It is my great pleasure to write tonight about the single greatest discovery I've made since starting to sample wine:

1) Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2004 (Garnacha)(Spain).  This was recommended in the wine store and called the greatest wine discovery in 25 years.  From 125 year old grenache vines, the flavor is intense, pungent, and unique.  In fact the sensation after having a glass of it is kind of like eating a bunch of bread dipped in an unfiltered extra fancy extra virgin olive oil - you reach a point where your mouth literally burns from the intensity of flavor.  I could feel the tingle in my stomach even the next morning, and it wasn't unwelcome, it was a gift that kept giving.  Nancy calls this her favorite wine so far.  I put it up there with the Amador Foothills Zinfandel I wrote about in my first post.  And to think this is only $10.99 a bottle (at the Wine Press in Brookline).  WOW.  I actually went back and bought more bottles both for us and to share with some co-workers.

2) Marques de Caceres 2003 (Rioja)(Spain).  This wine was OK.  It was medium bodied, had some of the "meaty" elements you hear about with Spanish wine.  We enjoyed it.  But it really didn't stand out in any great way.

3) Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 (Cotes du Rhone, France).  The fascinating thing with this one is how it contrasts with Las Rocas.  The dominant grape in this one is also grenache, yet this wine is subdued, smooth, and elegant.  Probably this is the smoothest wine I've had.  And that's why it disappointed me.  Granted I respect that this is the old world style.  But I had read that this type of Rhone wine is often called a "monster" because it's bolder than other French wines.  Where is that!!!  If anything this wine most reminded me of the Broully Beaujolais I reviewed in my last entry.  Plus I paid $28 for this at Best Cellars.  2nd time around I wouldn't pay more than $15 for it.  And in comparison I'd be glad to pay $30 for the Las Rocas.  Oh well.