Spain on a Song
@ Bin 604 Wine Sellers

The White Wines:

1. Cuevas de Castilla Palacio Menade Verdejo 2002, Rueda $10.99
The 2002 Palacio Menade is 100% Verdejo produced from the estate's oldest vines. Showing restraint, with good depth as well as passion fruit characteristics in the bouquet and flavors... it is a noteworthy effort. 87 points. Robert M. Parker, Jr. The Wine Advocate #147

2. Muga Barrel Fermented 2003 Rioja Blanco $11.99
Muga is one of the most important producers in Rioja (located in north central Spain). Their white is produced from 100% Viura, an indigenous variety yielding fruity wines not unlike Chardonnay.

The Red Wines:

3. Protocolo 2002, Castilla $6.49
100% Tempranillo and aged for 3 months in 1-3 year old American oak. The vineyards are located on the northeast edge of the D.O. La Mancha in south-central Spain.

4. Bodegas Campos Reales Tempranillo 2003, La Mancha $7.99
100% Tempranillo stainless steel fermented. The grapes come from 30 year old vineyards yielding only 2 tons/acre. The wine has a Beaujolais-like, fruity nose and flavors.

5. Sierra Cantabria Tinto 2002 Rioja $10.99
One of the best values in Rioja is this 100% Tempranillo from old vines.

6. Codice 2001, Castilla $8.99
100% Tempranillo aged 6 months in 1-3 year old American oak. The wine shows strawberry aromatics with cherry and black currant flavors.

7. Borsao 2003, Campo de Borja $7.99
75% Garnacha and 25 % Tempranillo stainless steel fermented exhibiting fruity aromatics and flavors of cherry and red berry.

8. Tresantos 2002, Castilla y Leon $12.99
100% Tinta de Toro from a 50 year old vineyard. The wine was aged for 4 months in 50% American and 50% French oak. The wine is ripe and layered with a long aftertaste. An awesome value.

9. Casa Castillo Monastrell 2002, Jumilla $11.99
85% Monastrell and 15% Syrah from Jumilla, an up-and-coming region. It is aged 4 months in new French and American oak. The wine is supple and tasty, a definite BEST BUY.

10. Finca Sobreño 2001, Toro $12.99
This wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to elegant, sweet black cherry and currant fruit with subtle notes of oak and new saddle leather in the background. Nicely textured and medium-bodied.

11. Abadia Retuerta Rivola 2001, Sardon de Duero $12.99
60% Tempranillo and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon bottled unfiltered. 2001 was a great vintage in this region.

12. Capcanes Mas Donis 2002, Montsant $13.99
80% Garnacha and 20% Syrah in a lush, hedonistic package.