Spain wines in the Flickinger Fine Wines inventory http://www.flickingerwines.com/wineregions/spanish.asp IWC 88 (10/2006): Deep red. Strong oak spice and candied dark berries on the nose, with suggestions of vanilla, succulent herbs and licorice. Lush, sweet and ripe, with deep blackberry and cherry flavors and a hint of maple. Finishes sweet and long, with soft tannins and pungent mocha and toffee notes. This is drinking well now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AbadiaRetuerta.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AbadiaRetuerta.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AbadiaRetuerta.aspWA 97 (2/2008): The 2005 Aquilon has a splendid perfume of slate, violets, and cherry compote. There is beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, a smooth texture, layers of flavor, and exceptional length. There is enough structure to support 6-8 years of cellaring and it will provide pleasure through 2030.WS 94 (4/2008): Dense and structured, yet still plush and inviting, this expressive red tastes like raspberry jam and dark chocolate, finishing with notes of tobacco, mineral and spices. A modern style, yet pure and clean, rich yet graceful and fresh. Drink now through 2015. 350 cases made. IWC 94 (10/2007): Dark purple. The nose offers surreal, room-filling perfume of ripe raspberry, blackberry, incense, vanilla and dried flowers. Shockingly understated on the palate, with vibrant red berry, smoked meat and baking spice flavors, silky tannins and crisp mineral bite. There's no excess fat or sweetness here. Finishes with palate-staining intensity and superb focus. I'd love to see this lined up with some mega-bucks Napa cult wines costing twice the price of this admittedly luxe-priced bottle. If you play in this sandbox, you'll flip.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AltoMoncayo.aspWA 97 (2/2007): The 2004 Pagos Viejos is inky purple with a sublime nose of pain grille, spice box, cherries, raspberries, and wild blue fruits. This is followed by a dense, plush, full-flavored, sexy wine with perfect balance and remarkable elegance for a wine so powerful. Although it can be enjoyed now, it deserves a minimum of a decade of cellaring after which it should drink well through 2047. Kudos to Bodegas Artadi for this tour de force!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Artadi.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasBorsao.aspIWC 90 (8/2008): (35% each of garnacha and carignan, plus 30% tempranillo) Bright medium red. Spicy red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by fresh rose and violet, with a gentle tarry quality gaining strength with air. Light-bodied red fruit flavors pick up zesty minerality on the back. Finishes clean and brisk, with a refreshing mineral bite contributing to the impression of clarity. Very nicely balanced.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BuilGine.aspWA 92 (2/2003): A 100% Grenache (from 105-year old vines that yielded only 15-18 hectoliters per hectare) cuvee is the 2000 Cabrida. This sensational effort offers a murky purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of kirsch liqueur, raspberries, minerals, and flowers. Full-bodied and super-concentrated, with its immense structure hidden by a wealth of glycerin, fruit, and extract, this pure, long beauty will drink well between 2006-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CellerdeCapcanes.aspWA 94 (4/2004): Made from 100% Grenache (90-103 year old vines planted at 900 meters), the 2001 Cabrida was cropped at 16 hectoliters per hectare, and spent 16 months in new French oak. There are 4,800 bottles of this sumptuous, inky/purple-colored offering. Rich aromas of briery fruit, raspberries, blackberries, crushed stone, and flowers emerge from a glass of this Spanish red. It boasts superb purity, tremendous intensity, and a full-bodied, long, flowing finish. I’m not sure how well it will evolve, but certainly for drinking over the next 5-7 years, it delivers tremendous complexity as well as intensity.WS 90 (11/2004): This red aims for power and achieves it. Full-bodied, with muscular tannins, it offers concentrated flavors of ripe plum, prune and coffee. It's a bit clumsy now, but has the stuffing to last. Best from 2006 through 2014. 600 cases imported.IWC 90 (10/2004): Ruby-red. Nose dominated by nutty oak. Fat and sweet in the mouth, with highly concentrated flavors of red fruits and nuts. A tad dry on the end, though the tannins are not especially pronounced. I'd like to have seen a bit more nuance and length here. Perhaps best suited for drinking over the next few years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CellerdeCapcanes.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CellerdeCapcanes.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CavaChozasCarrascal.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasJCConde.aspWA 95 (6/2005):  There are 700 cases of the second wine, the 2003 Salanques, a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Carignan, and 20% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It is hard to believe this dazzling effort is made from declassified juice. The stunningly perfumed bouquet of raspberries and blackberries is followed by an elegant, medium to full-bodied, complex, nuanced wine with tremendous purity as well as a multilayered mid-palate and finish. Sweet tannin, fine acidity, and undeniable minerality suggest it will provide enjoyment now and over the next 10-12 years. Situated in the Priorat village of Poboleda, this winery continues to immensely impress.