Eric Solomon made a name for himself ferreting around the corners of Spain, finding little known wineries, emphasizing their distinct terroir and bringing them to the world’s attention.   His wines are known for good quality and good value. This Saturday we’ll have four of them open for tasting. Stop by and sip the Spanish countryside.

 
2010 Rafael Palacios, Sabrego $15
100% Godello
The organic vineyards of this Godello grow on non-irrigated terraced hillsides of the right bank of the Bibei Riverd in the Valdeorras region. Sabrego comes from granite soils known locally by that name where the vines are planted. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel. “White fruits, mineral, and spring flowers inform the nose of this spicy, concentrated effort. Nicely proportioned and smooth in the finish.” — WA 88pts
 
2008 Bodegas Castaño, Hécula $12
100% Monestrell
From the ancient Roman name for the region Yecla, the Hécula comes from organic and sustainably farmed vineyards or 35-60 year old vines, aged 50% in tank, and 50% in French oak barrels. “Purple-colored, it offers up a compelling nose of underbrush, pepper, and blueberry.” — WA 89 pts
 
2008 Tomàs Cusiné, Vilosell $17
Costers del Segre
43% Tempranillo, 18% Syrah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Samsó and 3% Garnatxa.
Named after its village, Vilosell is located within Costers del Segre. Their flagship blend comes off as a great balancing act of varietals. The wine has wide aromatics of red fruits, raspberries, blueberries, spices like white pepper and clove, cocoa, and noble wood. Intense and voluminous in the mouth, with sweet round tannins, and notes of matured forest, licorice, and ink. Long and persistent with a final sweet fruit explosion.
 
2006 Bodegas Izadi, Rioja Reserva $20
73%Tempranillo, 15% Graciono and 12% Granacha
Small but not small, Izadi produces its wine out of over 100 different plots of old vine vineyards averaging a hectare each. The Reserva was sourced from 60+-year-old vines and aged 14 months in American oak. “It offers up a lovely perfume of violets, spice box, incense, mineral, and blackberry. Elegant as well as structured on the palate, it has the balance to evolve for another 2-3 years and will deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2021.”-WA 90pts