 The red fruited mix gives lots of interest fresh on the start of the palate but richer and sweeter in the middle. Red cherry firmness is supported by ripe tannins and it fills out towards the back with sweeter flavours. The finish has a touch of oak spice. Bodegas Pintia San Roman de Hornija Toro Pintia Tinto de Toro 100% The nose is firm the tannins on the palate obvious and giving structure. Red cherry comes through towards the back giving fresher feel and helping to lighten the fruit power. The finish has all the power and depth of the nose. Pintia Tinto de Toro 100% Tasted at Fields Morris & Verdin March 2013 The nose is quite firm but fresh with a nice mix of red fruits. Red cherry dominates the palate but the black fruited mix that shows towards the back enriches giving more depth and weight of flavour on the finish. Bodegas Pirineos En Barbastro Somontano Montesierra Tempranillo Cabernet Tasted in Lilley September 2010 There is a lot of ripe black fruit on the nose and its sweetness gives a supple fleshiness on the palate. Bramble and cassis are enriched by dark chocolate lovely and supple and although it is very lush there is enough freshness to ensure that it is not cloying. Portal de Montsant Monsant 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Santbru Samsó (Carignan) 80% Garnacha 20% Tasted in the Carlton Club June 2016 Fragrant spring violets the nose is fresh bright with a touch of spice. There is more depth in the middle firm black cherry sloe concentrated flavours. Chocolate rich at the back the finish has a powerful mix of flavours. Protos Peñafiel Ribera del Duero & Rueda White Wines Protos Blanco Rueda Verdejo Tasted in Spain May 2010 Fresh grapefruit brightens up the nose refreshed, crisped up by lime and lemon on the palate. The richer fleshier grapefruit comes through again giving some weight on the finish Protos Red Tasted in Spain May 2010 Wild cherry packs out the nose and gives richness on the palate. The tannins are ripe adding to the fleshiness more of a black plum character shows through on the finish. Protos Selección Tinto Fino Tasted in Spain October 2011 The nose although quite light has some charm and as the red fruits seem to dominate the palate is lacks a bit of richness. Sweeter more black fruited flavours fill out the back palate and give some richness on the finish. Protos Roble Tinta del Pais Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting October 2014 The nose has depth with ripe fruit a strong black fruit character. The mid richness is underpinned by red cherry slightly lighter and fresher at the back but the finish has depth and structure. Protos Crianza Tasted at the Ribera del Duero tasting London October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Light fresh the nose is red fruited and the palate has as strong red cherry character. The mid palate is firm with quite obvious tannins and although slightly sweeter at the back the finish tends to dry. Protos Reserva Tasted at the Ribera del Duero tasting London October 2014 The fruit is quite ripe the nose has sweet fruit the start of the palate rich with black fruits. Red fruits at the back balance add some complexity the riper feeling black fruits giving flesh a rich feel to the finish. Rafael Palacios Valdeorras White Wines Bolo Godello Tasted in Lilley March 2014 Lime and lemon gives a racy freshness crisp on the nose and the palate has mineral precision. It fills out in the middle apricots and pineapple the richness underpinned by fresher flavours and there is a lovely mineral mix on the finish. The overall feel is bitter sweet excitement. Louro do Bolo Godello 100% Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting October 2014 Sweet ripe fruit gives a fleshy richness on the nose and the start of the palate is sweet fruited. Slightly fresher at the back the finish though tends to be quite firm and short. Bodegas Ramón Bilbao Haro Rioja White Wines Monte Llano Rioja Blanco Viura 100% The nose is quite sweet with a white peach greengage character. The palate has a rich feel at the start then behind citric freshness that gives a lighter feel to the finish. Monte Llano Rioja Blanco Viura 100% Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 07, 2012 SPAIN The nose is quite tight but there are sweeter flavours on the palate peaches some pear the richness balanced by citric freshness that gives a lighter bright feel to the finish. Algareiro Albariño Rais Baixas Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 The nose is quite rich the fruit on the start of the palate sweet but towards the back citrus refreshes yet the finish has grapefruit fleshiness. Volteo Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc Verdejo 60% Sauvignon Blanc 40% Castillo y León Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 The nose is fresh limes and gooseberries but the palate is sweeter with some