The World Championships took place in Italy a couple of weeks ago. Spain had the perfect setup to win the race, but something weird happened in the final kilometers of the race.
Joaquim Rodriguez, from Spain, had a break away lead for a significant length of time at the end of the race. With less than 5 km to go in the race Rodriguez sill held a slight lead with three more riders trailing close behind: Vincenzo Nibali of Italy, Rui Costa of Portugal and Alejandro Valverde of Spain. Rui Costa put in an attack and bridged up to Rodriguez leaving the two of them to battle it out for the victory. Costa took the win for Portugal's first ever world men's road race championship.
Spain was perfectly situated for the victory with two riders in the final break of four. Many observers were perplexed that Valverde did not cover Costa's attack. Valverde's lack of action most likely cost Spain the World Championships this year. They ended up with second and third, but that is little consolation when the top step is so close.
This week's Lucha Vino challenge pits a challenger from Ribera del Duero against a Washington State Tempranillo. Let's see if the Spanish challenger can have any better luck than Rodriguez and Valverde.
2010 Tranche Cellars Tempranillo v. 2001 Bodegas Balbas Gran Reserva
Showing posts with label Ribera del Duero. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ribera del Duero. Show all posts
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Washington Tempranillo vs. Ribera del Duero
The pro racers have scattered to a variety of week long stage races in the past two weeks with many of them heading South to Spain to begin preparing for the Vuelta Espana.
There were two short stage races in the North of Spain around the Ribera del Duero region. The Vuelta a Burgos is the higher rated of the two races and includes a stage that begins in Ribera del Duero
This week's Lucha Vino challenge features a Washington State Tempranillo battling with a Tinto from the Ribera del Duero DOC.
2009 Bartholomew Tempranillo v. 2009 Tinto Pesquera Crianza
There were two short stage races in the North of Spain around the Ribera del Duero region. The Vuelta a Burgos is the higher rated of the two races and includes a stage that begins in Ribera del Duero
This week's Lucha Vino challenge features a Washington State Tempranillo battling with a Tinto from the Ribera del Duero DOC.
2009 Bartholomew Tempranillo v. 2009 Tinto Pesquera Crianza
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Tempranillo Tag Team
Still looking for wine inspiration at Thanksgiving? Why not go with something a bit different... let's say something like Tempranillo? This Spanish grape provides some nice tannins and spices that would go nicely with that Turkey, Goose or Duck that is about to be cooked. It would be equally at home paired up against a pork roast, lamb or ham.
You get the idea. This is one versatile Luchador. And to prove that point this week's matchup features a Washington Tempranillo taking on a Tag Team duo of Killer V Tempranillos from Spain.
Tildio 2008 Estate Tempranillo v. Vina Vilano Ribera del duero 2005 and Valsacro 2005 Rioja
You get the idea. This is one versatile Luchador. And to prove that point this week's matchup features a Washington Tempranillo taking on a Tag Team duo of Killer V Tempranillos from Spain.
Tildio 2008 Estate Tempranillo v. Vina Vilano Ribera del duero 2005 and Valsacro 2005 Rioja
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Washington Tempranillo v. Ribera Del Duero
The Vuelta a Espana wrapped up this weekend in Madrid. The race was going along smoothly for Joaquim Rodriguez who was able to maintain his overall lead through the Stage 13 Individual Time Trial (hills are his forte' not turning a big gear). Maybe Rodriguez got over confident. Or maybe Alberto Contador was just waiting for the right moment. No matter the reason, Alberto Contador launched a massive attack, and took control of the race, on stage17 to Fuente De.
Rodriguez lost over two minutes to Contador, along with the race lead, on the way to the Fuente De mountain top finish. Alberto Contador grabbed hold of the race lead and never let go leading the race all the way in to Madrid (his home town). You could say that Contador stormed the race like a bull storming a matador. And that would be fitting for the racer from Madrid where bull fighting is still on Spain's entertainment menu.
This week's matchup honors a bull that defied the odds. The name of that bull is Idilico.
2009 Idilico Tempranillo v. 2010 Frontaura y Victoria Nexus Cosecho
Rodriguez lost over two minutes to Contador, along with the race lead, on the way to the Fuente De mountain top finish. Alberto Contador grabbed hold of the race lead and never let go leading the race all the way in to Madrid (his home town). You could say that Contador stormed the race like a bull storming a matador. And that would be fitting for the racer from Madrid where bull fighting is still on Spain's entertainment menu.
