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2004 Bodegas Balcona Partal DO Bullas
Region: Spain > Other Spain
Grape type: other red varietal
We had heard all about "Balcona", the high elevation plantings, the wind that rips down from the mountains, keeping the late-ripening Monastrell (or Mourvedre) healthy. The 2004 Partal, drawn from Pepa Fernandez's old-vine Monastrell was delicious -- a wildly aromatic Spanish wine with beautiful red fruit flavors and a finish that wouldn't stop. But even so, it was 8 hours from Catalunya to Bullas. A winter storm had blanketed the mountain roads. It would be half-crazy to make the trek on those narrow two-lane mountain roads just to understand what those ethereal aromas, and the finish that never ends, were all about. But, we were on a Spanish mission. read more »
2007 Domaine La Florane Cotes du Rhone Terre Pourpre Visan
Region: France > Rhone > Cotes du Rhone
Grape type: Rhone Blend
WS 91 - You have to see it. It's not just the old, gnarly vines -- impossibly twisted plants set low to the ground, seemingly cowering in the face of the Mistral. It's the ground. Here in one of the most beautiful spots in all of France, a place where lavender grows wild and ancient vine Grenache reigns supreme, the earth is purple. read more »
2005 Oakville Ranch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Region: California > Napa
Grape type: Cabernet Sauvignon
There's a reason they call it Magic Road. When the vineyards that dot the red volcanic, serpentine path are Dalla Valle ($180/bottle), Bakus ($200/bottle from Phelps), and Showket (yikes!), there's clearly something in the air. But when we got to the top of Magic Road, to the Oakville fog line, arrived at Oakville Ranch, this fabulous 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon came into perfect focus. read more »
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