What can't wine do?

Wine: the miracle drug:

A natural antioxidant commonly found in red wine and fruit may protect against radiation exposure, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.

Spain/Portugal Tasting Notes - Sept. 2008

Tasting Sequence No. #
Wine / Vineyard / Year
Varietal
Region, Country
Tasting Notes
**************************
#1
Bodegas Naia Las Brisas 2006
50% Verdejo Viura
50% Sauv.Blanc
Rueda DO, Spain
WS 89. $11.99. This bold white delivers tingling acidity that amplifies its lime, green apple and almond flavors. A light spritz adds to the nervy character. Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc and Viura. Drink now. 5,000 cases made.

#2
Marques de Caceres Reserva 2001
Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano
Rioja DOC, Spain
WS 90. $23. This well-structured red delivers deep flavors of plum, tobacco, mineral and spice over firm tannins. A bit austere, but shows complexity and harmony, with a spicy, floral finish. Drink now through 2012. 2,500 cases imported.

#3
Finca Allende 2004
100% Tempranillo
Rioja DOC, Spain
WS 90. $30. Focused and balanced, this elegant red delivers plum, licorice and vanilla flavors, with fresh acidity and floral and mineral notes over fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases imported.

#4
Bodegas Arrocal 2005
100% Tempranillo
Ribera del Duero DO, Spain
WS 86. WS 90. $15. This plush red offers ripe plum and black cherry flavors, with chocolate, tobacco and floral accents. Velvety in texture, with soft tannins and light acidity. Drink now through 2009. 12,500 cases made.

#5
Bodegas Nekeas El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa 2003
Grenache
Navarra DO, Spain
WS 90. This rich red delivers syrupy raspberry and blackberry flavors, with accents of coffee and mineral, supported by firm tannins. Powerful and distinctive. You can taste hot sun on stony soils. Drink now through 2009. 2,000 cases imported

#6
Quinta do Vale Meao Meandro 2003
30% Touriga Nacional
30% Tinto Roriz (Tempranillo)
25% Touriga Franca
15% Tinta Barroca
Douro DOC, Portugal
WS 90. Broad and rich, with layers of ripe plum and blackberry flavors that are nicely feathered with cream and spice. The finish oozes with chocolate, mineral and smoke. Drink now through 2008. 4,330 cases made.

#7
Quinta Praza de Roriz 2004
40% Touriga Nacional
40% Tinto Roriz (Tempranillo)
10% Touriga Franca
10% Tinta Barroca
Douro DOC, Portugal
WS 90. Beautiful aroma of crushed red fruits with loads of ripe plum, cassis and smoke flavors. Well-balanced, with plenty of structure as well. Long finish of white pepper and mineral. Drink now through 2010. 1,000 cases made

#12
Bodegas Alto Moncayo “Aquilon” 2005
Grenache
Campo de Borja, Aragon, Spain
WA 97. WS 94. $140. Dense and structured, yet still plush and inviting, this expressive red tastes like raspberry jam and dark chocolate, finishing with notes of tobacco, mineral and spices. A modern style, yet pure and clean, rich yet graceful and fresh. Drink now through 2015. 350 cases made.