1998 Spottswoode Cabernet

Was out at a Booster club dinner and a wine drinker friend was kind enough to share some a very nice 1998 Spottswoode Cabernet. It was a Magnum and showed in the way it poured still very fresh and tasty. It was a lighter velvety wine, with good fruit. It was a bit closed, I think it was a bit too cold. As the time went by the flavor got better. It is not the sort of bottle that you would run out tomorrow to find, but it was very nice and for the occassion many, many steps above what was placed on the tables.

All in all a great evening.

This label is the 2005, but looks very similar. The winery website is found here.










Back in awhile.

WineRascal

1998 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva

Parker says "earth, cedar, tobacco, spice box, and red currants" which is pretty accurate. Mostly Tempranillo grape, and has aged very nicely. I really like the way this grape can be a very fruit forward vibrant wine or a much more refined wine depending on the winemaker's choices. This bottle with the oak treatment and aging is quite smooth, but still balanced with acid, tannin and fruit. A very nice finish as well with the spice droppig way and leaving a nice currant flavor.

Bought at Beltramo's about a week ago for under $50. Not bad for a well scored wine with ten years of age. Another great thing about the Spanish wines, price.

Back in awhile.

leh