More Reviews

Current Selection
Spain & Portugal
Reviews for 2020

October 2020 - Spain & Portugal

October 2020 - Spain & Portugal
This month's Wine feature is Spanish & Portuguese Wines

Spain & Portugal Reviews

All
Anayón 2015 Carignane
93 points
$38
Anayón
2015 Carignane
Black garnet color. Mature aromas and flavors of wild strawberry, sour cherry gastrique, plum pudding, cedar, dill, leather, and incense with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, subtle, medium-long finish with nuances of artichoke hearts, clove, and oregano with light oak flavor. A slightly funky, well-developed Carignane that will pair like a dream.
93 points $38
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Monasterio de Las Viñas 2015 Reserva Red Blend Cariñena
91 points
$15
Best Buy
Monasterio de Las Viñas
2015 Reserva Red Blend Cariñena
Black ruby color. Aromas of plum preserves, cherry compote, pickled onions, leather, earth, and tarragon with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, complex, medium-long hazelnut, tea, cherry jam, lemon supremes, and whipped cream finish with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rock solid Old World Red with great style, texture and appeal.
91 points $15 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Radio Boka 2019 Rosé Vino de Castilla
90 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Radio Boka
2019 Rosé Vino de Castilla
Reddish amber color. Aromas and flavors of summer tomato, daffodil, tea, red pepper flakes, and olives with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, amusing, medium-length finish that presents notes of parsley and lemon zest with no oak flavor. A slightly savory and highly pairable Rosé for tapas.
90 points $9.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Celebrities 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$10.99
Best Buy
Celebrities
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of oregano, bell pepper, caper berries, cracked black pepper, violet, and clove with a satiny, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish evoking notes of plum, black tea with cream, and cornichons with well-integrated, silky tannins and heavy oak flavor. A lovely, well-integrated Cabernet with great balance and style.
90 points $10.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Grand Ducay NV Cava Cariñena
90 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Grand Ducay
NV Cava Cariñena
Pale golden straw color. Elegant aromas of almond biscotti, golden apple, brioche with butter and orange marmalade, candied ginger, and rubber with a satiny, lively, finely carbonated, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, nuanced, medium-long sweet almond, tangerine, pineapple, and minerals finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A fabulously balanced Cava with rich toasty notes, singing citrusy acidity and mouthwatering minerality.
90 points $11.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
500 Manos NV Red Blend Cariñena
89 points
$19.99
500 Manos
NV Red Blend Cariñena
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cassis pie, black pepper, leather, balsamic reduction, cedar, and savory herbs with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, distinctive, long finish with accents of carob and licorice with moderate oak flavor. A highly pleasing Spanish Red Blend that delivers intense, bold aromas.
89 points $19.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Radio Boka 2019 Tempranillo
88 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Radio Boka
2019 Tempranillo
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, olive, hints of caraway, tobacco, and black pepper with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of sour cherry, tomatoes, and tarragon with light oak flavor. A silky-smooth Tempranillo with kisses of sweetness.
88 points $9.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Celebrities 2019 Garnacha
88 points
$10.99
Best Buy
Celebrities
2019 Garnacha
Deep purple color. Fruity aromas and flavors of raspberry candies, lingonberry, strawberry fruit leather, berry smoothie, bay, and orange liqueur with a round, vibrant, fruity medium body and a tingling, medium-length finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A richly fruity Garnacha with firm, food-friendly tannins.
88 points $10.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Celebrities 2018 Syrah
88 points
$10.99
Best Buy
Celebrities
2018 Syrah
Black garnet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of blackberry reduction, sassafras, dried figs and dates, and black olives with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a silky, appealing, medium-long finish displaying notes of hints of roasted meats with moderate oak flavor. A bold, chewy Syrah that will stand up to rich, beefy dishes.
88 points $10.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Beso de Vino 2019 Syrah & Garnacha Cariñena
88 points
$11
Best Buy
Beso de Vino
2019 Syrah & Garnacha Cariñena
Dark violet color. Inviting, fruity aromas and flavors of ripe raspberries, lignonberry, violet, anise, pepper, and cream with a velvety, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long finish with moderate oak flavor. A tasty, food friendly wine with a great sense of juiciness.
88 points $11 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Grand Ducay NV Cava Rosado Garnacha
88 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Grand Ducay
NV Cava Rosado Garnacha
Pale orange salmon color. Aromas of carnation, pickled strawberry, and freshly baked bread with a satiny, vibrant, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an interesting, medium-length almonds, orange flower water, juicy tangerine, hints of cajeta, and minerals finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A charming Rosé Cava for celebrations.
88 points $11.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Bodega Verde 2019 Garnacha Syrah Cariñena
88 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Bodega Verde
2019 Garnacha Syrah Cariñena
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of toasty plum pastry, hibiscus tea, and pomegranate with a vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a polished, medium-length finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A juicy red that will cover a lot of bases.
88 points $14.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
El Gringo 2019 Tempranillo
88 points
$15.99
El Gringo
2019 Tempranillo
Deep purple color. Aromas of charred cedar, plum, blistered berries, tobacco, and savory spices with a round, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length olive tapenade, vanilla creme, and roasted nuts finish with heavy oak flavor. A fruit-forward and oaky Tempranillo that brings New World style to an Old World grape.
88 points $15.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Beso de Vino 2018 Tempranillo
87 points
$12.50
Best Buy
Beso de Vino
2018 Tempranillo
Dusty black ruby color. Savory aromas of dill pickles, sun dried tomato, plum vinaigrette, fava beans, and tobacco with a satiny, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a silky, amusing, medium-long tobacco, cashew, thyme, and basil finish with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A savory, well-integrated wine with silky smooth tannins; pair with Spanish or Italian cuisines.
87 points $12.50 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Celebrities 2016 Old Vine Garnacha
87 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Celebrities
2016 Old Vine Garnacha
Black garnet color. Earthy aromas and flavors of persimmon, sweet pea blossom, tomato, dill, and baked plum pie with a satiny, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, compelling, medium-length finish with notes of granite and dried grasses with earthy tannins and light oak flavor. An earthy, decidedly Old World wine for rustic pairings.
87 points $14.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Idrias 2018 Finca Las Planas Tempranillo
87 points
$17
Idrias
2018 Finca Las Planas Tempranillo
Dark dusty ruby garnet color. Herbal aromas and flavors of pickled tomatoes, dressed beets, dill, tellicherry peppercorns, and capers with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish displaying notes of Puttanesca sauce with drying tannins and moderate oak flavor. A savory, herbal Tempranillo for creative pairings.
87 points $17
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Beso de Vino 2019 Viñas Viejas Garnacha
86 points
$11
Best Buy
Beso de Vino
2019 Viñas Viejas Garnacha
Ruby black color. Fruity aromas and flavors of blackberry candle, berry-pineapple smoothie, marzipan, hints of olive, and tobacco with a lightly tannic, crisp, fruity medium body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-length finish with firm tannins and light oak flavor. A fruit-forward Garnacha that will pair effortlessly.
86 points $11 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Bodega Verde 2019 Macabeo
86 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Bodega Verde
2019 Macabeo
Pale straw color. Aromas and flavors of yellow apples, golden melon, tea, and wafer cookie with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, medium-length finish with suggestions of orange zest and wet stone. A crisp, svelte Spanish White that will pair quite well with shellfish.
86 points $14.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Mateus 2019 Dry Rosé Portugal
85 points
$12
Mateus
2019 Dry Rosé Portugal
Pink coral color. Aromas of strawberry preserve and watermelon with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, medium-length hints of celery and orange zest finish with no oak flavor. A crisp, light and cheery Rosé that refreshes.
85 points $12
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Gazela NV Vinho Verde
84 points
$7
Gazela
NV Vinho Verde
Straw green color. Aromas of pressed linen, lemon blossom, bitter almond, and lime with a satiny, vibrant, petillant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, medium-length Seville orange, Meyer lemon, and kiwi finish with no oak flavor. A fruity, refreshing Vinho Verde with a cheery vibe.
84 points $7
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Radio Boka 2019 Verdejo
84 points
$9.99
Radio Boka
2019 Verdejo
Straw color. Fruity aromas and flavors of golden apple, pear puree, and white flowers with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a sleek, fast finish with notes of green apple. A smooth, dry yet fruity Spanish White that will play well as an aperitif and at the table.
84 points $9.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Beso Del Sol NV Red Sangria Spain
84 points
$11
Beso Del Sol
NV Red Sangria Spain
Dusty violet color. Herbal aromas and flavors of bay leaf, spiced blackberry jam, and orange sherbet with a supple, soft, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a sleek, brisk finish evoking accents of tarragon with no oak flavor. A zesty, crushable Sangria for simple party refreshers.
84 points $11
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Beso Del Sol NV Rosé Sangria Spain
84 points
$11
Beso Del Sol
NV Rosé Sangria Spain
Steely orange color. Aromas and flavors of spiced berries, lemon-lime soda, cinnamon-rose potpourri, and red licorice with a satiny, crisp, sweet light-to-medium body and a silky, medium-length finish that exhibits notes of ginger cooler with no oak flavor. A friendly, fruity, spicy Rosé Sangria with fun floral accents.
84 points $11
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Beso Del Sol NV White Sangria Spain
84 points
$11
Beso Del Sol
NV White Sangria Spain
White gold color. Candied aromas and flavors of peach gummies, hot spiced pear cider, Hi-C orange drink, bay leaf, and thyme with a satiny, crisp, sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, brisk finish conveying accents of mandarins in syrup with no oak flavor. A sweet, citrusy and spicy Sangria with hints of peach candies.
84 points $11
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Caballeria de Luna 2019 Spanish White Wine Penedes
84 points
$15.99
Caballeria de Luna
2019 Spanish White Wine Penedes
Pale straw color. Aromas of lemon-honey tisane and ginko with a soft, shy, dry light body and a polished, quick apple jelly, mango and chamomile finish with no oak flavor. A soft, simple quaffer for anytime sipping.
84 points $15.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Desvia 2019 Eco Tempranillo
84 points
$18.99
Desvia
2019 Eco Tempranillo
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry jam, blackberry candle, and raisins with a satiny, crisp, dryish medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish displaying elements of hints of chocolate, red apple, hazelnut, and baking spices with moderate oak flavor. A jammy, crowd-pleasing red.
84 points $18.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Monasterio de Las Viñas 2017 Old Vine Garnacha
84 points
$19
Monasterio de Las Viñas
2017 Old Vine Garnacha
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of wild strawberry, lemon balm, carnation, and pickled tomatoes with a lightly tannic, crisp, dry medium body and a smooth, breezy finish. A simple Spanish Red for the table.
84 points $19
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Shortcut: https://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Wine/Review-2020-11-08-Spain-and-Portugal.aspx