HERDADE DO ESPORAO RESERVA WHITE - 2001

Private Selection.  Alentejo, Portugal.  14.5% alcohol. White blend of indigenous Roupeeiro, Arinto and Antao Vaz grapes.

TASTING NOTES:

Beautiful, vibrant gold color with french oak on the nose, lurking acidity, minerality.  Tropical fruits, orange peel, citrus and creamy oak. Bold, delicious wine with an attitude.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS
Looking for some esoteric varietals to spring on your friends, then look no further.  This wine is a dead ringer for a big Chardonnay, but brings its own swagger.  There is ripeness, terroir and originality. I love this wine. The oak is dominant but if you are classic California Chardonnay lover, you'll find this to be an affordable, under the radar rockstar! Retails for around $18.

BODEGA ALTO MONCAYO GARNACHA - 2009

100% Garnacha. 16% alcohol, from Campo De Borja.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark purple, rich wine with chocolate covered raisins, prunes, figs, licorice, blackberries, plum, spices, vanilla,  espresso-balasmic vinegar, and berries.  Elegance and power combine into an explosive effort and a finish that echoes.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

94 PTS
For $35 a bottle, this has all the class and complexity of much more expensive bottles.  Alluring, seductive and delicious.