1999 Luna Beberide Castilla y Leon Tinto
Oh, what find this wine is. When we first came across it, we almost couldn't believe that there was some still around. As we have mentioned before with other wines from older vintages that become available to the public to buy, it is a great opportunity to have access to aged wine of this quality. Usually you'd have to be over at someone's house who has a nice cellar. Well, this time, you have the cellar! Please feel free to brag. Here's why: beautifully smooth and alluring notes of raspberry and darker fruit in the background are folded together seamlessly with light spice and leather notes, before an amazingly classy chocolate finish. This is will leave you reeling, no doubt. Two important notes on this wine: first of all, drink it soon, and if you like it, contact us immediately as we may be able to get more, but we have to know as soon as possible. Second, let this open for at least 30 minutes so the wine can provide its most nuanced and smooth tones.

Pairing Suggestions: gosh, we just want to drink this on its own, but it would pair very well with grilled or broiled red meats, or you could go the "European casual meal" route: buy some good cheese, bread, sausages, and olive oil, crack open the Luna Tinto, and have at it. We make no apologies for the exotic plans you may make during this evening.

2005 Bodegas Arzuaga Ribera del Duero
Tempranillo has been made famous by the Rioja region, but it is to the west in the valley of the Ribera del Duero that the grape likely got its auspicious start. Often with an even deeper and darker flavor profile, reds from the Duero are always powerful, rich, and expressive. This selection from Bodegas Arzuaga shows the style well: bold, ripe fruit is accented with distinct spice notes of clove and cumin, and somehow aromas of violets play a role in the background as well. The main body of flavor leans towards blueberry with leather, licorice, vanilla, and oak tones to finish up. The flavors and nose all run very broad and deep, but the wine stays bright and lively throughout. A very comprehensive experience for the palate for sure. The tannins in this both allow for aging and also can stand up to a wide range of foods, so hunt down some aged cheddar, rib roast, or lamb.