Benchmark Vintages seem to be occurring quite often lately. The 2009 Bordeaux Futures Campaign was on fire earlier this Summer. 2007 supplied us with numerous 'Chateauneuf du Pape of a lifetime'. Perfect and 'highest ever' scores for various 2007 California wines seem to continually be releasing from the reviewers.
Contemplating these we were reminded of the 2004 vintage in Spain. This was a vintage that led the Wine Advocate to advise that the top wines "will reward extended cellaring and, with just a handful of exceptions, cost less than $50-$60 a bottle. Let your wealthy friends stock up on $500 a bottle Bordeaux and cult California Cabernets and then shock them years later in blind tastings."
With this in mind we decided to crack a bottle of the 2004 Terres de Vidalba TOCS. It definitely met the pricing criteria: though Release Pricing was suggested at $65, we currently have this on offer for $34.95, arguably the lowest price in the market. As per being a top wine, it scored an impressive 94pts in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate with a suggested maturity until 2020.
Like many wines from Priorat, a Spanish DOC in Catalonia, the blend of TOCS consists of Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet and sometimes a dollop of Merlot...a hypothetical blend of Southern Rhone and Bordeaux. From the swirl of a glass, one can detect mineral notes as well as Provencal herbs and flowers amongst the blackberries and raspberries. The black fruits continue on the palate, but a juicy core of ripe red fruits quickly emerges. Spicy tannins prevail on the quite lengthy finish.
This wine drinks well now with some decanting and food pairing, but will continue to evolve for a couple more years before enjoying five plus years of peak maturity. One is easily reminded of the importance and value of the 2004 vintage in Spain after drinking a bottle of the TOCS. Feel free to call or email us with your orders and enjoy following this wine with us as well.