2004 Vina Alarba Old Vines GRENACHE (Calatayud, Spain)

This wine is always at least a good value, and sometimes a great one. The 2004 is closer to the "good" end of the scale. Saturated dark ruby-purple. Intense nose of crushed, hot stones, sweet cream, and spicy raspberry/cherry liqueur. Tight, minerally, crisp, raspberry flavors, with relatively high acidity making for a nervous, edgy mouthfeel. Some tannin to shed as well. This wine should be a little softer in texture in a year, but time won't take away the acidity. A good, boisterous, but somewhat uncivilized glass of wine. 86+. Was $6.99 at Spec's.