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MasDoix.aspWA 95 (6/2005):  There are 700 cases of the second wine, the 2003 Salanques, a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Carignan, and 20% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It is hard to believe this dazzling effort is made from declassified juice. The stunningly perfumed bouquet of raspberries and blackberries is followed by an elegant, medium to full-bodied, complex, nuanced wine with tremendous purity as well as a multilayered mid-palate and finish. Sweet tannin, fine acidity, and undeniable minerality suggest it will provide enjoyment now and over the next 10-12 years. Situated in the Priorat village of Poboleda, this winery continues to immensely impress.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MasDoix.aspWA 93 (2/2003): The 1999 Clos Erasmus, a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Syrah aged in 100% new French oak, was fashioned from yields of only one ton of fruit per acre. Its dark ruby/purple color is followed by an elegant perfume of pure, sweet black raspberries, currants, creosote, and minerals. It reveals complex flavors, tremendous purity, and a long finish with no hard edges. Drink it now and over the next 12-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosErasmus.aspWA 100 (2/2007): The 2004 Clos Erasmus is a blend of 75% Garnacha, 15% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromatic profile is similar but more expressive and soars from the glass. It is somehow richer, broader, and more sexy with amazing complexity and length. Think of your wildest fantasy coming true and you may be able to conjure up the pleasure this wine delivers now and will continue to deliver over the next 12-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosErasmus.aspWS 76 (3/1992): Gamy, weedy notes predominate in this meager, astringent wine that lacks freshness and fruit.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasFaustino.aspIWC 90 (10/2010): (80% treixadura, 10% godello and 5% each of loureira and albarino) Light gold. Pungent, mineral-laced aromas of citrus pith, green apple and herbs, plus a hint of white pepper. Then surprisingly ample on the palate, offering deep but energetic orchard fruit and bitter citrus flavors and a sexy floral quality. Closes on a firm mineral note, with very good spicy persistence. This is powerful enough to work with buttery dishes but has the vivacity to give pleasure on its own. JR nr (5/2010): Coto de Gomariz 2008 Ribeiro is made up of about 80% Treixadura with a blend of the other Galician varieties Godello, Loureira and Albariño. This wine smells most excitingly of fresh green leaves and then on the palate delivers tense, smoky fruit - a little bit like Clos Ste-Hune in structure. This is a white wine that is really persistent and yet is much more refreshing than the average full-bodied dry white.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CotodeGomariz.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CotodeGomariz.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MarquesdeGrinon.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FincalaLinde.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasMedrano-Irazu.aspIWC 87 (8/2008): (100% tempranillo) Deep, saturated red. Pungent, intriguing aromas of cherry, blueberry, botanical herbs and fresh rose, with a building leathery note. Sweet red and dark berry flavors are firmed by dusty tannins and pick up the leathery quality with air. Distinctly wild wine with good finishing sweetness and lingering herbal and floral qualities. I worry about the leathery thing, though.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasMedrano-Irazu.aspIWC 91 (10/2008): (100% tempranillo) Bright ruby-red. Redcurrant and cherry aromas are complicated by black pepper and zesty minerals. Juicy and focused, with fresh red berry flavors and an exotic candied floral quality. Becomes sweeter and creamier on the broad, long finish. This is already attractive and complex enough to drink but is built to reward cellaring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegaAbelMendoza.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MiradorIberico.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MiradorIberico.aspWA 95 (2/2003): The 1999 is more precise than the 2000, as well as perfumed. It is an opaque purple-colored, full-bodied, dense effort revealing notes of black fruits, liquid minerals, and flowers. There are layers and layers of richness, tremendous opulence, and impressive purity as well as persistence. Drink it over the next 15 years. This is a knock-out wine! IWC 92+ (12/2001): Medium ruby. Cassis, black raspberry, blackberry, violet, licorice and mint on the tight, cool nose, plus a soupçon of port. Superconcentrated but suave and tightly wrapped; today the cabernet component is apparent (there is also grenache and syrah). Creamy and sweet in the middle but not at all heavy or over the top. This has serious backbone. Really broadens out and lingers on the tactile finish. Hard to spit.WS 90 (11/2002): Supple yet intense, this velvety red shows exuberant flavors of plum and wild berries, wrapped in luxurious chocolate-scented oak. Though made in a thoroughly modern style, its core flavors are distinctive and wild. Intriguing. Drink now through 2010. 