Tasting November 2023

CBWS Tasting held on 16/11/23 at Los Amigos, Javea and attended by 58 members and guests

President Tim welcomed members and guests to the tasing at a favourite restaurant. He introduced Kathy and Andrew Johnson, tasting team members and hosts for this event.

He explained the importance of Spain in global wine production and said that the wines reflect the diversity of the great grape varieties of Spain

Andrew explained that the wines for this tasting have been chosen withChristmas festivities in mind and in line with the advice of José Peñin, when he presented to the society.

Ceremonia, Monastrell, Blanc de Noir 2021, from Vicente Gandia (Alicante)

Monastrell is known for the fabulous rich red wines of Alicante and Valencia. This, by contrast is a delightful white wine. Straw yellow with some hints of green. There are aromas of tropical fruits and apricots. It is full in the mouth with a pleasant after taste.

Baluarte Rosé 2021, from Navarra

A rose coloured wine, bright and tasty. This 100% Garnacha has aromas of strawberries and raspberries, plus hints of flowers. There is a light acidity. It is well balanced with a lasting after taste. And lots of fruit.

Vertis organic, 2021, from Bodegas Castaño, in Yecla (Alicante)

This wine is targeted at the export market. A young red wine that pairs well the turkey or paella, with fish or cheese. It has a cherry red colour, is light clean and bright. There are forest fruit aromas, and it is quite “jammy” on the palate. Light bodied with a pleasant finish. It is 40% Garnacha, 345% Syrah, 20% Monastrell and 5% Merlot.

Reciente Gran Reserva 2011, Bodegas Olarr, Rioja

This wine is being cleared by Bodegas Blasco and presents a great opportunity to buy a delightful, full bodied red wine at its peak of condition at a very attractive price. The grapes come from 2 neighbouring Rioja areas – 90% Tempranillo and 10% of Mazuelo/Graciano. Hand selection to control quality. Deep red colour, with ruby edges. Red fruits, spices and smoke on the nose, with leather, coffee and raisin aromas as it opens up. This wine is great with game, good rich beef or mature cheeses. The finish is both long and fresh. Wine Enthusiast give this 92 points (and a fabulous review)

Nectar, Pedro Jimenez from Gonzalez Byass, Jerez

This is Christmas pudding in a glass. With an average of more than 9 years maturing and blending in the solera system, this wine is rich, lush, sweet and fruity. José Peñin gives this 91 points (Decanter gives it 95!) It has a beautiful ebony colour. On the nose it has a richness of dried fruits, honey and a toasted edge. A warm, tasty and persistent wine. A dessert in itself. Andrew and Kathy served this wine with a tasting of Devonshire Christmas pudding flavoured fudge.

Andrew repeated the advice of José Peñin not to over spend on Christmas family wines. And pointed out the amazing value of the wines selected. All the wines were sourced from Bodegas Blasco in Teulada, where members get a 10% discount (except on wines from the clearance display). He then thanked the members for their attention at what is likely to be his and Kathy’s final tasting as tasting team members, as they are moving to the UK.

Tim thanked Andrew and Kathy for a great tasting. He paid tribute to their active support for the Society over 20 years and presented them a bottle with the best wishes of all.

He then thanked ASIS and the team at Lis Amigos and encouraged everyone to attend the final tasting of the year in Javea in December and reminded members of the January AGM and the opportunity to join the committee.