Sunday, August 12, 2007

Concha Vecino, te quiero



Alright, I'm sure my Spanish is terrible, and I just told her she smells of goat bladder, or something, but this is a woman to revere.
Concha Vecino is a winemaker for Bodegas Nekeas, and the woman behind Vega Sindoa Merlot. She is considered to be THE female winemaker in Spain, and a force to be reckoned with in all of southwestern Europe.
The vineyards of Bodegas Nekeas, in the Navarra region of Spain, sit in the foothills of the Pyrennes -- King of the Mountains, Viking Helmets, crazy Basque cycling fans. The region receives cooling winds from the Atlantic, providing a stable growing season for many types of grape.
The Vega Sindoa Merlot 2002 ($) is not the most complex of wines, but offers a wonderful glimpse into the world of real Merlot. Paul Giamatti's Sideways character would be hard-pressed to deny the pleasure this wine brings. It has a nose of wild cherries and a dark ruby color reminiscent of your old Doc Martins. The mouthfeel is dense and fleshy, with a boldly fruit-forward taste. The finish is smooth with a slight "tang" that lingers briefly, inviting another sip. This is one of the better Merlots you'll find at this price point.
This is a MUST BUY and will even age well for a couple years (buy it by the case?).
This is another Jorge Ordonez selection, and remember, kids, that means good drinkin'.

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