This week's matchup honors a bull that defied the odds. The name of that bull is Idilico.
2009 Idilico Tempranillo v. 2010 Frontaura y Victoria Nexus Cosecho
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Red Mountain Tempranillo v. Ribera del Duero
This past weekend featured the National Championship races for the majority of the cycling world. Naturally, the big three wine countries were all featured over the weekend - France, Italy and Spain. This left me with a difficult choice, which country to visit this final weekend before the start of the Tour de France.
My choice landed me in Spain. With the Spanish National Championship Road Race taking place in Salamanca located in Castilla y Leon I selected the King D.O. - Ribera del Duero to represent the challenger.
2010 8 Bells Tempranillo v. 2008 Finca Villacreces Ribera del Duero Pruno
My choice landed me in Spain. With the Spanish National Championship Road Race taking place in Salamanca located in Castilla y Leon I selected the King D.O. - Ribera del Duero to represent the challenger.
2010 8 Bells Tempranillo v. 2008 Finca Villacreces Ribera del Duero Pruno
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Washington Tempranillo vs. Ribera del Duero
This week features the Vuelta Castilla y Leon. A world tour stage race in Central Spain, just to the North of Madrid. This race is a welcome return to a (hopefully) warmer climate and stage racing for the pro cyclists that don't crave the wicked challenge of cold weather, cobblestones and long one day races.
The route for this race rolls through the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. This week Tempranillo makes a return to the Lucha Vino challenge with a bio-dynamic Spanish challenger stepping into the ring to take on a Washington Tempranillo from the Yakima Valley.
2009 Airfield Estates Tempranillo v. 2009 Vina Sastre Tinto
Tale of the Tape
2009 Airfield Estates Tempranillo
96% Tempranillo and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Airfield Estates Runway Vineyard in the Yakima Valley
Aged for 11 months in 25% - 35% new oak barrels: 60% French 30% American and 10% Eastern European
Purchased at Esquin for $19.99
2009 Vina Sastre Tinto
100% Tempranillo from biodynamic and organically grown estate fruit.
Aged for 7 months in 2 year old American oak barrels.
Purchased at Esquin for $19.99
Tech Sheet
Round 1. First Opening
Airfield has some sassy swagger with a nose of black berry, clove and spicy sweet pepper. The palate also has some character of black berries with a sweet tart cracked pepper finish.
Vina Sastre is flexing some biodynamic muscle and showing some respect for Ric "Nature Boy" Flair with a nose of earth, smoke and dark fruit. The palate is equally dark with black fruit and tart pepper that leads into similar peppery finish.
This match is getting off to an interesting start with both Luchadors showing contrasting styles. The Vina Sastre takes the points with a display of natural power.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
The Airfield is stepping up and bulking up with a nose of dark fruit, pepper and smoke. The palate is full of dark fruit, plum, pepper and smoke that lingers on to a sweet smoky white pepper finish.
Vina Sastre, the Nature Boy, is sticking to what it does best with a nose featuring dark fruit, smoke and earth. The palate is dark fruit, tart cracked pepper and a spicy finish.
Airfield is closing the gap, trying to go toe to toe with the Vina Sastre. At this point the Spanish Luchador from Ribera del Duero is still in charge and takes round 2.
Round 3. One day after Opening
The Airfield has plenty of stamina and is building power into the third round. The nose is showing black cherry, plum, balck pepper and some light spices. The palate is similar with black cherry and spicy pepper that lingers on to a tart spicy finish.
Vina Sastre is steady, methodical, tracking down the opponent and showing no signs of weakeness. The nose continues to build with smoke, black currant, earth and light notes of pepper. The palate is black fruit with some notes of menthol that leads to a spicy tart pepper finish.
Round 3 is the closest of the match. The score goes to the judges cards and the result favors Airfield by a thin margin based on its ability to build strength over the entire match.
Wrap up and over all observations
The final score of this match was 2 to 1 in favor of the Vina Sastre. Both of these Tempranillos demonstrated some nice style. That match was relatively even except for the first round. The Airfield definitely benefited from more time and exposure to air.
