These are some of the most luscious wines I’ve ever offered to readers. They are all Spanish, from The Haciendas Company, and if you don’t quite believe me, and if you’re in London, you can try them at the Zorita’s Kitchen, at Broken Wharf, on the north bank of the Thames, a few yards from the Millennium Bridge. You can also taste their delectable cheeses and jamon.
I have asked for an unusual sample case, designed to let you try a range of the wines at a reasonable price. And reasonable — indeed, staggeringly cheap — is how I’d describe the 2011 Vega de la Reina Verdejo white (1). Spain isn’t famous for its whites, but it should be. This has won every award going, and when you taste it you’ll see why. Plump, herby, packed with fruit, with just enough acid to offset the richness, it is delectable. Unique in its flavours, yet better than some Burgundies I have had at three times the price. And it costs an unbelievable £9.99. I know you will love this, so we have put six bottles in the tasting case.
Plus three bottles of the 2010 HZ Abascal Crianza (2) from Ribera del Duero, rapidly becoming one of the great wine regions of the world. This is all Tempranillo, and it’s gorgeous, packed with dark fruit, yet just a touch of lightness and spices. With a plate of ham, chorizo and cheese, you would have a perfect starter. The £17.99 is, I promise, a snip. Three bottles in our case.
Now a Rioja that makes those wine bar Riojas taste like soda pop. The 2005 Lagunilla Case del Comendador Gran Reserva (3) is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, aged two years in oak then three in bottle. It is liquid velvet. Flavours of hazelnuts, almonds, even liquorice. A fabulous scented nose, and a perfumed aftertaste. The price of £14.99 might seem a lot; it isn’t.
Just two bottles of that to leave space for an extraordinary wine. This is from the deep south, in Andalucia. It’s a 2005 Petit Verdot (4), a grape that usually has a walk-on part in claret, but here bursts into its own. I was knocked out. The power, the intensity, the bouquet and the finish — as long as the Bonneville salt flats. This is a glorious bottle. Decant it and your guests will rave. It does cost £25.99, but it’s worth every penny, and we are offering one bottle in the certainty that you will want more.
Delivery, as ever, is free.
Prices include VAT and delivery on the British mainland. Payment should be made either by cheque with the order, payable to the wine merchant, or by debit or credit card, details of which may be telephoned or faxed.
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