Saturday I went to a fundraiser at a local church, dedicated to raising funds for their social action programs (of which my organization is a beneficiary). Theme was Spain, a combination of food (my friend Alex led kitchen team through gazpacho, mixed paella, and crema catalana)
and music (Betsy played, along with folks from Met and Manhattan Quarter, plus the great guitarist Oren Fader doing pieces by de Falla, Turina, etc). It's a benefit, so mostly really inexpensive wines, but I snuck in a couple others:
NV Dibon Cava Brut Reserve
Green apple, hint of sweetness, light, good acidity. Not bad for under $10. B-
Castell Roig/Sabate i Coca Nature Reserva Familiar Brut
I really quite liked this, full with brisk acids, just a hint of bread yeast, very fine mousse. One of the classiest Cavas I've ever tried. B++
2000 Lopez de Heredia "Gravonia" Rioja
Lemony, long, just hints of oxidation, bright, a hint of funkiness. I like this a lot, but as one might expect caused divided opinions. B+
2009 Pazo de Senorans Albarino
Citrus, sweet peaches, a llittle earth. Ripe and full version of this perennial good wine. B/B+
2008 Flos de Pinoso
This is monastrell/mouvedre, and was very popular at table. I found it way too sweet/rich, and short to boot. C+
2005 Escoda Sanahuja "les Paradetes" (Conca de Barbera)
Never heard of this winery or even region before, but thought this was very good. Rich yet light, reminds me of old school CdP (stuff like Mont Redon). B+
2007 Montebueno Rioja
Cherries, leather, flowers in a light body. Quite pleasant though not compelling.B-
2001 Muga Rioja Reserva
Kirsch, with a little vanilla and chocolate. Quite popular, I liked at first, then felt a tad one-dimensional. B
Good night- off the charts music, good food, great people.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.