tropical fruits under the freshness. The finish is a bit bland slightly lacking in character. Monte Blanco Rueda Verdejo Tasted in Lincoln s Inn March 2016 Depth on the nose ripe fruit the palate has greengage richness yet there is balance underlying herbal freshness. Rich and ripe breadth of flavour at the back the finish though lighter with fresh apple. Monte Llano Rioja Tinto The red cherry nose is fresh but the palate feels richer with some sweet flavours. It lacks complexity and the fruit fades a bit on the finish. Monte Llano Rioja Tinto Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting London March 2014 Red fruited on the nose the palate is light and fresh at the start. There is a little more weight in the middle but it is lacking in complexity and the finish is quite light and grassy. Monte Llano Rioja Tinto Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November 2015 Fresh on the nose the start of the palate has a mix of red fruits the mid palate light and fresh. There is more depth of fruit at the back a hint of sweetness but the finish is firm and short the whole lacks complexity. Rioja Crianza Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 SPAIN August 07, 2012 The nose has a red fruit influence with strawberry richness backed by red cherry freshness on the palate. There are layers of flavour an attractive complexity with sweeter fruit coming through towards the back. Rioja Crianza Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting London March 2014 Strawberry gives richness and depth on the nose and the palate is sweet fruited. Firmer at the back the tannins are still quite obvious and tighten the finish. Edición Limitada Rioja Crianza Tasted at Lincoln s Inn February 2011 The mix of fruits is backed by lovely fragrances. Fresh red fruits tend to dominate the start of the palate but behind enriching the middle are fleshier black. The layers of flavour give complexity with the oak that shows towards the back spicing up the finish. Edición Limitada Rioja Crianza Tasted at Girdlers Hall TFB 150 th Dinner November 2012 The nose is sweet fruited with more of a red character than black. Ripe strawberry gives richness at the start backed by a mix of bramble and black cherry. The flavours last well on the finish. Edición Limitada Rioja Crianza Tasted at Lincoln s Inn March 2013 The nose is very firm and the start of the palate quite tight. Red fruits are very much in evidence fresh and firm the sweetness rather held back by the firm tannins. Towards the back it tends to be rather dry and lacking in length. Edición Limitada Rioja Crianza Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting London March 2014 Although the nose is firm there is sweet fruit underneath and the palate is rich with a mix of red and black fruits. The mid sweetness is rather overshadowed by the tannins that show at the back and tend to close down the finish. Edición Limitada Rioja Crianza Tasted at Innholders Hall February 2015 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Ripe red fruits give depth and richness on the nose the start of the palate sweet fruited. There is mid freshness with more red fruits in evidence a complex mix of flavours. Sweet at the back the finish has ripe fruit and depth of flavour. Rioja Reserva Tasted at the Ellis tasting London February 2011 The nose is packed with concentrated fruit and this powerful mix gives weight on the palate. Black fruits dominate but there are red fruits in evidence giving a lighter fresher feel towards the back. The layers of fruit give lots of complexity. Rioja Reserva The nose has a good mix of flavours quite rich and sweet. Blackberry and cassis are underpinned by mulberry and raspberry layers of flavour. The sweetness towards the back is well balanced by red fruit freshness. Tasted in Haro October The nose has lots of sweet plum and the fruit on the palate is chunky and chewy. Towards the back some fresher bramble helps to relieve the power but the firm cherry takes over on the back palate. It is all a bit old style and rustic. Rioja Reserva Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting London March 2014 The nose is tight and the start of the palate very firm. The black fruits on the mid palate give a little more depth a slightly richer feel and there is sweetness on the back palate. Rioja Gran Reserva The nose is misleading as it appears to be very rich but the palate is leaner red fruited quite light the fruit underpinned by firm tannins that tend to dry the back palate and shorten the finish. Rioja Gran Reserva Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 The fruit is rather overpowered by oak the nose tight and the start of palate tight. There is sweet fruit in the middle but the tannins are obvious drying and the oak very apparent on the finish. Rioja Gran Reserva Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians January Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Concentrated black fruits the nose has depth the start of the palate is rich and ripe mid sweetness. Firmer at the back the tannins support but feel ripe with ripe black fruits coming through enriching the back palate and finish. Rioja Special Cuvée Mirto The nose is a bit tight and the fruit on the palate is held back by firm tannins. The sweetness that comes through towards the back tends to be overpowered by the tannic firmness and the finish is dry and slightly dusty. Rioja Special Cuvée Mirto Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 Sweet ripe fruit gives richness on the nose and a fleshy start to the palate. The supple richness on the mid palate is balanced by red fruited freshness layers of flavour the feel of complexity. There is a nice weight of flavour packing out the back palate. Vinedos de Altura Garnacha 50% Tempranillo 50% Tasted qt Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October 2016 The nose has sweet ripe black fruits the palate a mix of black plum and black cherry. Fresh fruit gives a lighter feel to the mid palate the back palate has red fruits and bramble a complex mix but there is sweet rich fruit on the finish. Viña Real Laguardia Rioja Crianza Tasted in Haro October 2012 There is a lot of very fresh fruit on the nose with a mix of bramble and red cherry on the palate. The mid palate lacks real depth and although slightly richer towards the back the finish is very light. Reserva Tempranillo Garnacha Graciano Tasted in Haro October 2012 Fresh red cherry is backed by richer sweeter black fruits. The palate has layers of flavour the freshness of red cherry underpinned by slightly richer sweeter bramble. Although the tannins are quite firm they feel ripe 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Remelluri Labastida Rioja White Wines Blanco Viognier Moscatel Garnacha Blanca Chardonnay Sauvignon Roussanne Marsanne Petit Courbut Tasted in Spain October 2011 Wild herbs are very much in evidence on the nose backed by wild flowers. Rich greengage on the palate is underpinned by freshness some apple and grapefruit with a mineral streak towards the back. White peach comes through giving a richer feel on the finish. Blanco Nine different grapes Tasted at the winery October 2012 Although the nose has some lovely honeysuckle fragrances it is rich and full with lots of greengage. The palate is rich in the middle melon sweet but towards the back there is an appealing freshness lime, grapefruit and apple with the mix of fruits giving lots of complexity. Blanco Viognier Moscatel Garnacha Blanca Chardonnay Sauvignon Roussanne Marsanne Petit Courbut Tasted in Spain October 2011 The nose has a great mix of flavours floral and wild herb. There is fruit sweetness with freshness coming through towards the back. Lindes de Remelluri Tempranillo Grenache Graciano Viura Tasted at the winery October 2012 There is a nice mix of fruits on the nose with some fresh mulberry and richer sweeter black sloe. The ripeness of the flavours that fill out the mid palate and the hint of liquorice are backed by lighter fresher red fruits towards the back. Reserva Tempranillo Garnacha Graciano Viura Malvasia Tasted at the winery October 2012 The mainly red fruit on the nose has a peppery spiciness with the black fruits giving a richer feel to the palate. The tannins feel ripe the sweet fruit filling out the mid palate and the finish is deep rich and full of flavour. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Reserva Tempranillo Garnacha Graciano Viura Malvasia Tasted at the winery October 2012 The nose is deep brooding full of ripe fruit with more black fruit than red. Rounded tannins help the fleshy suppleness of the mid palate the richness of the fruit fills out the back palate the power of the black fruits modified by some wild strawberry freshness that lightens and lengthens the finish. Reserva Tempranillo 80% Garnacha 15 % Graciano 5% (small % Viura Malvasia) Tasted in Spain October 2011 The nose has a rich mix of flavours first red fruits then fuller black. The rounded tannins ensure suppleness on the palate the richness fleshiness balanced by the red cherry that comes through towards the back. Tasted at the winery October (out of magnum) The fruit on the nose is rich ripe sweet with a lovely mix of red and black flavours. The mid palate is supple with rounded tannins fleshy packed with fruit the richness of black plum balanced by fresher red cherry and bramble. The richness of the flavours the suppleness fleshes out the back palate and the finish. Reserva Tempranillo 80% Garnacha 15 % Graciano 5% Tasted in Spain October 2011 There are more black fruits in evidence than red and these fill out the nose and give a rich start to the palate. The sweetness is balanced by some freshness some structured tannins but towards the back the sweet