Arzuaga 2003 Crianza

Tasting Date: 3/11/2007
Wine: Arzuaga 2003 Crianza
Region: Ribera del Duero
Tasting Location: Olema Inn Restaurant
Appetizers:

• Bay scallops with bok choy
• Oysters on the half shell with three toppings (caviar with lemon creme fraiche, and Buddha's Hand mignonette)

Dinner:
William: Sea-bass
Teresa: Rib-eye
Sean: Mt. Pleasant Quail


Dessert:
Teresa: Bread pudding
Sean: Trio of ice-creams: Nutmeg, Cardamom, & All-spice


Tasting notes:
As you can see, our dinner was long and rich with a wide variety of choices for entrees. After our experience earlier that evening with the La Planta, we had the waitress open the bottle shortly after we ordered. Unlike the La Planta, however, this wine was fantastic from first sip. The color was deep and the nose was intensely smokey with a hint of creosote. In the mouth it had a rich feel with a strong plummy flavor to balance smokiness.

Wine Vitals:
Composition: 100% Tinta Fina
Aging: ??
Alcohol: ??
Cost: $25 @ klwines.com

La Planta 2005

Tasting Date: 03/11/2007
Wine: La Planta 2005
Region: Ribera del Duero
Tasting Location: Central de Conejo
Food: Pre-dinner wine served with membrillo and crackers

Tasting notes (Sean):
Upon opening, the nose and the palate were nothing but brand-new oak. Blech! After about thirty minutes the wine opened up considerably displaying subtle dark-red cherry flavor mixed with tobacco. A lingering smokiness hinted at other flavors, but my palate was ruined by the intense oak up front and I was having trouble getting past it. This wine, however, warrants a second chance with at least one-half hour in the decanter before pouring.

Wine Vitals:
Composition: 100% Tinta Fina
Aging: Six months in French and American Oak
Alcohol: ?? (can taste the warmth, so I'd guess 14% - 14.5%)
Cost: $13 K&L Wines (http://www.klwines.com)