2005 Almira Los Dos Old Vines Campo de Borja Aragón Spain. 14.0% alcohol. Imported by Winebow, New York. $5.50 a glass at Endless Vine, Franklin Lakes.
Clear red color, medium hue, restrained aroma that expanded over 15 minutes in the glass, lovely fruit and spice tastes, light, pleasant tannins, hints of acidity, no oak, medium long finish, a very friendly sipping wine and a great QPR at around $12.00. 3*+. Should last a couple of years. Quite a pleasant surprise.
Regards, Bob
Notes: Winebow: Almira. Red wines predominate in the DO of Campo de Borja, with Garnacha playing a leading role. Syrah, however, is not often seen in this part of Spain. Though, common in the Rhone Valley, blending Syrah with Garnacha was an unusual winemaking decision which has set Almira apart from other wines of this area. Produced by a noteworthy cooperative, this Winebow owned label represents an incredible value for a well-made and versatile wine.
Winebow: From slopes on the edge of the Sierra Iberica, just south of Navarra where Garnacha is king, this special cuvée blends 7% Syrah with rich Grenache produced from vines of 35 to 50 years of age. The resultant wine exhibits an elegance rarely encountered in the wines from this DO. Fermentation is classical, with no carbonic maceration. Aging is wholly in stainless steel. The wine is immediately aromatic, full and friendly on the palate and finishes with a refined length.
Winebow: Winemaking in this area dates back to Roman times and has been exported since the medieval times. Although it is located in Aragón, Campo de Borja is geographically an extension of southern Navarra. Vineyards here climb the slopes of the Sierra del Moncayo which offers excellent drainage. Red wines predominate and are produced from Garnacha, Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Cabernet Sauvignon. White wines account for less than 10% of production. The DO is currently producing many clean, well-made wines that are a good value, but its export numbers are still small. Red: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Mazuela, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah. http://www.campodeborja.com