3,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosMogador.aspWA 95 (2/2003): The 2000 is slightly sweeter and lower in acidity than the 1999. It is an opaque purple-colored, full-bodied, dense effort revealing notes of black fruits, liquid minerals, and flowers. There are layers and layers of richness, tremendous opulence, and impressive purity as well as persistence. Wait 2-3 years before popping a cork on the 2000, and then enjoy it over the following 12-15 years. This is a knock-out wine!WS 90 (12/2003): Solidly built and thick, with firm, ripe tannins and ripe, roasted flavors of plum and cherry. Not showy, but balanced and clean. Best after 2004. 1,900 cases made.IWC 90 (8/2003): Medium ruby. Currant, chocolate, nuts and tobacco leaf on the nose; very cabernet. Dense and chunky, with reticent flavors of raspberry, redcurrant, violet and menthol. Finishes with substantial sweet but rather clenched tannins and very good length.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosMogador.aspWA 95 (2/2003): The 2000 is slightly sweeter and lower in acidity than the 1999. It is an opaque purple-colored, full-bodied, dense effort revealing notes of black fruits, liquid minerals, and flowers. There are layers and layers of richness, tremendous opulence, and impressive purity as well as persistence. Wait 2-3 years before popping a cork on the 2000, and then enjoy it over the following 12-15 years. This is a knock-out wine!WS 90 (12/2003): Solidly built and thick, with firm, ripe tannins and ripe, roasted flavors of plum and cherry. Not showy, but balanced and clean. Best after 2004. 1,900 cases made.IWC 90 (8/2003): Medium ruby. Currant, chocolate, nuts and tobacco leaf on the nose; very cabernet. Dense and chunky, with reticent flavors of raspberry, redcurrant, violet and menthol. Finishes with substantial sweet but rather clenched tannins and very good length.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosMogador.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosMogador.aspWA 94-96 (4/2012): Rene Barbier (Junior) kindly put together a blend of the five barrels that will go to constitute the 2010 Clos Mogador. It has a stricter, fresher bouquet than the 2009, with great minerality and sparkling precision. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and wonderful purity. It exhibits notes of dark cherries, crushed stone, slate and touches of thyme and white pepper towards the finish, which has immense precision and focus. This is going to be a razor-sharp Clos Mogador – do not wait to place your order!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosMogador.aspWA 93 (2/2000): This project, from a large estate in Ribera del Duero, has the gifted Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck (of Pingus fame), as the winemaker. Produced from extremely low yields (15-20 hectoliters per hectare), this offering is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. WS 88 (12/2000): This muscular red is rich, with oaky flavors ofcoffee, toast and vanilla, notes of plum, pruneand cassis. Both tannin and alcohol levels arehigh; right now, this is an impressive statementmore than a partner for food. This was the betterof two bottles. Best after 2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HaciendaMonasterio.aspWS 89 (3/1994): Bright, juicy fruit gives this ripe, round wine a lively appeal. It's focused, balanced and would be great with food. Maturing, but still fresh; drink now or hold till 1997. 7,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasMontecillo.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BaroniadelMontsant.aspWA 93 (2/2008): The 2005 Malleolus is 100% Tinta del Pais which was barrel-fermented and aged for 18 months in French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers an expressive perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, spice box, mineral, and black fruits. This is followed by a structured, firm wine that has excellent depth and length. It will evolve for 5-7 years and provide pleasure through 2020.IWC 90+ (10/2007): Deep ruby. Explosively perfumed, wild aromas of red and dark fruit liqueur, spices and flowers. Dense, sweet raspberry and blackberry flavors overwhelm the palate but possess uncanny freshness and improbable finesse, with no obvious tannins. Seems to get sweeter on the long, gently spicy finish and picks up a deeper espresso quality. At least as impressive as the superb 2004, and perhaps more elegant.WS 90 (10/2008): This red offers ripe, jammy flavors of blackberry, currant, chocolate and licorice, with solid tannins and enough acidity to keep it lively. Expressive and appealing. Drink now through 2015. 400 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/EmilioMoro.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MiguelAngelMuro.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MiguelAngelMuro.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MiguelAngelMuro.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MiguelAngelMuro.aspWA 95 (2/2008); The 2005 Clio, composed of 70% old-vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, is opaque purple-colored with an enthralling bouquet of pain grille, spice box, violets, espresso, blueberry, and blackberry. Layered, opulent, and full-flavored, this thick wine has superb concentration and balance. It will evolve for 6-8 years and drink well through 2025. IWC 93+ (10/2007): Inky purple. Vibrant red and dark berries on the nose, with sexy vanillin oak, Asian spices, fresh flowers and bright minerality. A silky, graceful midweight, displaying vivid raspberry and blackberry flavors and slow-building tannic grip. More tangy than the 2004, and at least as elegant, finishing with outstanding clarity and persistence. WS 90 (11/2007): Oak dominates this red, but it's delicious oak, with cola, toasty vanilla and smoke flavors. There's also plenty of fruit, tart cherry and raspberry, with ripe tannins and lip-smacking acidity. A modern style. Expressive and lively. Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2012. 1,125 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasElNido.aspWA 99 (2/2007): The consulting winemaker at Bodegas El Nido is Chris Ringland of Barossa Valley fame. Amazingly, the 2004 El Nido is even better. It is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell sourced from the same vineyards as its sibling but from the tenderloin portions, and it received the same oak treatment. Similar in color, the nose offers a beautiful perfume of pain grille, vanilla, forest floor, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. The wine is more elegant on the palate with a velvety texture, layers of spicy black fruits, and great depth and balance. It admirably marries elegance and power. Cellar this fabulous wine for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 10-15.IWC 94 (10/2007): Ruby-red. Spicy, sharply focused raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with exotic anise and incense adding complexity. Taut and fat-free, with powerful dark fruit flavors and a dusty tannic frame. Minerals build on the very long, strikingly spicy finish. This delivers wonderful energy.WS 91 (11/2007): Rich and plush, this modern red delivers ripe, mouthfilling flavors of blackberry, cassis, licorice, cola and mineral. The tannins are well-integrated, and lively acidity balances the sweetness of jammy fruit and toasty oak. Cabernet Sauvignon and Monastrell. Drink now through 2012. 283 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasElNido.aspWA 99 (2/2007): The consulting winemaker at Bodegas El Nido is Chris Ringland of Barossa Valley fame. Amazingly, the 2004 El Nido is even better. It is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell sourced from the same vineyards as its sibling but from the tenderloin portions, and it received the same oak treatment. Similar in color, the nose offers a beautiful perfume of pain grille, vanilla, forest floor, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. The wine is more elegant on the palate with a velvety texture, layers of spicy black fruits, and great depth and balance. It admirably marries elegance and power. Cellar this fabulous wine for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 10-15.IWC 94 (10/2007): Ruby-red. Spicy, sharply focused raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with exotic anise and incense adding complexity. Taut and fat-free, with powerful dark fruit flavors and a dusty tannic frame. Minerals build on the very long, strikingly spicy finish. This delivers wonderful energy.WS 91 (11/2007): Rich and plush, this modern red delivers ripe, mouthfilling flavors of blackberry, cassis, licorice, cola and mineral. The tannins are well-integrated, and lively acidity balances the sweetness of jammy fruit and toasty oak. Cabernet Sauvignon and Monastrell. Drink now through 2012. 283 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasElNido.aspWA 98 (2/2008): This is the second vintage of Ester Nin’s Nit de Nin. Nin’s day job is vineyard manager of Clos Erasmus. A whopping three barrels is produced from 80- to 100-year-old vines from the village of Porrera. The 2005 Nit de Nin is 60% Garnacha, 30% Carinena, and 10% Syrah aged for 18 month in French oak. Purple-colored, the wine has a super-expressive perfume of mineral, truffle, licorice, Asian spices, cassis, kirsch, and blueberry. Smooth-textured, layered, spicy, and a total turn-on, this very long, pleasure-bent wine will evolve for 4-6 years but can be enjoyed now through 2020.WS 94 (11/2007): This perfumed red is exotic and expressive, offering wild berry, kirsch, vanilla, licorice, nutmeg and cocoa flavors. Assertive yet elegant. The texture is velvety, driven by vibrant acidity, but there are plenty of tannins for grip. Drink now through 2015.IWC 93 (10/2007): Ruby-red. Room-filling perfume of fresh dark berries, cinnamon, minerals and exotic spices. Sweet cherry-cola and blackberry flavors are complicated by vanilla, zesty minerality and baking spices, gaining vibrancy with air. Finishes with strikingly persistent crystallized blackcurrant and anise notes. Ester Nin is involved in a number of projects in Priorat, most notably as vineyard manager for Daphne Glorian of Clos Erasmus.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NitdeNin.aspWA 95 (8/2001): The soon-to-be-released 1999 Numanthia confirms just how special these wines are. An amazing effort from Toro, it was made from yields of 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, aged 18 months in new French wood, and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. A black/ruby color is followed by an explosive perfume of sweet blackberries, cassis, licorice, minerals, and smoke. With great intensity, fabulously sweet tannin, and high glycerin levels, this wine establishes a new benchmark for the Toro appellation. There are 300 cases of the 1999 for the American marketplace.WS 93 (5/2002): Voluptuous international style. This lush Spanish red teems with toasty, chocolate oak flavors, thickly overlaid on ripe plum and blackberry fruit. It's well-structured, with firm, ripe tannins and heady alcohol. Impressive. Best from 2003 through 2013. 350 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWA 92 (6/2005): There are 350 cases of the unfiltered 2002 Numanthia. Produced from yields of one ton of fruit per acre from 70-100 year old Tinto de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo) vines, it enjoyed an extended 28-day maceration as well as 19 months in new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. A strong effort for the vintage, this deep ruby/purple-tinged 2002 exhibits scents of pain grille intermixed with raspberries, black cherries, and hints of licorice as well as spice box. With medium to full body, surprising density, high glycerin, sweet tannin, and a heady, perfumed, generous personality, it should drink well for 5-7 years.WS 91 (10/2005): This polished red shows voluptuous texture over a firm structure, with focused flavors of blackberry, cassis, espresso, mineral and tobacco. Though powerful, it's harmonious and elegant. International style, but with deep local roots. Drink now through 2012. 350 cases imported. IWC 91 (10/2005): Bright ruby-red. Sappy aromas of black raspberry and spicy oak, lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and bright, with very intense black fruit and spice flavors showing noteworthy precision. This can't quite match the 2001 version for balance and richness, but the wine's intensity of flavor is compelling. Actually quite lush for the vintage. Finishes very long and lively, with firm but smooth tannins.JR 18 (12/2005): Dark, sweet, exciting nose. Very tense, yet very Toro. Very successful, though perhaps too aggressive at the moment.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWA 92 (6/2005): There are 350 cases of the unfiltered 2002 Numanthia. Produced from yields of one ton of fruit per acre from 70-100 year old Tinto de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo) vines, it enjoyed an extended 28-day maceration as well as 19 months in new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. A strong effort for the vintage, this deep ruby/purple-tinged 2002 exhibits scents of pain grille intermixed with raspberries, black cherries, and hints of licorice as well as spice box. With medium to full body, surprising density, high glycerin, sweet tannin, and a heady, perfumed, generous personality, it should drink well for 5-7 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWA 92 (6/2005): There are 350 cases of the unfiltered 2002 Numanthia. Produced from yields of one ton of fruit per acre from 70-100 year old Tinto de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo) vines, it enjoyed an extended 28-day maceration as well as 19 months in new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. A strong effort for the vintage, this deep ruby/purple-tinged 2002 exhibits scents of pain grille intermixed with raspberries, black cherries, and hints of licorice as well as spice box. With medium to full body, surprising density, high glycerin, sweet tannin, and a heady, perfumed, generous personality, it should drink well for 5-7 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWA 96 (4/2004): Produced from a small 11-acre plot planted on sandy soil, with tiny yields and ungrafted vines planted in the second half of the 19th century, the 2001 Termanthia boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as an explosive perfume of blackberries, raspberries, vanilla, smoke, licorice, and coffee. Full-bodied, with great purity, intensity, and a multilayered mouthfeel, this young, primary Spanish red should age beautifully for 10-12 years, at the minimum.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWA 96 (4/2004): Produced from a small 11-acre plot planted on sandy soil, with tiny yields and ungrafted vines planted in the second half of the 19th century, the 2001 Termanthia boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as an explosive perfume of blackberries, raspberries, vanilla, smoke, licorice, and coffee. Full-bodied, with great purity, intensity, and a multilayered mouthfeel, this young, primary Spanish red should age beautifully for 10-12 years, at the minimum.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWS 95 (6/2009) This red is so thick and rich it's almost oily in texture, with exotic flavors of black fruit, game, dried herb and hoisin. Muscular tannins keep this structured, but give way to floral and graphite notes on the finish. A powerful wine with modern structure and distinctive character. Best from 2011 through 2020. 530 cases madehttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWS 92 (12/2003): Blackberry fruit claims center stage in this powerful red, where it mingles with tobacco and coffee notes and plenty of smoky oak. Massive tannins give structure, but the fruit reemerges on the finish. Best after 2004. 1,000 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWA 94 (2/2007): The 2004 Termes received malolactic fermentation in barrel and was aged for 16 months in one-year-old French barriques. Inky purple-colored, it emits a beautiful bouquet of scorched earth, graphite, wild blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a full-bodied, layered, concentrated, intensely flavored wine with exceptional balance and length. The tannins are well concealed by the opulent fruit. Cellar this terrific wine for 6-8 years and drink it over the following 12-15. It is a fantastic value in great wine.WS 92 (11/2007): A thick, velvety texture carries espresso, toasted walnut, black cherry and light earthy flavors in this powerful red. Mouthcoating tannins are dominant now, but give way to fruit, mineral and floral notes on the finish. Best after 2008. 1,000 cases imported.IWC 91 (10/2007): Inky ruby. Mineral-accented cherry and plum flavors are deepened by dark chocolate and licorice. Bitter cherry flavor is complicated by espresso and cracked pepper. A bright kick of minerals on the finish adds verve to this surprisingly taut, youthful wine. About 25% new French oak was used here.