I would rate the Airfield an 86 and the Vina Sastre and 87. Both of these wines are ready to drink right now.
The route for this race rolls through the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. This week Tempranillo makes a return to the Lucha Vino challenge with a bio-dynamic Spanish challenger stepping into the ring to take on a Washington Tempranillo from the Yakima Valley.
2009 Airfield Estates Tempranillo v. 2009 Vina Sastre Tinto
Tale of the Tape
2009 Airfield Estates Tempranillo
96% Tempranillo and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Airfield Estates Runway Vineyard in the Yakima Valley
Aged for 11 months in 25% - 35% new oak barrels: 60% French 30% American and 10% Eastern European
Purchased at Esquin for $19.99
2009 Vina Sastre Tinto
100% Tempranillo from biodynamic and organically grown estate fruit.
Aged for 7 months in 2 year old American oak barrels.
Purchased at Esquin for $19.99
Tech Sheet
Round 1. First Opening
Airfield has some sassy swagger with a nose of black berry, clove and spicy sweet pepper. The palate also has some character of black berries with a sweet tart cracked pepper finish.
Vina Sastre is flexing some biodynamic muscle and showing some respect for Ric "Nature Boy" Flair with a nose of earth, smoke and dark fruit. The palate is equally dark with black fruit and tart pepper that leads into similar peppery finish.
This match is getting off to an interesting start with both Luchadors showing contrasting styles. The Vina Sastre takes the points with a display of natural power.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
The Airfield is stepping up and bulking up with a nose of dark fruit, pepper and smoke. The palate is full of dark fruit, plum, pepper and smoke that lingers on to a sweet smoky white pepper finish.
Vina Sastre, the Nature Boy, is sticking to what it does best with a nose featuring dark fruit, smoke and earth. The palate is dark fruit, tart cracked pepper and a spicy finish.
Airfield is closing the gap, trying to go toe to toe with the Vina Sastre. At this point the Spanish Luchador from Ribera del Duero is still in charge and takes round 2.
Round 3. One day after Opening
The Airfield has plenty of stamina and is building power into the third round. The nose is showing black cherry, plum, balck pepper and some light spices. The palate is similar with black cherry and spicy pepper that lingers on to a tart spicy finish.
Vina Sastre is steady, methodical, tracking down the opponent and showing no signs of weakeness. The nose continues to build with smoke, black currant, earth and light notes of pepper. The palate is black fruit with some notes of menthol that leads to a spicy tart pepper finish.
Round 3 is the closest of the match. The score goes to the judges cards and the result favors Airfield by a thin margin based on its ability to build strength over the entire match.
Wrap up and over all observations
The final score of this match was 2 to 1 in favor of the Vina Sastre. Both of these Tempranillos demonstrated some nice style. That match was relatively even except for the first round. The Airfield definitely benefited from more time and exposure to air.
I would rate the Airfield an 86 and the Vina Sastre and 87. Both of these wines are ready to drink right now.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Washington Tinto v. Ribera del Duero
The Vuelta Espana worked its way through Southern Spain last week and took a right hand turn through La Mancha and is headed in the direction of the Ribera del Duero region. There has been quite a bit of climbing for the first week of a Grand Tour. The Spanish riders are motivated to show well, and hopefully win, their home race. Up until today El Purito (Joaquin Rodriguez) had the leader's Red Jersey. He is in 2nd place trailing by one second. There should be a major shake up in the race lead with the 40 km Individual Time Trial in Salamanca on Monday.
This week's Vuelta Espana Lucha Vino matchup features a 2006 Bodegas Lopez Cristobal Ribera del Duero v. a 2008 Pomum Cellars Tinto.
Tale of the Tape
Bodegas Lopez Cristobal Ribera del Duero
90% Tempranillo, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 12 months in 50% American and 50% French Oak and then another 12 months in bottle.
Purchased from Bin 41 for $30.
Pomum Cellars Tinto
77% Tempranillo, 9% Garnacha, 9% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Purchased from Full Pull wines for $21.99.
Round 1. First Opening:
The Lopez Cristobal is showing a nose of red fruit, leather, light spices and a bit of funkiness. The palate is full of cedar spice box and red berries with a dry spicy finish
The Pomum Cellars Tinto has a nose of deep red black fruit, mineral and funky forest floor with a palate of dark fruits and a spicy dry finish.
