Candidate for Wine of the Year

Yes, you've all seen the reports of Bordeaux for 2005 and the mega prices that vintage is commanding in the futures. With the best of California matching those prices, it's harder to find world class wines. You want the complexity of Bordeaux and the big flavours of California and other New World regions, but the prices are getting you down. Well it's time people look towards emerging Old World areas such as Spain.

Spain has more land dedicated to the vine than anywhere else in the world. And for the terrorist, the land of Spain strongly dictates the taste of the grapes. Very cool nights with hot days lends great complexity and taste to the grapes.

Tierras de Luna is a carefully styled Bordeaux styled blend comprising of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon , 20% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 15% Mencia.

I could write long scripts about how fabulous it is, but with so many reviewers loving it and giving glowing reviews, I'll let you tell them how great it is.

"Even though this takes a generic appellation, Bierzo’s spirit is evident in this blend of 15% Mencia plus three grapes unauthorized in the Bierzo D.O.—Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. Tense and full of dark black cherry and black pepper flavors, it feels elegant and cool, the mineral tones as fresh as an Atlantic breeze."
Wine & Spirits, 91 points, June 2006

“This is a deeply serious wine. Comprised of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 15% Mencia, all grown in a marvelous vintage, this is very powerful and intense. The fruit notes are all black, with currants leading the way. Tarry, roasted meat notes and lots of fine-grained tannin make this a formidable partner for the most robust foods, so think lamb shanks and hearty stews.”
Wine Review Online – Michael Franz, 91 points

“This could almost be a Howell Mountain cabernet, with carbon on the nose, purple
fruit, and an earthy, murky finish. A powerful and engaging wine.”
Savuer Magazine, “Bierzo Rising—Meet some of Spain’s best new red wines”

2001 Tierras de Luna - The 26-year-old Perez is one of Spain's young stars, thanks to the wines he's making at Bodegas Luna Beberide in Bierzo. This lush, silky Cabernet blend is full of opulent dark fruit.
Food and Wine, May 2006 - On the winemaker Gregory Perez

Check this link from the website Wines from Spain!
http://www.winesfromspain.com/icex/cda/controller/pageGen/0,3346,1549487_23417381_23330381_422049_0,00.html

Check these international sites for our Spanish readers - It's an international star!
http://www.ebierzo.com/post/1/398
http://canales.elcomerciodigital.com/gastronomia/vinos/tinto/tierrasdeluna2001.htm

And there are so many more out there! It's a real star of the year and the amazing thing, it's not a $200 wine as you would think, but the retail price averages $25! You just can't get wines of this caliber for this price. It's one of those wines, difficult to find but a joy when you do. If you are in Houston, send me a note and I'll tell you where to find it! Be good all! And DRINK MORE WINE!

Donna