Three from Spain

[Florida Jim]

N/V Cristalino, Cava Brut:

Fair bubbly without flaws but I wouldn’t buy it again.

2001 Domino de Tares, Bierzo Cepas Viejas:

Unbelievably over-oaked. Diane says it tastes like water with wine flavoring and an oak overlay – the oak is so strong it has leeched any flavor out of the fruit such that the wine seems thin and watery. Absolute, total garbage without any redeeming value. I would not accept it as a gift let alone actually spend money on it.

2004 Descendientes de J. Palacios, Bierzo Pétalos:

Solid mencia without any obvious wood, good structure, concentration and sustain. A good wine with cheese or more flavorful fare. About $16; I’d buy it again.

Best, Jim

[Craig Camp]

N/V Cristalino, Cava Brut:

Fair bubbly without flaws but I wouldn’t buy it again.

Try it with a splash of Campari. It's great!