The 2003 Celler de Cantonella Cérvoles had 94 points and the following tasting notes from The Wine Advocate:“Wow! What an amazing, reasonably priced wine. This 1,000-case cuvee, aged 12-14 months in French oak, from one of the appellation's highest altitude vineyards (it borders Montsant/Priorat), is a blend of 41% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Grenache, and 11% Merlot. Fabulously fragrant, with notes of crushed rock, black raspberries, blueberries, and cassis, this inky/purple-colored wine boasts great fruit, medium to full body, fabulous texture and purity, and a long, heady finish. This is a compelling as well as provocative wine to drink over the next 7-8 years.”
With 93 points, the 2004 Hartford Zinfandel Russian River Valley did not have a less appealing description:“A terrific buy is the blend of 7 different vineyards (the average age of 80+ years), the 2004 Zinfandel Russian River. This gorgeously rich effort reveals a Pinot Noir-like sensitivity along with a seductive, fragrant nose of black raspberries, cherries, spice box, pepper, and earth. In the mouth, it's a flamboyant, seductive, expansive, full-bodied, savory wine with beautifully integrated acidity, wood, alcohol, and tannin. Drink this decadent Zin over the next 5-6 years.”
Conclusion? I actually enjoyed both of them that evening but the Cérvoles was the real crowd pleaser. The wine had a dark and deep color and an attractive nose of blackberries. On the palate, it was juicy with a rich and velvety texture followed by a well-balanced finish. By comparison, the Hartford Zinfandel seemed very young and I think, may benefit from a couple more years in the bottle. The wine had bold aromas of red berries on the nose, and an intense and full-bodied palate, followed by a very long finish.
I have to admit, I feel grateful to Mr Parker now! And by the way, happy Valentine's Day!
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