Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
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2009 Luis A. Rodriguez Vazquez Viña Martin “A Torna Dos Pasás” Tinto, Ribeira, Spain.
This natural and intriguing red is made from a blend of native grapes that include Mencia and others which can include Ferron, Souson, Brancellao (there is also Garnacha and Tempranillo planted in Ribeiro), and the result is near perfection in a way that gives the same joy as when you find a fantastic Burgundy. With out question this wine reminds me of a great Chambolle-Musigny, plus a touch of Santa Lucia Highlands, California as well, crazy as that seems being that this wine is not a famed Pinot Noir, but that is just how fantastic it is, and to be fair it is a creature and artisan wine of it’s own terroir. I’ve tried just a few vintages of this wine, and each time I’m completely blown away, and I think this must be the greatest wine and region yet to be really discovered! Even though, Parker and Spectator have given them outstanding reviews, it seems now it is the time for this wine to be elevated to it’s rightful place near the top of Spain’s great wines. The Ribeiro is believed to have been planted by the Romans and is near the rivers; Mino, Avia, Arnoia and the Barbatino in the Galicia provence, and was renown for sweet wines since the middle ages. This area in the Northwest of Spain is on my must visit list of wine regions, especially after tasting this amazing wine! The nose is alive with fresh flowers, mostly violets and it has blueberry and mineral spices before an elegant palate of raspberry, plum and a core of tangy cherry fruit. This wine is so pure and refined, it is hard to believe it is not a great Burgundy, but then again many a Burgundy would be paled by a blind taste comparison as this wine can hold it’s own and has remarkable depth and charms. There are sexy complexities that include red spices, lavender, stony mineral and subtle wood notes that play in sublime fashion with the vibrant fruit, making for an exciting and glorious wine that impresses beyond mere words.
($40 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive
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