Forty-Seven & Change for a "97" Pt Parkerized killer RED
The 2005 El Nido "Clio" has arrived. This, my friends is a fabulous
Red. Literally every wine publication on earth does double back-flips
over the stuff, rarely scoring it less than "91" and generally in the
mid to high "90"s'.
Given the press and attention, it's hard to believe that it still
sells for $285.00/Case of 6 or $145.00/Case of 3.
The El Nido "Clio" is a small-production fusion of Cabernet and
Monastrell which sells for (SRP) $48.00. Robert Parker scores the
wine an average of "95.3" Points. Stephen Tanzer awards the 2005
"94", the Wine Spectator "90", the Cellar Tracker Community Tasting
(57 independent reviews) gives the Clio a low of "89", a high of
"97"...with an average of "93.2".
I am often criticized by members of the wine-production end of the
business for using numerical scores in the "E-Alert". This is both
frustrating and flattering as most of their comments are the result of
a belief that my clientele will (after nearly 30 years) be willing to
make their wine-buying decisions based on MY recommendations and
descriptions, ignoring the nationally recognized publications,
especially those which solicit advertising.
I appreciate the implied confidence in my palate which these
well-meaning individuals express, and in a perfect world I WOULD offer
only those wines which I personally believe merit your consideration
regardless of any published ratings. In my defense, regular readers of
this electro-rag are aware that a decent percentage of the wines
featured here are in fact, personally rated and presented sans
additional hype or the opinions of the "professionals".
Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world, and while I would NEVER
intentionally offer you a wine which I felt did not deserve a place on
your table, it is a fact that a "90" or above score in any of the
respected wine and foodie publications will A) likely to be good or
very good in quality, B) receive a positive response to the alert in
terms of sales which C) puts money in the bank at the end of the day
allowing me to continue doing whatever the hell it is that I do. (And
money is the Root's Cellar of all evil)
Therefore...when a tightly allocated wine nails Unanimous "90-97"
point ratings, sells for a disproportionately lower price than others
of similar nature and is actually AVAILABLE to us (hence, you) on a
limited basis, the only question is "how many cases have been slated
for our account?"
$47.00 or $190.00, $47.00 or $190.00, $47.00 or $190.00?!
Chris Ringland is the consulting winemaker at El Nido (you know, the
guy who gets consistent "100" Point ratings from Parker for his
"Ringland" Shiraz). Chris makes both the "Clio" blend of Cabernet and
Monastrell ("97" Points, $47.00) and the Bodegas El Nido "El Nido"
blend of Cabernet/Monastrell ("99" Points $190.00) at El Nido.
Yes, I know it's a little confusing; simply put, there are two wines,
the "El Nido" and the "Clio"...the name of the winery is "Bodegas El
Nido".
Both of these wines are massive in body, weight and overall dimension;
they smell like a wild blackberry patch in late summer. Each wine
exhibits a satiny texture, rich flavors of plum, blackberry, sweet
spice, vanilla, cream, cola and black cherry. They both sport ripe
yet integrated tannins.
The Clio and El Nido are two of the finest wines made in Spain, a
country whose Enological and Viticultural capabilities have
leap-frogged over many other Central European wine-growing regions in
just the last decade.
"97" Parker..."The consulting winemaker at El Nido is Chris Ringland
of Barossa Valley fame. The 2004 Clio is 30% Cabernet and 70%
Monastrell (from 63 year-old vines) which received malolactic
fermentation in new oak followed by 26 months of aging in new French
and American barriques. A glass-coating opaque purple, it exhibits a
sensational nose of earth, mushroom, leather, blueberry and blackberry
jam. On the palate the wine is supple-textured, complex with vibrant
flavors of spicy blue and black fruits and a big-time WOW factor.
This is a totally HEDONISTIC effort with exceptional length and
balance. It is remarkably light on its feet for such a powerful
wine".
*"93-Plus" Tanzer...The 2005 Bodegas El Nido "Clio" is "Inky purple;
Vibrant red and dark berries in the nose with sexy vanillin oak, Asian
spices, fresh flowers and bright minerality. A silky graceful
mid-palate displaying wild raspberry and blackberry flavors and a slow
burning tannic grip; more tangy than the 2004 and AT LEAST as elegant;
finishes with outstanding clarity and persistence."
"90" Wine Spectator..."Oak dominates the 2005 El Nido Clio, but it's
delicious oak, with cola, toasty vanilla and smoke flavors. There's
also plenty of fruit, tart cherry and raspberry, with ripe tannins and
lip-smacking acidity. A modern style; expressive and lively;
Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2012."
*There are just too many reviews to print from the Cellar Tracker.
(Yahoogle "Cellar tracker") suffice to say that they are ALL extremely
favorable; with an average score of "93.2"...quite a recognition
considering the sheer number of extremely enthusiastic wine geeks who
respond and comment on that site.
Full Case (6) of Bodegas El Nido "Clio" - $285.00
Half Case (3) $145.00
IMPORTANT ADDITION: THE BODEGAS MUGA "RIOJA TORRE MUGA" IS #11 ON THE
WINE SPECTATOR'S "TOP 100 WINES OF 2007" LIST WITH A SCORE OF "95".
WE RECEIVED (ALONG WITH THE ORDER OF CLIO) ONE (1) SIX PACK OF THE
WINE FOR OUR SHOP. THE TORRE MUGA SELLS FOR $88.00/BOTTLE. IT IS
OPEN ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.
*"2004 Bodegas Muga "Torre Muga"..."95"..."Plush and harmonious, this
red is alluring yet subtle with intense flavors backed by an
impressive structure. Look for black currant, cocoa, cigar box and
mineral notes now and expect further complexity as this evolves.
Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2020".
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