Tuesday Take: Special Spanish Wines

Check out what is coming out of Spain, because it’s been awesome.

Bodegas Mas Alta "Black Slate" Priorat 2019 ($26) is a garnacha, carignan, cabernet sauvignon and syrah blend that is a dynamo.

It’s absolutely spectacular and full bodied with flavors and aromas of coffee grounds and cigar wrapper. It walked the line between blackberry and cooked blue berry flavors. There was great balance between alcohol, tannin and acidity.

Carravid Tempranillo Ribera Del Duero 2016 ($30) was a very deep red color in the glass with aromas of moderate intensity that included dark fruit and cigar box.

Flavors of black cherry, earth, tobacco and vanilla with dark chocolate nibs swooping in on the finish. The medium bodied tannins helped leave an impression on the finish.

Perhaps the most impressive as the Marques de Riscal, Baron de Chirel Reserva Rioja 2016 ($95) which was a dark ruby color in the glass. There was ripe plum, cinnamon stick and leather on the nose.

Ripe plum, raspberry compote, juicy black berry and a dark chocolate and coffee bean mixture energized the finish. A big, bold and fun, yet, well balanced wine.

Black Slate is an exciting blend from the Priorat, Spain.