4 Wines Plus More

Collectors Corner Our Special Picks from Spain

D.O. Rioja Rioja is an area North East of Madrid and is famous for their blended wines.

Rioja produces some young wines (Joven) and categorizes their wines primarily by the amount of time spent in wood and thereafter in the cellar on an ever increasing scale through Roble, Crianza, Reserva & up the Grand Reserva.

“Seleccion” is the Flagship Wine of an Estate and is the special wine chosen from the Estates best fruit bearing vines, lowest yields, using the finest of oaks. Normally no expense is spared in creating the masterpiece of the Wine maker.

We have chosen 2 such Selección’s for your enjoyment:

Alabanza Reserva 2001
Bodegas ALEJOS
D.O. Rioja
90% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo, 3% Garnacha

click to enlarge

93 pts

Predominantly Tempranillo, with a little Mazuelo & Graciano.
Alcohol Strength:	13%
Aroma:	Predominant bouquet of wood tannins in which wine was aged.
Palate:	Silky and fruity on the palate with balsamic touches.
Overall Impression:	Intensive red color with brick-red hues.
Aging Process:	18 Months American Oak
Cellar Potential:	Drink now or cellar for an additional 2 to 4 years.

Alabanza Selección 2002
Bodegas ALEJOS
D.O. Rioja

click to enlarge

93 pts

Predominantly Tempranillo, with a little Mazuelo & Graciano.
Age of Vines:	15 to 35 years
Alcohol Strength:	13.5% by volume
Aroma:	Aromas of wild fruit with hints of vanilla and coconut
Palate:	Powerful first impression on the palate that shows a perfect combination of fruit with the tannin structure.
Overall Impression:	Intensive red color
Aging Process:	12 Months American Oak
Awards:	Trophée Excellence in Les Citadelles du Vin, Vin Expo Competition, Bordeaux, France
Cellar Potential:	Drink now or cellar for an additional 2 to 4 years.

Entrecepas Reserva 2000
Bodegas Darien
D.O. Rioja

94 pts

54% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha, 12% Mazuelo, 4% Graciano
Alcohol Strength:	13.5%
Aroma:	Tasty notes with lavendar bottom.
Palate:	Elegant, intense and will integrated.
Overall Impression:	Clean and bright red cherry colour.
Aging Process:	12 months American and French Oak barrels.

Entrecepas Selección 2002
Bodegas Darien
D.O. Rioja

click to enlarge

92 pts

75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 10% Graciano
Age of Vines:	7 to 25 years old.
Alcohol Strength:	13.5% by volume
Residual Sugar:	2.2g/litre
Acidity:	5.28 g/litre
Aroma:	Balsamic aromas of ripe fruit, chocolate.
Palate:	Ripe fruit jam with spices. Fruity with cinnamon.
Overall Impression:	Brilliant Red Cherry color. Good Minerality, long and nicely sweet finish.
Aging Process:	13 months in French & American Oak
Cellar Potential:	Drink now or cellar for an additional 2 to 4 years.

Points above are based on a personal assessment by the Wine Tasting Committee at 4 Wines plus more.

81 & Below	Average or below average wines - we don’t carry them!
82 – 86	Good wines for every day enjoyment at affordable pricing!
87 - 89	Excellent wines at affordable pricing!
90 – 92	Outstanding wines in every way!
93 – 95	World Class!
96 – 100	Unique Champions – Normally allocated - Lucky if you can get a case or a bottle!