fruit shows through giving a fleshy richness to the back palate. Reserva Tempranillo 80% Garnacha 15 % Graciano 5% Tasted in Spain October 2011 The nose is quite open full of rich flavours and a mix of black and red fruits. Rounded tannins ensure that the palate is supple and fleshy with under the richness the freshness of red cherry balancing. It finishes with a powerful mix of flavours. Tasted at the winery October The fruit on the nose is rich ripe with a mix of red and black fruits. The black fruits dominate the start of the palate but behind are richer red lots of ripe strawberry. The tannins are rounded the palate supple fleshy with a lovely depth of flavour and although there is a fresher feel towards the back the finish is full of sweet fruit. Gran Reserva Tempranillo 90% Garnacha 5 % Graciano 5% 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Tasted in Spain October 2011 The fragrance freshness of red fruits is very much in evidence on the nose and although there is more depth and richness at the start of the palate the nuttiness of maturity gives a lighter more fragrant feel towards the back. Tasted at the winery October The nose is deep brooding black fruited but it is overlaid by a herbal smokiness. Black cherry and liquorice fill out the mid palate the richness of the flavour underpinned by firm tannins. The powerful mix of fruits is there on the back palate and the finish is lighter with some mulberry and red cherry. Gran Reserva Tempranillo 90% Garnacha 5 % Graciano 5% Tasted in Spain October 2011 Although the nose is deep and brooding there is some freshness coming from the red cherry that shows towards the back. The mid palate is rich and sweet fruited packed with dark plums this balanced by the fresher bramble on the finish. Out of cask Tempranillo 2011 Tasted at the winery October 2012 The nose is fragrant very red cherry in character with richer sweeter fruit filling out the mid and back palate. The tannins although firm are fine giving good structure and there is lovely sweet fruit at the back. Tempranillo Garnacha Graciano Mazuelo 2011 Tasted at the winery October 2012 Bramble tends to dominate but under it is red cherry quite fresh and spicy. The tannins are rounded with the sweetness of the black fruits showing through. The finish is herbal spicy with bramble and mulberry layers of fruit. Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza Samaniego Rioja Reserva Tempranillo 85% Graciano 10% Viura & Malvasia 5% Tasted at Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Depth on the nose the fruit is sweet and ripe the start of the palate has a rich mix of flavours. Velvety smooth in the middle a hint of bramble freshness underneath the finish has depth rich black fruits. Rincón de Navas Lagunilla Rioja Rioja Reserva Tasted in Lilley March 2010 The nose has the richness of black fruits all quite sweet. Bramble and black cherry give a richness of flavour on the palate with under the power some attractive fresher red cherry. The hint of oak on the back palate adds a spice character. La Rioja Alta Haro Rioja Viña Arana Reserva Tempranillo 95% Mazuelo 5% Tasted in Spain May 2010 The fragrant mix of red fruits and bilberry are attractively fragrant. There is sweetness on the mid palate but a drier nutty mature character on the long finish. Tasted in Spain October The nose has sweet fruit and this is there at the start of the palate quite rich and fleshy. The mid palate is slightly lighter and has some freshness with towards the back the nuttiness of maturity beginning to show. Viña Ardanza Reserva Espécial Tempranillo 80% Garnacha 20% Tasted in Spain October 2011 The ripe red fruits are underpinned by black lots of different flavours giving interest. The palate starts quite light with red fruited freshness but there are fuller flavours behind giving a richer feel to the mid and back palate. The finish is stylish and long. Viña Ardanza Reserva Tasted in Haro October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

24 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Cherry seems to dominate the nose but there is more of a black fruit mix showing on the palate. Ripe tannins give suppleness and the bramble and black cherry is ripe and sweet then the red cherry towards the back gives a lighter fresher feel on the finish. Torre de Oña Reserva Tempranillo Mazuelo Tasted at the Wines from Spain tasting October 2014 The nose has the richness of ripe fruit the palate power and depth of flavour. Layers of fruit give complexity first black fruits the slightly fresher red with the rich mix of black cherry and red cherry enriching the back palate. The finish is long with a mix of flavours. Gran Reserva Tasted at the IWC Taste of Gold June 2013 Black fruits feel ripe giving richness on the nose but behind there is the freshness of wild strawberry. The palate has depth of flavour layers of fruit