Bodegas Aalto Ribera del Duero, 2004:

Made entirely from the Tinto Fino grape, thought to be an older clone of the Tempranillo, this is a very well structured wine with muscle at the core from notes of bacon, leather and 15% alcohol, surrounded by beautifully smooth tannins which linger at the end.  Distinct notes of blackberry, blueberry, plum and chocolate simply enrich the delight of the wine.  While the wine was delicious now, it can easily be laid down and enjoyed from time to time over the next 5-10 years.  You won’t find this in Tucson, but that shouldn’t stop you from searching elsewhere…..runs ~$60.  Pair this wine with a Paella of chicken.  Also works with perfection with rabbit.  (If you want to go one better, think about the 2004 Aalto PS….a magnificent expression of deep dark berry, velvety smooth chocolate, spice and minerality with sweet tannins that glide into a long finish………….~$110 but gives you the best of what a Ribera del Duero can offer and a good decade still ahead of it).

Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz Barossa Valley E & E Black Pepper, 2002:

If you’re searching for a deep and intense expression of some the best Barossa Valley Shiraz, this is it!  Displaying deep berry, cherry and spice notes intermingling with licorice and black pepper and a long finish of perfectly structured tannins, this wine has a long life ahead of it.  While to be enjoyed now, there should be no problem laying this baby down for the next decade, at least.  Another great wine not seen in Tucson but hit the internet if need be.  Runs ~$80 and a great match for grilled beef, lamb, duck, bbq spareribs, venison and of course, your traditional steak.  Also, give this a try with grilled fresh tuna steaks.

Achaval Ferrer Quimera Mendoza, 2004:

Mendoza usually means Malbec and Ferrer produces one of the best.  On the back of the bottle, “Quimera” is defined as the perfection we dream of and strive for….the search for the ideal wine.  With a blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon along with a little Cabernet Franc, this wine oozes with deep blueberry and blackberry note, spiciness, minerality and a distant scent of violets.  With a spine of acidity and the usual fine tannins, this wine is for enjoyment now or over the next five years.  Go searching on the internet for this producer……it’s worth it.  This runs  ~$40 and pairs perfectly with grilled meats.  (It’s “older” sibling, the Altimera, is just a blockbuster of a wine with deep, dark layer after layer of fruit, dark chocolate and velvety smooth tannins….$110).

Les Costieres de Pomerols Picpoul de Pinet Coteaux de Languedoc HB, 2009:

Simple, refreshing with brisk acidity and lively fruits of apple and tropical melon.  Perfect wine for the Tucson summer as a starter of with shellfish or summer fruit salad.  You’ll find this at AJ’s Summer Spectacular (www.ajsfinefood.com) and hard to beat at $10.99.  This is one to drink over the next 6 months.

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Tags: AJ's Fine Foods, Barossa Valley, Malbec, Picpoul, Ribera del Duero