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Numanthia.aspWS 75 (3/1992): A very traditional style, with aromas of brown sugar, meat and a whiff of the barnyard.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasOlarra.aspIWC 87 (10/2009): (80% tempranillo and 20% graciano) Medium red. Redcurrant, cherry and brown spices on the nose. Light-bodied, spicy red fruit favors are invitingly fresh and tannin-free, with good back-end lift and cut. The finish is brisk and firm, repeating the sweet red fruit notes.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasOndalan.aspJR 16.5 (11/2005): Pure and clean on the nose with real attack on the palate. A bit techno. No excess of soul.IWC 91 (12/2001): Full ruby. Subtle, precise aromas of black fruits, bitter chocolate, licorice, graphite and mint, along with enticing oak tones. Rich and perfumed in the mouth, with black raspberry, violet and cedary oak flavors framed and carried by ripe, integrated acidity. Solidly structured wine, finishing with a touch of tannic dryness. WS 91 (9/2002): This big red shows an impeccable balance of ripe fruit, firm tannins and smoky oak. It's full-bodied but seems to float on the palate, carrying notes of roses, vanilla, chocolate and spices. It's subtle, but grows on you quickly. Drink now through 2007. 1,200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AlvaroPalacios.aspIWC 91-93 (10/2000): Saturated ruby. Reduced, musky aromas of raspberry, currant, mocha, menthol and game. Chewy and ripe, with excellent structure and acidity but less sheer density than the '98. Intensely flavored but not yet expressive. The tannins here come across as chewier and a bit tougher as there's not quite as much buffering extract as in the amazing '98. But this should be strong.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AlvaroPalacios.aspWA 96 (4/2010): The grapes for the flagship 2007 L’Ermita come from a steep, 70-year-old vineyard that is 100% Garnacha with the wine aged for 12-15 months in 100% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it gives up an aromatic array of pain grille, pencil lead, truffle, incense, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. Velvety-textured, elegant, and intensely flavored, it has enough structure to merit 5-6 years of additional cellaring. This lengthy, complex offering will be at its best from 2015 to 2027.IWC 94 (10/2009): Bright ruby. Intense, mineral-driven aromas of spicy red berries, candied cherry, blood orange and potpourri, plus a sexy Asian spice quality. Tangy and sharply focused, with striking purity and energy. Sweet raspberry and cherry flavors are framed by silky tannins that are quickly absorbed by the fruit. Manages to be deep as well as vivacious, showing strong finishing minerality and a lingering note of star anise. This plays Lafite to the Dofi's Latour. WS 91 (9/2010): This supple red shows berry, cherry, spice and light tobacco notes that are silky and bright, with just enough tannins for grip. Ethereal, graceful and harmonious. Drink now through 2016. 200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AlvaroPalacios.aspWA 94 (2/2008): The 2005 Cyclo is 100% Tempranillo sourced from two vineyards, one with 85-year-old vines and the other with 150-year-old vines. The grapes were fermented with native yeasts and the wine spent 18 months in new barriques. Purple/black in color, the wine has a superb perfume of wood smoke, toast, vanilla, floral notes, mineral, blackberry, and licorice. Sumptuous on the palate, the wine is large-scaled, powerful, ripe, and structured. Give it 5-7 years in the cellar for additional complexity to emerge. It will drink well through 2030. IWC 91+ (8/2007): Saturated ruby. Inky cherry and blackberry on the nose, with deeper espresso, asphalt and licorice accents. Chewy and packed with dark fruit flavors accompanied by smoky, meaty qualities and firmed by solid tannins. Finishes with strong cherry pit and bitter chocolate notes and impressive power, gaining sweetness with aeration. This is almost painfully young but clearly has the material to repay cellaring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasPenalba.aspWA 97 (10/1997): I first wrote laudatory comments about Pesquera over a decade ago, so I am thrilled to see proprietor Alejandro Fernandez continue to build on his noteworthy track record. His new releases are splendid. What a joy it is to write about the 1994 Janus. Fernandez has only made this super-luxury cuvee in 1982, 1986, and 1991. The 1994 Janus may be the greatest Pesquera ever made. This wine is awesome in its richness, intensity, and potential complexity. It is a gentle giant, with no hard edges, and profound levels of rich, concentrated black fruits nicely meshed with smoky, spicy new oak. It is an opulent, accessible yet still unformed wine that should provide fabulous drinking for 12-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TintoPesquera.aspWA 94 (4/2004): The full-bodied 1995 Janus Gran Reserve (a cuvee only produced previously in 1994, 1991, 1986, and 1982) is remarkably young and vibrant despite the fact that it has been aged for 3 years in oak casks. Sadly, there are only 1,000+ cases of this wine. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with a bouquet of barbecue spices, creamy oak, melted licorice, and copious quantities of black currant and cherry fruit. This opulent, viscous, full-bodied, lusty 1995 reveals substantial tannin that is largely concealed by the wealth of fruit and extract. The heady finish lasts over 40 seconds. This big, solid Ribera del Duero should age effortlessly for another 15 years.IWC 94 (8/2003): Saturated dark ruby. Imploded nose of roasted red and black fruits, sun-dried tomato, truffle, smoked meat and coffee. Huge, rich and backward, with strong soil tones of minerals, iron and tobacco (like a rare steak). Began rather closed in on itself but showed great ripeness and a texture of liquid silk with extended time in the recorked bottle. Lush, smoky and full, with extremely smooth tannins and subtle finishing flavors that go on and on. Yum.WS 86 (9/2003): Vanilla and coffee flavors are rich and dominant in this lush red. Kirsch and herbal notes chime in, submerge under firm tannins, then surface again on the finish. For fans of oak. Drink now through 2008. 415 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TintoPesquera.aspWA 96 (6/2010): The 1996 Pesquera Millenium (tasted from magnum) spent 3 years in French oak. Deep purple in color, it exhibits lovely, complex aromatics, savory flavors, elegance and power. It is a complete effort that should drink well for another 15 years.IWC 93 (12/1999): Opaque bright ruby. Knockout superripe nose combines currant and black cherry liqueur, melted caramel, peat and smoky French oak; almost a hint of raisin. Thick, sweet and extremely ripe, with the raisiny note repeating. Velvety, seamless and very deep. This huge, rather exotic Pesquera will be a crowdpleaser, but I prefer the more classic "regular" reserva.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TintoPesquera.aspIWC 91 (12/2001): Medium ruby. Black raspberry, plum, violet, lead pencil, mocha and sweet oak aromas. Dense, lush and smooth, with restrained sweetness and solid structure. Just a hint of pepper to suggest that the material that did not make it into big brother Pingus was somewhat less ripe. But very suavely made; harmonious, concentrated and long on the aftertaste.WA 90 (4/2001): Pingus's second wine, the outstanding 1999 Flor de Pingus, is very good. Sweet, ripe blackberry and currant notes intermixed with licorice, smoke, coffee, and earth emerge from this full-bodied, opulently-textured offering. Already evolved and delicious, it is best consumed during its first decade of life.WS 87 (2/2002): Alluring toasty oak and juicy black cherry and plum flavors mingle in this clean, lively, supple, balanced red. An attractive example of the modern style. Drink now through 2004.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DominiodePingus.aspIWC 93 (10/2009): 100% tinta de toro raised in all new oak, 70% French and 30% American) Deep ruby with a bright rim. Sexy, expressive aromas of red and dark berries, incense, Asian spices and cola. The red berry quality dominates the palate, gaining complexity from notes of clove, rose pastille and sassafras and taking on a building spiciness on the finish. The tannins in this wine seem already absorbed.WA 92 (6/2009): The purple-colored 2006 Pintia offers up a complex bouquet of wood smoke, forest floor, mushroom, incense, and blackberry. On the palate it is still tightly wound but well-balanced. There is plenty of savory, spicy black fruit, moderate tannin, and good depth. It should be at its best from 2013 to 2025. It is not at the level of the 2004 and 2005 vintages but it is still a strong effort.JR 16.5+ (9/2009): Meat, smoke, black fruit – quite subtle yet with great concentration in the nose. Textured and lengthy palate with a heady sense of power and an aromatic quality that seems to have plenty more expressiveness to come yet. Dried herbs on the finish. WS 87 (11/2009): Black cherry, coffee and mineral notes mingle in this solid red. There's assertive tannins, but bright acidity provides balances, and the finish is clean and fruity. Drink now through 2014. 19,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasVinedosPintia.aspJR 18 (12/2006): As a 14 yr old Carlos Pujanza was given 3 ha to plant because he didn’t like school and 40% of this wine, from the northernmost estate in Rioja Alvesa, comes from these teenage plantings. Complex and lively with real spine and refreshment. Pretty attention grabbing - an interesting new string to rioja’s bow. Some almost Nebbiolo-like tar and acidity facets to it.WA 95 (6/2010): The 2004 Pujanza Norte offers up a sexy, bordering on kinky, perfume of exotic spices, incense, confiture of black fruits, and truffle. Structured, elegant, and powerful, it has exceptional length and a decade of aging potential. It will deliver prime drinking from 2017 to 2034. IWC 92 (10/2006): Bright ruby. Exotic, intensely perfumed nose offers red and dark berries, baking spices, vanilla and fruitcake. On the palate, the juicy and suave raspberry and cherry flavors are joined by more pungent notes of licorice and mocha and framed by fine-grained tannins. Finishes supple, sweet and long, with impressive complexity and focus.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasyVinedosFernandezPu.aspWA 87 (4/2010): The 2009 Garnacha Rosado reveals aromas of cherry blossom and strawberry leading to a dry, crisp, tasty Rose that should prove to be a crowd-pleaser. Drink it over the next 12-18 months.