Wine Asylum

Posted by R Browne (A) on February 28, 2009 at 15:21:18

2007 Bodegas Atalaya Red Blend Almansa, Spain. This has become one my new favorites. Tried a bottle today and really enjoyed it. Just lovely to my taste. Retails from between $13-16 a bottle. I'm going to buy more! Some notes from the critics below:

91 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

"This is the first release of Atalaya. The 2007 Atalaya is a blend of Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, and other red grapes. The wine was aged for eight months in French and American oak. This purple-colored wine has an expressive bouquet of violets, spice box, leather, game, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate it comes off as borderline kinky and definitely sexy with lots of easy-going flavor, superb depth, complexity, and a 45-second finish. Although it can be enjoyed now, it will evolve for another 2-3 years." (08/08)

90 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:

"Inky purple. Spicy dark berries and cherry on the nose, with strong black cardamom and cumin qualities. Candied blackberry and rose flavors are gently firmed by soft tannins and pick up a peppery note with air. Suave and immediately accessible, with very good finishing sweetness and cling." (Sept/Oct '08)