Both luchadors showed a dry finish of cedar and spices. The Washington State Tinto is a bit bolder and the Spanish Ribera del Duero showed a bit more complexity on the nose. Very close with a slight edge going to the Cristobal for showing more diversity in its attack.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
The Cristobal Nose has mysteriously vanished with only a slight trace of some barnyard funk. The palate has deepened showing currants and some cedar tannins with less spice on a finish that is still quite dry.
The Tinto is showing a nose of red fruit, pepper, asian spices and some light buttery character. The palate is also demonstrating rich currants and pepper spices with a much smoother cedar spice box finish.
We had to send the officials down to the dressing room to see if the Cristobal was still in the building. The Washington State Tinto takes round 2 with ease.
The crowd is wondering if the Ribera del Duero has thrown in the towel or if it will return for the final round. Oh the drama...
Round 3. One day later
The Cristobal came raging back for round three with a nose of smoke, dusty dark fruit and cracked pepper. The palate is showing some dusty floral notes with dark berries and a slightly acidic finish.
The Tinto has also builked up over night. The nose is earth, leather, dark fruit and a bit of soy sauce and cedar spices. The palate is red fruit and dry cedar spice box. The dry finish has really mellowed over night.
With a surprise turn around the Cristobal narrowly edged out the Pomum Cellars Tinto. Some observers may be calling for some Performance Enhancing Drug testing after this comeback by the Spanish Luchador.
Wrap up and over all observations
This was a close match with a surprise comeback for the Ribera del Duero in the third round giving the Cristobal a 2-1 victory over the Pomum Cellars Tinto. You would almost think this match had been scripted and that wrestling isn't real!!
Both Luchadors were solid and I give them both an 87.
This week's Vuelta Espana Lucha Vino matchup features a 2006 Bodegas Lopez Cristobal Ribera del Duero v. a 2008 Pomum Cellars Tinto.
Tale of the Tape
Bodegas Lopez Cristobal Ribera del Duero
90% Tempranillo, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 12 months in 50% American and 50% French Oak and then another 12 months in bottle.
Purchased from Bin 41 for $30.
Pomum Cellars Tinto
77% Tempranillo, 9% Garnacha, 9% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Purchased from Full Pull wines for $21.99.
Round 1. First Opening:
The Lopez Cristobal is showing a nose of red fruit, leather, light spices and a bit of funkiness. The palate is full of cedar spice box and red berries with a dry spicy finish
The Pomum Cellars Tinto has a nose of deep red black fruit, mineral and funky forest floor with a palate of dark fruits and a spicy dry finish.
Both luchadors showed a dry finish of cedar and spices. The Washington State Tinto is a bit bolder and the Spanish Ribera del Duero showed a bit more complexity on the nose. Very close with a slight edge going to the Cristobal for showing more diversity in its attack.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
The Cristobal Nose has mysteriously vanished with only a slight trace of some barnyard funk. The palate has deepened showing currants and some cedar tannins with less spice on a finish that is still quite dry.
The Tinto is showing a nose of red fruit, pepper, asian spices and some light buttery character. The palate is also demonstrating rich currants and pepper spices with a much smoother cedar spice box finish.
We had to send the officials down to the dressing room to see if the Cristobal was still in the building. The Washington State Tinto takes round 2 with ease.
The crowd is wondering if the Ribera del Duero has thrown in the towel or if it will return for the final round. Oh the drama...
Round 3. One day later
The Cristobal came raging back for round three with a nose of smoke, dusty dark fruit and cracked pepper. The palate is showing some dusty floral notes with dark berries and a slightly acidic finish.
The Tinto has also builked up over night. The nose is earth, leather, dark fruit and a bit of soy sauce and cedar spices. The palate is red fruit and dry cedar spice box. The dry finish has really mellowed over night.
With a surprise turn around the Cristobal narrowly edged out the Pomum Cellars Tinto. Some observers may be calling for some Performance Enhancing Drug testing after this comeback by the Spanish Luchador.
Wrap up and over all observations
This was a close match with a surprise comeback for the Ribera del Duero in the third round giving the Cristobal a 2-1 victory over the Pomum Cellars Tinto. You would almost think this match had been scripted and that wrestling isn't real!!
Both Luchadors were solid and I give them both an 87.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)