Gran Viu Seleccion

Viñedos y Bodegas Pablo
Gran Viu
Selección
Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan (or maybe Syrah?)
Cariñena DO
Almonacid de la Sierra, Zaragoza, Spain
2002
14.5%
$24.99 -- Spec's Liquors, Austin, TX

Color: Obscure ruby
Nose: Stewed fruit, tar, mushrooms, cherry smoke
Body: Full
Front: Creamy roasted plum
Middle: Black pepper, black cherry
Back: Coffee grounds, rocks, dusty tannins
Burns clean?:
Cap: Cork

This wine goes to show what Spain can do in the southern Rhone style, bigtime. It's got length, depth, and sweetness, plus all of the herby, leathery stuff that ageable Spanish wines are known for. This was phenomenal tonight with a chicken-in-píperade purée and spinach and mushroom quiche. It might be hard to find this wine, but it's a well-priced example of what this region and producer can do, and  much worth trying!

Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Kathy