Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

8.9

Verging toward tart/bitter red fruits as cranberry. A good foil to a summer ragu w lots of carrot/sweetness. — 17 days ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

Im not sure of the final cepage but his exhibits a distinct, grainy, black fruit character that seems more CS or PV than Merlot which is listed first on the back. This feels gravelly, as bordeaux is want to do, firm, dry, but with a suave texture after 10 yrs of bottle age. Not a lot of fat on the bones so this is for old world afficiandos or celebrating bitter disappointments. — 17 days ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.6

Note that there are two listings for this wine. The winery only produces a single wine.

This was spectacular on this night. Paired w chicken, prawn and clam pallea w summer vegetables.
Dark purple color. Intense nose of currant, blackberry, black cherry, toasty wood, vanilla, brown spices and a distinct savory, soil inflection. Energetic on the palate, in a resonant/mineral way. Finishes equal parts rich and fresh in a way that invites additional sips. — a month ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.0

Delightful, emenently drinkable, good with German bratwurst that has been browned in a pan with homegrown new potatoes. — 17 days ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

8.9

Adegas Gran Vinum Mar de Viñas Albariño Rias Baixas/Val do Salnes 2018
A glass w work lunch of homegrown tomatoe/avocado and tinned sardines.
Medium yellow color. Aromas of drupe fruits (peach/apricot). Mouth is more about peach pit with a hint of bitterness and a savory, salty element. Went better w the tomatoes than the sardines (umami harmony?)
Disclaimer that I import it. — 21 days ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.0

Showing a better balance than previous bottles I've opened, but still firm and a bit drying. Not much complexity on the nose given its age. Still not sure this will age into something interesting. — a month ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

8.9

Domaine Guion Bourgueil Cuvee Domaine (red) 2017
Intense purple color. Closed nose the slowly opens to reveal some leafy blackberry aromas. More lifted red fruit emerges on day 2. Medium bodied, firm texture with higher acid and a classicly bone dry finish. — a month ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.1

Rich and complex but noticeably more complex and interesting closer to room temp when it when shows a tangerine peel element than makes me think, now, of Persian chicken and rice dishes as a perfect accompaniment. — 17 days ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.2

Maria Casanovas Cava Brut Nature Gran Reserva 2002, disgorged 10/2008.

Medium gold. Aromas of dried yellow/golden fruits; apricot, mango; coconut, petrol, lime zest...complex. Mousse is moderate, a bit attenuated in glass but still lively and fine in the mouth. Flavors seem less steely than expected, given zero dosage here, likely due to slow oxidation in bottle.
Should be great with roasted salmon with zucchini (courgette), tomatoes and corn. — a month ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.3

In that particularly happy place where sweetness yeilds to savory notes. Apricot and toasted pastry aromas. Viscous and dense on the palate. Perfect end to a fine dinner w fresh apricots. — a month ago