Managing shipping right now is a nightmare... loads of shipments were on hold after the unexpected increase in tariffs in January. Then, when the new administration repealed the tariffs, there was a mad scramble for containers. All of which means my best laid plans to stagger the arrival of these wines went out the window. My entire first half of the year Spanish offers arrived at once! The distributor is being as generous as he can, but his bills are due soon. So, rather than try and sell these one at a time, let's just blow them all out.

A mixed case (four of each) will set you back $137.99. That's just $11.49 per bottle - a 27% savings over regular prices. And the combined price crushes the Best US Price on these wines!

So... to recap... killer wines.. and I wanna move them out... huge savings. Order away.

Alvar de Dios Tio Uco 2018

91 pts Wine Advocate

From Toro, Spain… uh… well, let me have the importer tell you about Toro…“Toro is like the 1980s – big shoulder pads, teased hair and a gaudy energy that seems to be chemically enhanced. It’s a DO that in most regards is caught in a time warp, much like that mauve and teal bathroom you’ve been meaning to remodel. Having built its reputation on a style of wine that is now decidedly out of fashion, Toro is long overdue for a breath of fresh air – or in the case of Alvar de Dios, fresh wine.” Importer note

This little gem is made from 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha from 25-40 year-old vines in the northwestern part of Toro. The grapes are farmed organically in sandy soil, fermented whole cluster with indigenous yeasts, see only a gentle maceration with pigeage by foot, and is aged primarily in neutral French oak barrels ranging in size from 300-1000L. Don't worry if that doesn't make sense to you... at this price, I'm not going to test you on it! What it means to you is great care is taken to deliver to you a pure, vibrant expression of the grapes and the region. (A lot has to do with the sandy soil.) 

The bottom line is this wine is just fabulous. Or, as I initially wrote in my tasting notes, “That’s fun! Super savory. Rich. Yummy! Spicy.” It's loaded with red and black fruits - blackberries, cherries, mulberries and raspberries - and the aforementioned spices - black pepper, cinnamon, and coffee. What makes it "fun" is the rousing brightness of the wine - there is a vein of minerality and vibrant acidity that buoys the fruit and spice, keeping it all very "fun" and emminently drinkable. 

Food? Well, tapas is the way to go, of course! I ran to the store and loaded up on some easy things... boquerones (white anchovies), marinated olives, roasted red peppers, chorizo, manchego cheese, and a little tuna steak to fill out the stomach. Simple. And ridiculously good! 
 

Herencia Altes Garnatxa Negre 2018

91 pts James Suckling ./ 90 pts VInous

Herencia Altes is the dream of Nuria Altes, a native of the village of Batea in the Terra Alta region of Spain. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Catalonia, Terra Alta is not well-known, but is blessed with old Garnacha (Grenache) vines. Most of the grapes are sold to large cooperatives or companies outside the region. Nuria’s family has been growing grapes here for generations and this project is the culmination of “my dream to put Terra Alta on the map and show the true quality of these wonderful old vines.” With wines like this, she will do that!

"Deep, glistening crimson. Lively red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the perfumed nose. In a fleshy, fruit-forward style, showing very good clarity and seamless texture to juicy boysenberry and black raspberry flavors. Supple, discreet tannins lend shape to a long, blue-fruit-driven finish that leaves a spicy hint of white pepper behind." Vinous
 

Castana Alcaria 2018

No review - 91 pts Jeb Dunnuck for 2016

Made in southeast Spain by Jean-Marc Lafage, our favorite French winemaker! 20-50 year old vines… hand-harvested… a blend of 50% Monastrell, 25% Syrah and 25% Garnacha Tintorera (aja Alicante Bouschet). Four months in a combination of French and American oak. Just flat-out yummy! At this price, you can pretty much drink with whatever you feel like… certainly burgers, ribs, chicken thighs or pork off the grill would all be absolutely delicious choices!

“A custom cuvée made for importer Eric Solomon with Jean-Marc Lafage. An incredible value that more than over-delivers, this deeply colored red boasts terrific notes of ripe black fruits, chocolate, smoked herbs, and graphite. With full-boded richness and a sexy, opulent style on the palate, it opens up nicely in the glass and should keep for 2-4 years.” JD


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Thursday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.