I didn't get to drink anything interesting for Christmas so I wsa looking forward to another liquid lunch with the guys; this time at Terry's Segundo Piso. Instead of a real lunch we decided to do tapas instead. All the wines were Spanish and while the restaurant doesn't usually allow BYO, they made an exception for us and didn't even charge corkage.
Palacios Remondo Propriedad Rioja 2005 - Meaty and cedary with some baking spice. Complex nose. Very tannic. Sweet berry fruit. Very good but needs maybe 3 years to shed some tannins.
CVNE Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 1989 - Earthy. Still some prominent tannins but a light wine. Savory and slightly cheesy. Still lively. Very old-fashioned. Seems to be just past it's peak.
Vina Alcorta Gran Reserva 1995 - Failed to note where this was from but I think Rioja. Rather high acidity. Slightly pruney with some oxidation. Needs food. Better to drink up.
Summa Rioja Reserva 1999 - Curry spice on the nose. Good, sweet fruit. Modern style. Friendly and easy to drink. Good.
Abadal Seleccio 2003 - From Pla de Bages, a region just north of Catalunya. No Spanish grapes in this. 40% Cab Sauv, 40% Cab Franc, 20% Syrah. Very modern and sweet but seems like it could be from anywhere. Good.
Artadi Pagos Viejos Rioja 2000 - Rich, liquorice, modern. Very good. That's all I noted for this wine but I do remember that, together with the Palacios, it was my favorite.