Preamble Tasting January
2001
The Iberian Renaissance
Frank Searson
Thanks to Mark Downes for these notes. Mark is generally a little more generous than I on star ratings :)
1. Marques de Alella Clasico, Alella, Spain, 1999
Very spicy and refreshing. 11.5%. Pxxx Blanco grape.
£7.89
2. Con Class Seleccion Especial, Rueda, Spain, 1999 
Grapes Verdelho, Vinxx, Sauvignon Balnc. Excellent, very good value.
£6.60
3. Carcelo Merlot, Agapito Rico, Jumilla, Spain 1998
Very respectable 100% Merlot. 13.5%
£8.88
4. Castell del Remi, Gotim Bru, Costers del Segre,
Spain, 1998
Tempranillo, Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, 12.5%. Excellent wine, best
in 3-4 years. Good value.
£8.88
5. Bodegas Guelbenza, Navarra, Spain, 1998
Lovely wine of 50% Tempranillo, 35% Cab Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 13%
alcohol. Age 2-3 years more. Good value.
£9.42
6. Allende, Rioja, Spain, 1996
100% Tempranillo. Aged in 3 year old French oak casks with 10% in
American oak. Not traditional, new approach for Rioja. Keep
5-6 years. Nice but a bit pricey.
£16.36
7. Bodegas Parxet, Tionio, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 1998
Very good, tasty. Drinking well, will develop for a further 4-5
years. 100% Tempranillo.
£15.62
8. Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez, Condada de
Haza, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 1998
Excellent fruit, wood and alcohol balance. Will develop into a great
wine over 7-8 years. 100% Tempranillo.
£14.38
9. Quinta das Setencostas, Alenquer, Portugal,
1999
Periquita, Camarate, and other local grapes. A bit on the young
side.
£6.95
10. Palha-Canas, Vinho Regional, Estremadura,
Portugal, 1999
Periquita, Camarate, Touriga Nacional and others. Tasty but a
bit young. 12.5%
£9.87
11. Duas Quintas, Douro, Portugal, 1997
Very good food wine.
£8.88
12. Moscatell Reserva Especial Rotllan Torra,
Priorat, Portugal
Apricot & peach flavoured dessert wine, 16%. Very pleasant.
£10 for 50cl