richness yet freshness giving a lighter feel on the back palate. Everything seems in balance with the fruit mix lingering on the long finish. Gran Reserva Tasted at the IWC Taste of Gold June 2013 The nose has a fragrant charm with the freshness of red fruits. The start of the palate lacks a bit of concentration and although it fills out in the middle with black cherry richness the finish is fresher fragrant just lacking a bit of depth. Gran Reserva Tasted at the Quality Chop House Farringdon Road August 2015 The nose is full of black fruits leathery and spicy. The start of the palate is fresh the mid palate rich with sweet fruit, juicy, velvety smooth with old leather and spice giving complexity at the back. The finish has length, elegance and a fragrant charm. Gran Reserva Tempranillo 90% Graciano 10% Tasted qt Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October 2016 The nose has an old leather spice excitement the palate is rich ripe sweet with black cherry and black plum. Supple fleshy the mid palate is velvet smooth firmer at the back the finish has cedar wood and spice, elegance and length. Marqués de Riscal Elciego & Montico Rioja & Rueda White Wines Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

25 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Marqués de Riscal Rueda Verdejo Tasted in Spain May 2010 There is some sweet fruit on both nose and palate peachy and fleshy grapefruit. Towards the back citrus and mineral acidity shows brightening the finish. Marqués de Riscal Rueda Verdejo Tasted in Spain October 2011 Green limes give a racy freshness on the nose and a crisp start to the palate. There some sweeter tropical fruits on the mid palate and although the citrus comes through towards the back the finish has some richness. Marqués de Riscal Rueda Verdejo 85% Viura 15% The crisp citrus of the nose is very much in evidence on the start of the palate but behind are sweet flavours a lovely tropical fruit mix. The finish is fresh quite light and fragrant. Marqués de Riscal Rueda Sauvignon The fruit is fresh lime and lemon in character. The palate is richer with pineapple and tropical fruits but towards the back the citrus takes over giving a racy crispness on the finish. Marqués de Riscal Rueda Finca Montico Verdejo 100% Ripe tropical fruits and pineapple fill out the nose and give a fleshy start to the palate. There is mid freshness a lighter feel but the ripe fruit is there at the back filling out the finish. Marqués de Riscal Rueda Limousin Reserva Verdejo 100% The nose has a lot of spicy oak but behind it pineapple richness gives weight of flavour on the palate. Although the fruit is ripe all quite lush there is enough freshness to balance and bring out the spiciness on the finish. Rosé Wines Rioja Rosado Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

26 August 07, 2012 SPAIN The mix of strawberry and red cherry is quite rich with a hint of mid sweetness. There is freshness towards the back lifting the flavours and giving a lighter feel on the finish Viña Collada Rioja The nose is very tight and the start of the palate firm with structured tannins. Red cherry seems to dominate the whole lacking richness and sweetness of flavour Tempranillo Tempranillo 85% Merlot 7.5% Syrah 7.5% Vin de Table Castilla y Leon The nose has all the freshness of red fruits and the palate starts with the same exuberance. Sweeter flavours give a richer feel in the middle but as the red fruits dominate the finish it has lots of freshness. Marqués de Riscal Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 90% Graciano 10% Tasted in Spain October 2011 The nose is deep profound full of rich fruit. Black fruits dominate yet underpinning there are fresher flavours that give a lighter feel on the back palate. The oak is not obvious but there just a hint a spiciness on the long elegant finish. Marqués de Riscal Reserva Tempranillo Graciano Mazuelo Tasted in Haro October 2012 Although the nose is quite sweet fruited it is light and the freshness of red fruits gives a light start to the palate. The mid palate is richer with ripe blackcurrant and cherry but the finish lacks real substance. Marqués de Riscal Reserva Tempranillo Graciano Mazuelo Tasted at the Carlton Club December 2013 The 2008 Reserva is rich with black fruited depth on the nose and a complex mix of blackberry and black cherry on the palate. The sumptuous richness is balanced by fresher red fruits the finish is long with hints of cedar wood and vanilla. This is the season of game enjoy it with pheasant and it makes a great partner to venison. Marqués de Riscal Reserva Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 26

