Previous Merchant's Picks
 

2004 'Clio,' Bodegas El Nido
"Nothing Short Of Spectacular" Robert Parker, Jr.

($42.75 per bottle / $436.05 per case) Clio was our fastest selling wine over the last year. We literally could not keep it in the store. This is the third vintage, our third Clio newsletter and the third hit for this Spanish gem from Jumilla, Spain. The previous vintage, the 2003 vintage, received 96 points from Robert Parker who also gave the 2002 vintage 93 points. This is quite impressive for a wine that, at that time, had only had two vintages behind it. After those back to back ratings, we and the importer sold out instantly.
   The 2004 has just been released and we tasted it yesterday; it is every very bit as good as the two prior vintages. This consistency is a byproduct of Jumilla, Spain which is a semi-dessert terrain and has very consistent climate.
   At the helm of this Spanish knockout is Australian superstar winemaker Chris Ringland. His Clio is a blend of 60 year old Monastrell (also known as Mourvedre) and 25 year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The wine exhibits a dense purple color along with a rich layering of dark fruits and roasted coffee and earth. It is a full bodied wine -- but not overpowering -- great concentration, multilayered mouth-feel and an extremely long finish.
   Without question this wine out-drinks Jordan, Silver Oak and Stags Leap at a fraction of the price; it can be enjoyed now with meats or any other hearty meal. Even better, it has the structure to cellar for 8 to10 years if you can resist its temptation. Enjoy! Order Here

- OTHER SPANISH RECOMMENDATIONS -

2003 El Nido Jumilla, Spain	2003 Hacienda Monasterio Ribera Del Duero, Spain	2004 Numanthia Toro, Spain