Celler De Capcanes 2010 Mas Donis Barrica - 90pts

Celler De Capcanes 2010 Mas Donis Barrica (D.O. Montsant) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 8000 cases
Date Tasting: September 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A fantastic BBQ wine with loads of character on the warm, fruity and perfumed nose and on the layered, fresh and vibrant palate. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, red fruit and herbs mix well to create a modern, Old World vibe with a refined/rustic dichotomy. A long finish with lingering spice and oak notes will carry through to your next bite of grilled Picanha. Drinking well now, but would benefit from further aging to reveal another layer on the palate of more mature fruit flavours. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cellar Can Blau 2008 Montsant - 90pts

Cellar Can Blau 2008 Montsant (Montsant DO) Tarragona - Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $22-24
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: A round, gentle and developed bouquet of dried cherries, bruised plum, smoked meats, lightly toasted oak and spice box aromas. Mature, to be sure, yet still fruity and vibrant - on the similarly flavoured palate as well. Fine, smooth tannins have mellowed nicely leaving a well structured, medium-bodied wine that showcases its natural balance of fruit and savoury characters. Mouth watering acidity keeps the moderate finish refreshing

A blend of 40% Mazuelo (Carrignan), 40% Syrah and 20% Garnacha (Grenache), this wine is ready to be enjoyed now and should hold for another 2-3 years. As with its tasty cousin from Cellar Besllum, pair it with your Sunday roast or enjoy it on its own. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Cellar Besllum 2008 Montsant - 91+pts

Cellar Besllum 2008 Montsant (Montsant) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 24th, 2012

Tasting Notes: According to the label, 'Besllum' means "a ray of bright light coming through a small opening in a dark background." A beacon or a godly alert perhaps, I don't know, but what I do know is that the Montsant region of Spain is producing some amazing wines of late that won't make a huge dent in your pocketbook.

This offering, a blend of equal parts Carignan and Garnache, has plenty of character on the layered nose and smooth palate. Smoke, cured meats, strawberry, cranberry and leather make up an eclectic mix of aromas for the developed bouquet. The dry palate will open up beautifully when decanted properly, producing an array of flavours, similar to the nose, with added bitter chocolate, ripe red fruit and savoury spice notes. The tannins are fine and well balanced with good acidity resulting in a silky texture and long finish. Enjoy this wine on its own or with a spiced-up Sunday roast. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca