1 | Wine | Other Red, Spain

"The 2009 Signo Bobal (a blend of 90% Bobal and 10% Syrah) may be the finest Bobal-based wine I have ever had. It was bottled without fining or filtration after spending time in mostly French and some American oak. It boasts a dense purple color along with wonderful sweet, jammy strawberry and black cherry notes intermixed with floral, licorice, graphite and spice characteristics. This dense red reveals a terrific texture as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel, yet it is light on its feet. This amazing Bobal should drink well for 3-4 years." -Robert Parker

"Inky ruby. Spice-accented aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits and cola, with notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Concentrated and powerful on the palate, with a spicy note building with air. Intense licorice, blackcurrant and bitter cherry notes linger on the spicy, youthfully tannic finish. Outstanding value here; there are very few all-graciano Riojas made, and they all cost a lot more than this one."

"It has a fresh, floral bouquet with dark cherry and blueberry fruit that offers commercial appeal. The palate is supple and rounded on the entry with bright cassis fruit and a svelte, satisfying finish that coats the mouth."

"Bright violet color. Musky blueberry, cassis and lavender on the nose, with complicating mineral and white pepper nuances. Supple, sweet and smooth, with very good energy and lift to its dark fruit and spice flavors. Finishes with supple tannins and bright, tangy persistence."

"Heady aromas of raspberry, incense, potpourri and Asian spices; smells a lot like pinot. Lively red fruit flavors are complicated by cinnamon and anise, with tangy minerality adding lift and spine. Suave, precise wine with very good finishing vivacity and lingering sweetness."

"One of the better bargains in Spanish red wine is the 2009 El Castro de Valtuille Joven. Fermented and aged in tank, it exhibits a carbonic maceration-like nose (although it’s not). Sweetly fruited, ripe, and designed for immediate gratification, this tasty effort goes down easy."