From The Wine Spectator
A Coroa
91 Points
Adegas A Coroa
Godello 2005
Valdeorras
$20
Muscular, full-bodied and assertive, with almond, anise, pear and smoke flavors and firm tannins. Austere but balanced and deep, this distinctive white is perfect for rich fish dishes. Drink now through 2009. -T.M. (June 15, 2007)
Chéreau Carré
90 Points
Chéreau-Carré
Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Le Clos du Château l'Oiselinière
2002
$30
Still going strong, with nice concentration to its lemon peel, sea salt, dried grapefruit and mineral notes. Plenty of vibrancy on the finish. Impressive for its age. Drink now. 1,175 cases made. -J.M. (Dec 15, 2006)
87 Points
Chereau-Carre
Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Chateau de la Chesnaie
2004
"Best Values"
Bright and crunchy, with lime, floral and chalk notes. Crisp, refreashing finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. -J.M. (September 30th, 2005)
90 Points
Chereau-Carre
Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Chateau de Chasseloir
2002
"Smart Buys"
Offers a rare explosiveness, with concentrated lemon peel, grapefruit, honeysuckle, mineral and brine notes. The racey acidity carries it effortlessly, while a second wave of fruit emerges on the finish. Hard for Muscadet to be better than this. Drink now through 2004. 15,000 cases made. -J.M. (July 31, 2003)
89 Points
Chereau-Carre
Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Chateau de la Chesnaie
2002
Bright, round and exuberant, with lemon peel, floral, sea salt and pink grapefruit notes that bounce around while remianing harmoniuos. Long, juicy finish leaves you salivating for more. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. -J.M. (July 31, 2003)
88 Points
Chereau-Carre
Muscadet de Serve et Maine Les Vergers
2002
Solid Muscadet, with a lovely array of lime, honeysuckle, citrus peel and brine notes. Long, pure, steely finish is really, really nice. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. -J.M. (July 31, 2003)
Joan D'Anguera
91 Points
Joan d’Anguera Bugader 2005
Montsant
$75
Smoky, toasty aromas give way to rich flavors of blackberry, plum, coffee and mineral in a polished texture supported by firm tannins. This red has density and harmony. Modern, it offers an alluring note of wildness. Drink now through 2015. –T.M. (11/30/08)
90 Points
Joan d’Anguera Finca l’Argata 2005
Montsant
$30
Plum, tobacco, briar and garrique flavors are dark and alluring in this firm, polished red. Austere, even a bit earthy, it remains balanced and clean. Drink now through 2014. –T.M. (11/30/08)
87 Points
Joan d’Anguera Planella 2006
Montsant
$22
This plum red offers black cherry, plum, chocolate and light herbal flavors. Generous and juicy, with just enough tannins for grip. Drink now through 2012. –T.M. (11/30/08)
92 Points
Joan D'Anguera El Bugader 2001
Montsant
$50
This intense red shows an inky black color, with clean , focused flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, black pepper and coffee. The tannins are muscular but well-intergrated, the wine heady but not hot. Tight now; give it time to develop. Better than previously reviewed. Best after 2004. 800 cases made. -T.M. (March 2004)
94 Points
Joan D'Anguera El Bugader 1999
Tarragona
$45
"Tarragona has only recently gained a reputation for serious reds. But the Anguera family founded their bodega in 1820, and now give nearby Priorat competition with a blend of Syrah, Garnacha and Cabernet. The 1999 is rich, dark and deep, a powerful red that offers blackberry, coffee and licorice flavors wrapped in mouthfilling tannins that ease up to reveal a long, spicy finish. Best after 2005." --T.M. (9/18/02)
89 Points
Joan D'Anguera El Bugader 1998
Tarragona
$45
Black fruit and toasty oak marry well over firm tannins in this ripe, extracted red, yet it remains balanced and fresh. Great with grilled meats. Drink now through 2005. TM (10/15/01)
86 Points
Joan D'Anguera Finca L'Argata 1998
Tarragona
$20
This hearty red offers black cherry, tobacco and mineral notes over firm tannins. It's medium-bodied, with good balance. Drink now through 2004. 1,000 cases made. TM (10/15/01)
Rotllan Torra
92 Points
Rottlan Torra Amadis 2003
Priorat
$60
Blackberry, licorice and coffee flavors mingle in this inky red. The muscular tannins are well integrated and lavish oak complements the ripe fruit. Heady, but stays clean. Drink now through 2015. 2,000 cases made. –T.M. (Nov 30, 2006)
93 Points
Rotllan Torra Priorat Amadis 1997
Priorat
$45
You can lose yourself in the depths of this brooding monster. Plum, coffee and licorice flavors are rich and ripe; the tannins are muscular; the finish is bitter yet alluring. If power is your game, this is your wine. Best after 2003. 900 cases made.-T.M. (6/30/01)
91 Points
Rotllan Torra Priorat Amadis 1998
Priorat
$48
Intense flavors of kirsch, black currant, chocolate and vanilla jump from the glass in this bold red. Firm tannins give it structure. Distinctive and exuberant, an intriguing mix of rustic and sophisticated style. Drink now through 2012. -T.M. (6/30/01)
95 Points
Rotllan Torra Priorat Tirant 1997
Priorat
$75
Highly Recommended
Powerful and intense, this Spanish red is as ripe and rich as a young Vintage Port, bursting with flavors of black cherries and blueberries, chocolate and coffee, supported by muscular yet round tannins. An impressive achievement in an age of blockbuster wines. Best after 2003. 500 cases made.-T.M. (6/30/01)
From The Savvy Shopper 6/30/2001
Spain's Priorat Region continues to be the source of some of the world's most exciting new releases. Rotllan Torra offers a pair of '97's, both powerful and both brimming with coffee and blackberry flavors. The Highly Recommended Tirant (95, $75) shows a little more finesse than its brooding sibling Amadis (93, $45), yet both will satisfy fans of monster California Zins and full-throttle Aussie Shirazes.
Viña Sastre
95 Points
Viña Sastre Pesus 2003
Ribera del Duero
$395
This lush red is like pie a la mode, sweet with ripe blackberry and huckleberry fruit and vanilla oak flavors. It’s mouthfilling yet not aggressive, and there’s enough acidity to keep it lively. An oaky, modern style, ripe and heady, but rich and deep. Drink now through 2015. –T.M. (Insider Vol.2, No.2)
|
