Finca Torremilanos
"Peñalba López"
Cava Brut Nature 2005 . . . . . 13.79
This Cava from Ribera del Duero is completely bone-dry and is absolutely delicious. Though the Wine Advocate lists it as NV, it is actually from the 2005 vintage. Champagne lovers take note, you definitely need to try this one!
90/100 - Our score.
90/100 - Wine Advocate. "The N.V. Cava de Duero Brut Nature is composed of 50% Viura and 50% White Tempranillo (Albillo), a very different cepage than Penedes Cava. The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards with the Viura vines ranging in age from 60-180 years. It was aged for 25 months on its lees with no dosage. Medium straw-colored, it displays tiny bubbles, aromas of biscuit, mineral, baked apple, and white peach. Dry and concentrated on the palate with a solid core of creamy fruit, this lengthy sparkling wine possesses serious Champagne character. It is a great value." (Spain)

Catena
Mendoza Chardonnay 2008 . . . . . 14.99
91/100 - Wine Advocate. "Bodegas Catena-Zapata remains the reference point for Argentina wines. These three value-priced wines [the Chardonnay, Cabernet and Malbec] exemplify the focus on quality. The -regular- bottling of Chardonnay is an annual candidate for Chardonnay value of the year. The 2008 Chardonnay was fermented with native yeasts and aged for 9 months sur lies in 35% new French oak. It is light gold-colored with an alluring nose of mineral, baking spices, apple, pear, and tropical scents. This leads to a creamy textured, vibrant, complex, mediumbodied Chardonnay with outstanding balance and length. It will drink well for another 4 years." (Argentina)

Isole e Olena
Chianti Classico 2007 . . . . . 17.99
92/100 - International Wine Cellar. "($20; 80% sangiovese, 15% canaiolo nero and 5% syrah) Moderately saturated red. Complex aromas of red fruits, gunflint, white pepper and violet. Then sweet, supple and silky in the mouth, with rather suave red fruit, tobacco and sweet spice flavors. The firm finish features building chewy tannins, sneaky length and a persistent floral note. Though it's already quite accessible, I'd cellar it for another couple of years and enjoy for another ten after that." (Italy)

Tinto Pesquera
Ribera del Duero 2006 . . . . . 25.99
93/100 - Our score.
92/100 - International Wine Cellar. "($35) Bright ruby. Exotically perfumed aroma of red berries, cherry, spice cake and sandalwood becomes richer with air, picking up plum compote and bitter chocolate qualities that carry onto the palate. A rich, fleshy style that betrays no rough edges, as the fruit sucks up the tannins. This has the depth to age but there's plenty of complexity already. Serve it with a peppery, grilled piece of lamb." (Spain)