Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

vinojoe

Vina Alarba Grenache is simply, “grapey”. It smells grapey and tastes grapey — as in grape juice or grape jelly. It’s more than that actually … the grapey-ness (is that a word?) is part of the open, ripe fruit aroma that also has a hint of red licorice. In the mouth you get the same grape jelly character along with red licorice and similar candylike flavors upfront, held together by mild to medium acidity and mild tannins that give enough structure to match with a wide variety of foods. Despite the perceived sweetness — which by the way makes in an excellent match for roast duck with plum sauce, and meats doused in BBQ sauce — the wine finishes dry, with a balanced aftertaste. In some ways it reminds me of Beaujolais Nouveau … only, a Nouveau with more structure, seriousness, and length. A good wine for the price.

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Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

barley

This is a tasty, tasty wine. Bursting with flavors of black cherry and raspberry, followed by a peppery finish, this wine is a mouthful of happiness. With the price under $10, we want to go out and buy a few more bottles.

Tasting Tags: cherry grenache pepper raspberry spain

Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

jalil73

I knew this was going to be a great wine from the aroma alone. Very Rich, A smooth begining and a refreshing end. I highly recommend this wine.

Tasting Tags: cherry pepper plum

Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

winemonkeys

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Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

lazuli

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Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

drivebycritic

This powerful red comes from the Calatayud area of the Aragon region of Spain. This powerful red should be decanted for atleast 3 hours before drinking to remove a distinct creosote taste. After decanting you can clearly taste strong cherries with a peppery nuance. A good finish with a pleasing nose. For more reviews, please visit www.drivebycritic.com.

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Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

bjwdad

I purchased this at BevMo during their recent "Buy one bottle get the second for 5 cents" sale. Glad I bought two! I generally enjoy Grenache, particularly old vine and higher quality. This bottle has been breathing for about 2 hours now, and I'm still discovering more nuances. The nose is earthy and herbal (rosemary?), with a rich character not unlike a port, or closer still, a high-alcohol triple bock beer. Plum, prune, grape and cherry. The taste is improving almost with every sip, as the alcohol breathes out and the tannins relax. It's a rich, filling mouthful! Plenty of dark cherry and a subtle hint of sweetness at first, without actually being sweet. And while it fills the mouth, it still has a clean lightness to it; an interesting balance. I may update this in another hour. It's great stuff!

Tasting Tags: balanced cherry earthy filling grape herbal plum prune rich rosemary tannic

Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

iowinos

The Jorge Ordonez line of wines is one I always associate with relative quality and reliabilty. With the Vina Alarba, Ordonez does not disappoint. For several vintages now, this wine has offered a rustic, robust wine featuring brambly black fruits, herbs, and grilled meats. Its medium body and grough mouthfeel, supported by a nice tannic backbbone, stay true to this wine's Catalayud roots. One of the best all around values in the world of wine.

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Vina Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2005

motte

Solid grenache from the get-go. Uncorking the bottle, I got a huge sweet fruity bouquet. This thing has a helluva nose! Purple-y color, not opaque, medium body. First pour was heavy on alcohol, better after it settled down a few hours later. Predominant flavors are ripe fruit, particularly cherry and plum. Distinctive zingy pepper on the finish--yum. The second evening (half bottle left over), I started picking up some buttery and gamey notes that I really enjoyed.

Tasting Tags: buttery cherry gamey meat pepper plum