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasMarcoReal.aspWA 94 (2/2007): The 2003 Amadis is a blend of 30% Grenache, 35% Carignan, 20% Syrah, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was fermented in foudres and then aged in new French oak for 12 months. Nearly black in color with scents of hot tar as well as cassis, black raspberries, and floral nuances, this full-bodied beast needs 3-5 years of cellaring and should drink well for a decade thereafter. IWC 92 (10/2007): Dark purple. Pungent raspberry and cherry preserve aromas are lifted by zesty minerals and given a more serious character by dark chocolate and espresso. Tangy acidity gives lift to the lively red and dark berry flavors, with gentle vanillin oak adding sweetness. Gains weight with air, finishing with impressive depth and thrust. This has more energy and verve than the 2003. WS 92 (11/2006): Blackberry, licorice and coffee flavors mingle in this inky red. The muscular tannins are well integrated and the lavish oak complements the ripe fruit. Heady, but stays clean. Drink now through 2015. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RotllanTorra.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torres.aspWA 96 (6/2005): The profound 2001 Palomero boasts an opaque ruby/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of sweet saddle leather, smoke, herbs, blackberries, creme de cassis, truffles, and graphite. One of the most prodigious Ribera del Dueros I have tasted, it offers great precision, fabulous concentration, and a long, 40+ second finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.IWC 92+ (10/2004): Dark, full red. Raspberry, blackberry, graphite, violet, licorice, game and sexy oak tones of smoke and baking spices on the nose. Supple and sweet if a bit youthfully aggressive, with intense dark berry and coffee flavors complicated by spicy oak and a wild gamey nuance. Boasts very good palate presence and finishes with substantial tongue-clenching tannins and very good length. Isaac Fernandez, enologist for Bodegas Mauro, consults here.WS 89 (10/2006): Stiff tannins support and rather dominate the black cherry, tobacco and spice flavors in this traditional red. Plenty of concentration, but needs food to soften. Best from 2007 through 2015. 1,990 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Uvaguilera.aspWA 96 (4/2004): The flagship cuvee, the 2001 Vall Llach, was fashioned from 65-year old Carignan vines (50%), Merlot (35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). It spent 17 months in new French oak prior to bottling. This deep ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits great intensity, a beautifully textured mid-palate, and a 45-second finish. Pure notes of minerals, raspberries, flowers, and black fruits cascade over the palate in this multidimensional 2001. Drink it over the next 12 yearshttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/VallLlach.aspWA 96 (4/2004): The flagship cuvee, the 2001 Vall Llach, was fashioned from 65-year old Carignan vines (50%), Merlot (35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). It spent 17 months in new French oak prior to bottling. This deep ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits great intensity, a beautifully textured mid-palate, and a 45-second finish. Pure notes of minerals, raspberries, flowers, and black fruits cascade over the palate in this multidimensional 2001. Drink it over the next 12 yearshttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/VallLlach.aspWA 96 (4/2004): The flagship cuvee, the 2001 Vall Llach, was fashioned from 65-year old Carignan vines (50%), Merlot (35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). It spent 17 months in new French oak prior to bottling. This deep ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits great intensity, a beautifully textured mid-palate, and a 45-second finish. Pure notes of minerals, raspberries, flowers, and black fruits cascade over the palate in this multidimensional 2001. Drink it over the next 12 yearshttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/VallLlach.aspWA 98 (2/2008): The 1998 Unico is purple-colored with a complex bouquet of wood smoke, violets, Asian spices, mineral, blueberry, and assorted black fruits. This is followed by a full-bodied, dense, loaded wine with gobs of sweet fruit, great concentration, and layers of flavor. It will continue to evolve for another 5-7 years and drink well through 2040+.IWC 96 (8/2008): Ruby-red. Exotic aromas of red and dark fruits, iron, dried flowers, cured meat and tobacco are strongly reminiscent of a top vintage of Chateau Haut-Brion. Luscious cherry and cassis flavors display a superb balance of depth and structure, offering noteworthy power but a weightless quality that is simply uncanny. Candied flowers, smoky minerals and vanilla bean add complexity and extend through an endless finish. I'd love to sneak this into a tasting of 1998 Saint-Emilion and Graves wines in ten years or so.WS 91 (10/2008): This polished red shows cedar and sandalwood aromas, with flavors of dried cherry, coffee, tobacco, mineral and spices. Solid tannins are well-integrated, and this is still fresh and lively. Harmonious, in the traditional style. Drink now through 2014. 6,700 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/VegaSicilia.aspWA 97 (6/2010): The 2005 Celia Vizcarra is a powerhouse; more tannic than the preceding wines. It is impeccably balanced and exceptionally lengthy. Be prepared to give it extended cellaring of at least 10 years. It is likely to have a 40 year life span. IWC 91+ (10/2008): Inky ruby. Deep, youthfully brooding cassis, tobacco and espresso aromas, with slow-building espresso and graphite qualities. Spicy dark berry flavors are firmed by chewy tannins and deepened by dark chocolate and licorice qualities. Compared to the Ines, this is all black to that wine's red. Finishes long and suavely spicy. Give this some cellar time.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BodegasVizcarraRamos.asp