5 | Wine | Grenache, 2011

"Juicy wild strawberry, red cherry and blackberry framed by supple tannins. Floral notes of violet and rose petal complement the oak notes of mocha and vanilla on the finish".

"Possibly the single greatest dry red wine value in the world, this is an unbelievable wine. And don’t complain that you can’t find any, as there are 15,000 cases available, and any wine retailer worth his weight should be stockpiling this wine next to the cash register. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by classic aromas of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries, loamy soil and flowers. This medium to full-bodied wine possesses remarkable depth, an expansive texture and wonderful freshness as well as purity. On taste alone, this beauty could easily sell for $30-50 a bottle."

"No oak is used in this totally naked red. It emphasizes minerality and fruit, as evidenced by its crushed chalk-like notes intermixed with sweet kirsch, lavender and licorice. This fresh, medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, hedonistic as well as intellectually challenging wine should drink well for 2-3 years." -Robert Parker

"Inky purple. Ripe black raspberry and cherry liqueur scents are brightened by zesty pepper and allspice nuances. Plush and sweet, with powerful cherry and red berry compote flavors given lift by juicy acidity. Gains flesh and depth on the impressively long, spicy finish, which is given shape by fine-grained tannins."

"Glass-staining ruby. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, smoky minerals and white pepper, with a suggestion of candied rose. Supple on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, with vibrant flavors of black and blue fruits and floral pastilles. Finishes with powerful blue fruit and spice notes and very good length."

"The 2011 Artaruzi Garnacha has a light, crisp nose of crushed strawberry, raspberry and dried rose petals that unfurls nicely with aeration. The palate offers crisp and crunchy cranberry and red currant fruit with zesty acidity towards the terse, slightly brittle, chalky finish."