Spanish reds have become, over the last few years, one of the top categories in the world of wine for excellent value. Ten to fifteen years ago it was all about Australia………remember them? Next, Argentina stepped up and those deep, full Malbecs that still hold their fair share of the market. But overall, it’s the reds of Spain that have the stronghold now. Ten years ago most of the wines we had access to were from Rioja and Ribera Del Duero but the number of regions available now are overwhelming! Navarra, Toro, Valencia, Bierzo, Rias Baixas, Basque………….it just goes on and on. Even Madrid has its own DO.
I’ve selected some of those so called excellent values as well as some other fun things. There’s a wine from the Canary Islands that I think is intriguing. Mineral, spice, some blueberry……..just unusual and different than any of the other wines.
There is a classic, traditional Reserva from The Rioja in the Marques De Murrietta. And…..I was really impressed with the Cabernet from the Penedes, a great region for the grape. I’d say it tastes like a $50 Bordeaux to me. Anyway, all in all, a fun, informative tasting from your pals at Mt Tabor Fine Wines.
PS- Get excited by a new offering from us. I just put some honey bee hives in our back yard up on Mt Tabor, with the help of Damian, the bee guy from Bee Local. We’ll be offering our “Thompson Terroir” Mt Tabor honey from the lovely bees foraging from our back yard. It will be delicious. However, don’t look for any honey/ wine pairings in the future!
The Lineup
2012 Lezaun, Tempranillo “No Sulphites Added”/ Navarra $11
2011 Bodegas Sindoa, El Chaparral “Old Vine Garnacha”/ Navarra $15
2009 Palacios Remondo, La Montesa/ Rioja $17
2010 Tierras De Aponte, Tinto/ Abona-Canary Islands $19
2007 Marques De Murrieta, Reserva/ Rioja $25
Premium Pour ($3)
2005 Jané Ventura, Cabernet Sauvignon “Mas Vilella”/ Penedes $35
Sandy Thompson, Proprietor
Mt. Tabor Fine Wines
4316 SE Hawthorne Bl
Portland, Or. 97215
(503)235-4444



