More Fantastic Values from Spain:
At least once a week I have a customer come in asking about the Black Slate wines from Priorat, it's been a while since we have had them but boy they made quite and impression when we did. We are very excited to announce the return of one of our favorite wines
2012 Mas Alta Black Slate La Villa Alta...$19.99
Two brilliant efforts from the Bodegas Mas Alta include the 2012 Black Slate, a project of Rhone negociant Michel Tardieu, Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon. From vineyards planted at a 1,000+ foot elevation, it was produced from 50- to 60-year-old vines and reveals a Burgundy-like personality. Copious notes of black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with subtle spice, vanillin, crushed rock and spring flowers are found in this medium-bodied, elegant, stylish 2012. A blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was aged 12 months in French oak, of which 60% was new. It should drink well for 3-6 years.
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Another amazing deal from importer Eric Solomon. For those who missed out on the lighting fast sell out of the 2012 Mas Donis Barrica, here is your chance for another spectacular 94 point bargain. Note we received about ¼ of the amount of Solanera so please act fast this will not last long.
We did not get a lot, so we are limiting it to 6 bottles per person to give more people a chance to try it.
2012 Bodegas Castano Solanera...$13.99
Even more remarkable is the 2012 Solanera Vinas Viejas, a blend of 70% Mourvedre, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Grenache aged 10 months in a combination of French and American oak. A custom cuvee that is only available through importer Eric Solomon, this amazing red wine displays notes of lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, black raspberries, blueberries and black currants. This full-bodied, intense 2012 tastes like it should cost three to five times as much. Full-bodied, stunningly pure and textured, it should last for 4-5 years, possibly longer.
Rated 94/100 Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
Another Wine and Cheese Place favorite is back!
This is our second drop of the 2012 Finca Villacreses Pruno and sadly will be the last of this vintage, don't wait on this one it won't be around for long.
2012 Finca Villacreses Pruno...$18.99
This blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from a vineyard situated adjacent to one of the famous vineyards utilized to produce Spain’s greatest red wine, Vega Sicilia. Made from relatively old vines, the 2012 Pruno is a sexy, opulent, voluptuously textured effort that spent 12 months in two-year-old French oak barrels. Reminiscent of a baby Vega Sicilia, it possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as notes of high-class, unsmoked cigar tobacco, creme de cassis, licorice, graphite and spice box. Full-bodied, deep, velvety textured, lush and heady, at $20 a bottle, it is another sensational bargain from Eric Solomon. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years.
Rated 93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
eces to its personality. On the one hand, it’s a revival of the classic Belgian “wit,” or “white” beer, a style dating back to the late 1800s. The use of lactic fermentation and ingredients like coriander and orange peel are hallmarks of the style, as are the cloudiness and the pale color that give the beer its name. On the other hand, it’s a modern, uniquely American specialty brew; big, flavorful, and spiced with cardamom, lavender, and grains of paradise. Two Jokers has a refreshing tartness, nicely balanced by a well rounded malt bill graced by notes of caramel. Belgian yeast brings floral aromas with hints of banana and clove, and a citrusy zing to the tongue. Two Jokers Double-Wit pairs well with the lighter fare of spring and summer, such as grilled fish or chicken, feta cheese, fresh garden salads, and fruit compotes. Look closely now: is it two jesters on the label, or a single beautiful glass of beer?" -- brewery
