It is difficult to believe that winter has quickly passed us by, and that we are viewing an early spring. My roses budded out in early February and Anderson began shedding, profusely, at the end of January, all signs that this harvest year will be potentially early. Yet, the vines are still dormant as of this writing.
I still marvel at some of the obscure, phenomenal wines that our buyers discover. For example, our Spanish wine buyer, Anne Pickett, laid her hands on two stunning, inexpensive Riojas that will make you want to stockpile cases upon cases for your everyday consumption. First, the 2003 Bodegas Biurko Rioja Graciano ($10.99), which received 89 points from Robert Parker (“a knock out effort”), is deep ruby in color, and offers opulent aromas of black cherry and currants with a touch of plum. On the palate, the fruit is broad and generous, with soft, integrated tannins, excellent fullness and structure and a round, long finish that refuses to quit. Anderson has informed me that this is one our house reds for the month.
The 2004 Bodegas Biurko Rioja Tempranillo ($8.99) is also deeply colored and explodes with blackberry to white pepper spiciness on the nose and in the mouth. Medium full in body, this Rioja is also round, lush and fleshy on the palate with a long, warm finish. This joins the Graciano above as one of our house reds for the month according to Anderson.
Two Southern French regional wines fill out this month’s selection, beginning with one of my favorite Rhone reds. The 2003 Domaine des Girasols Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Rasteau ($15.99) is one of the successes of this hot vintage. This Rasteau is loaded with spicy (anise and cloves) layered exotic notes of black fruits and cassis, nicely structured with well integrated silky tannins and a spicy-peppery finish. This beauty drinks great now but will continue to improve for the next 3-5 years, easily.
Finally, from one of my favorite overall wines in our inventory, the 2004 Domaine l’Attilon Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone Marselan ($8.99) is a must buy and try. The grape marselan, a cross between cabernet and grenache, was developed in the Aude and Bouches (Rhone Valley) in Southern France, and has resulted in one of the most unique wines available. Deep ruby in color, this wine is bright and flashy and sings of black currant and cassis. This is a delicious wine for near-term consumption and enjoyment and joins the other three above as our house red for the month according to Anderson.
If you have any questions about these wines, you can contact us at jimbarr@klwines.com. Enjoy this month’s selections!
—Jim, Anderson, Eby and Vanilla