27 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Tempranillo Graciano Mazuelo Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2014 Bramble a mix of black fruits the nose has richness and the palate depth of flavour. Sweet and fleshy rounded tannins add to the suppleness smooth and polished. There are layers of flavour with Tempranillo dominating but character coming from the Graciano and Mazuelo in the blend. The back palate has depth with a lovely balsamic toasty oak quality on the finish. It is a wine for richer flavours goes well with beef and not daunted by venison. Marqués de Riscal Reserva Tempranillo 90% Graciano 7% Mazuelo3% Tasted at the Carlton Club February 2015 Black fruits dominate the nose sweet the palate rich with depth of flavour. Supple and fleshy with rounded tannins the mid palate is smooth and polished. Tempranillo is the dominant grape yet the small percentage of Graciano and Mazuelo adds complexity with at the back the richness of the toasty oak. Rioja 150 th Anniversary Gran Reserva Tempranillo Graciano There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose with the black fruit mix feeling ripe. The mid palate has chocolate richness lots of cassis and black cherry with towards the back spice cinnamon and nutmeg with oak adding to the complexity on the finish. Barón de Chirel Reserva Tempranillo Others The nose is very black fruit driven with a mix of rich cassis and black cherry and fresher bilberry. The sweetness at the start is balanced by freshness which brings out the oak spiciness on the finish. Marqués de Ariénzo Crianza Red fruits are to the fore on both nose and palate lovely and fresh. Behind there are rich sweet fruits giving more power on the mid palate the fleshiness helped by ripe rounded tannins. The red fruits show through towards the back bringing the spice and black pepper very much into focus. Bodegas Roda Haro Rioja 27 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

28 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Roda Tempranillo 97% Graciano 3% Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The nose is packed with rich fruit and the weight of fruit gives a chunky start to the palate. Black cherry and bramble are backed by slightly fresher red cherry, layers of flavour that give complexity. The tannins are rounded giving suppleness and the back palate has a subtle hint of oak. Tasted in Spain October The ripeness of the fruit gives a fleshy richness on the nose and a generous suppleness on the palate. The mix of black plum and black cherry is backed by ripe strawberry lovely and rich then towards the back some freshness comes through balancing and lifting the flavours. The finish is plush packed with supple fruit. Roda Tempranillo 89% Garnacha Tinta 8% Graciano 3% The ripeness of the fruit gives a fleshy richness on both nose and palate. The mix of flavours blackberry and black cherry backed by wild strawberry and mulberry gives lots of interest. The tannins feel ripe the palate velvety and supple. Roda Sela Tempranillo 95% Graciano 5% Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 The nose has the richness of ripe fruit and the start of the palate is fleshy and lush. The richer sweeter black fruits are backed by fresh red cherry and mulberry the layers of flavour giving complexity and interest. It fills out on the back palate fleshy deep the ripe fruit enriching the finish. Roda Sela Tempranillo 98% Others 2% Tasted qt Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October 2016 The fruit is ripe the nose has depth the palate fleshy black fruits opulent and lush. Behind the black fruits red lighten and refresh red cherry some mulberry layers of complex flavours. The back palate has depth sweetness rich and ripe. Roda Reserva Tempranillo 90% Graciano 6% Garnacha Tinta 4% Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 The nose has a brooding black fruited depth and the palate has the richness of ripe fruit. Black fruits tend to dominate at first but under the powerful mix of flavours there is a balancing red fruited freshness red cherry some wild strawberry layers of complexity. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 28

29 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June The nose has black fruited depth the palate lots of brooding powerful flavours. There are fresh fruits some bramble that gives a lighter feel at the back but the finish is rich with ripe black cherries. Roda Reserva Tempranillo 91% Graciano 8% Garnacha 1% Tasted qt Rioja 10 x 10 Banking Hall London October 2016 Ripe black fruits the nose has a mix of flavours the palate starts with brooding richness layers of black cherry and blackberry. There is mid freshness lighter and brighter at the back stylish the finish though is fleshy, rich with depth of flavour. Roda Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The nuttiness of maturity shows through on the nose but behind it is rich fruit very black fruit in character. The rich flavours are backed by freshness with hazel nuts and almonds helping complexity. The finish is lighter with an elegant leafy