WTN: Telmo Rodriguez x2

I broke these two out for an Alsatian Guinea Hen recipe for dinner tonight. It's been a long time since I used spanish wine at dinner (besides Lopez Heredia) and I was pleasantly surprised by these two.

Telmo Rodriguez 'Basa' Rueda Blanco 2006 (Verdejo/Viura/Sauvignon)

This is one of the best wines that I’ve ever tasted from Rueda. It is a triumph to my palate as it is very ‘dry riesling-esque’, really a feat coming from this locale. It is quite alluring and aromatic. There is succulent grapefruit, lemon custard, pummelo fruit, and mango, a little coriander herb and mineral balances the succulent fruit and acidity. Delicious! 13% alc. $13

Telmo Rodriguez ‘Dehesa Gago’ Toro 2006

100% Tinto de Toro –Blackberry, prune, and raspberry preserves in a lifted and bright style. It is pleasantly acidic and has a freshness and drinkablity uncommon to the usually over-oaked wines going around from Toro. Liquid smoke and caramel provide a good backdrop to the fruit. This is a very good wine and a surprisingly good bargain from this trendy and commonly overpriced region. 14,5% alc. $15

Bill
Yes TR seems to have quite a knack for producing interesting, well-made wines at the cheaper end of the scale - I'd certainly back up your comments on the Basa and rememeber grabbing a few bottles (maybe 4-5 years ago) when Marks & Spencer had it for about £4 (say $8)
regards
Ian

Thanks Ian,
These are the first wines from Telmo Rodriguez that I've tasted. Do you have any further recommendations? I understand that he produces all over Spain.

Bill
I understand he produces (or I guess 'oversees') the production of a lot of wines. The Basa had a sister white, IIRC mostly Sauvignon blanc, which was perhaps even better. It was a big surprise to find a very good sauvignon blanc coming from what I see as very much a warm climate, though I suspect that's a huge generalisation for what is not a small country.

Personally, as I've not had a poor wine under his name yet, I'd be fairly gung-ho on trying other wines he puts his name to.

regards

Ian