charm Roda Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The nose is profound and deep lots of rich flavours. Black fruited power enriches the palate the black cherry, bramble and red cherry all backed by the spiciness of oak. Although powerful rich flavours pack out the back palate there is an underlying freshness. Roda Tasted in Spain October 2011 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose with a mix of black and red cherry. The mid palate has layers of flavour an attractive complexity with black fruited richness filling out the back palate. Roda Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 There is power of flavour depth of fruit on the nose and this richness fills out the start to the palate. The fruit is ripe enriching the mid palate and although bramble and black cherry are very much in evidence there is fresher red cherry on the back palate and finish. Tasted in Haro October There is a brooding power on the nose a mass of bramble, black cherry and damson. The richness of the fruit fills out the palate and although the tannins give structure their ripeness ensures that the rich flavours show through and fill out the back palate. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June Fleshy and rich on the nose the palate has suppleness and sweetness. There are red fruits raspberry and wild strawberry under the black layers of complex flavours the richness and power at the back balanced by fresher fruit on the finish. 29 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

30 August 07, 2012 SPAIN Roda Tempranillo100% Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 Tasted at the Spanish Wine Fair London March 2014 Tasted in Lincoln s Inn June 2015 The fruit feels ripe the nose packed with sweet fruit and the palate has depth of flavour. Black cherry and damsons are backed by slightly fresher bramble lots of complexity. The fruit is sweet the mid palate lush sensuously rich but towards the back red fruits show balancing and giving a lighter stylish finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June The nose has intensity with a mix of black fruits and the palate has depth richness with brooding black fruited power. There is mid freshness autumn leaves giving a lighter balancing quality but the finish is concentrated black fruited with cocoa and dark chocolate. Roda Tasted at the Fonseca Bicentenary Dinner Wallace Collection June 2015 The nose has depth of fruit the palate intense with black fruits a brooding black fruited power. Slightly fresher in the middle more of a bramble character but it fills out at the back rich and ripe the finish fleshy and supple. Cirsión Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 There is a lovely mix of black fruits on the nose rich and ripe. The powerful mix fleshes out the palate the sweetness of the fruit enhanced by ripe and rounded tannins. Although the back palate has depth and richness of flavour there is enough red fruit underneath to refresh and give a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June Black fruited and rich the nose has depth of flavour the palate is sweet fruited profound and complex the rich black fruit underpinned by fresher red. The tannins give structure but are fine and rounded with rich fruit filling out the back palate and finish. Cirsión Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 At first the nose appears to be very black fruit driven but then behind is the freshness of red cherry. The palate has layers of flavour with bramble and black cherry refreshed by bilberry and red cherry. The ripeness of fruit and tannin gives a supple feel to the palate and this sweet richness packs out the finish. Cirsión Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 30

31 SPAIN August 07, 2012 Black fruits appear to dominate the nose power packed and the start of the palate rich ripe fruited lots of black cherry and damsons. Under the powerful mix of flavours red fruits refresh lighten and balance adding to the complexity. The tannins are ripe well handled the back palate supple and fleshy with the rich mix filling out the finish. Bodega Roqueta Catalunya White Wines Macabeo La Corazas Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians February 2014 Melon rich the nose has depth and the palate a powerful mix of orange, pear and ripe melon. Under the fleshy fruit tangerine refreshes the layers of flavour giving complexity and although fresher at the back the finish has lots of rich fruit. Tempranillo La Corazas Castile y León Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October 2014 The mix of damsons and black currants gives richness on the nose and the palate has a fleshy suppleness. The back palate is lighter with a strong bramble and red fruit influence yet it finishes with depth lots of ripe fruit. Derek Smedley MW 31 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley