Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,831 strong:

Register Today!
Gabriel Israel

Gabriel Israel

4267 days ago

Gabriel scored this wine: 92/100

91-92; this is what Priorat is all about. From the great 2004 vintage, a full body, massive yet elegant wine. Prunes compot. Carmel. Round tannins. Hints of mint and vanilla on the finish. Can continue and evolve in the next 5-10 tears. Decant for 2-3 hours. Tasted March/13

4267 days ago

Gabriel scored this wine: 93/100

92-94: a more modern style Spanish from Venialbo which is a municipality located in the province of Zamora, Castile and León (centre north in Spain). full body, concentrated, well integrated flavors. Balanced. clean. packed with blackberry flavors and a long satisfying finish. This wine can easily live for another 10 years. I would really love to see how it will evolve. Tested March/13

Gran Reserva

Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2001

D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain
4267 days ago

Gabriel scored this wine: 90/100

90-91: full body, a bit closed in the beginning. Decant for about an hour. got more from it after 4 hours. You can taste the well integrated oak flavors with prunes and hints of clove and vanilla. I think it needs 3-5 years more to soften the tannins - this wine can live long (and prosper :) ). Will be interesting to try it again in 10 years. Tasted March/13

Les Christins

Perrin & Fils Les Christins 2010

A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France
4269 days ago

Gabriel scored this wine: 90/100

89-90 ; I don't think it's completely ready now. Flavors are a bit isolated. Very dry. Strong tannins still present. Full body. Very dark fruit flavors. Rhubarb. Hints of sweetness only on the second day of tasting. Overall, very pleasant but not one that I would run back to the LCBO to buy a few for the future. If it was $15-$17 maybe I would, but not for $24

Bodegas Volver

Tarima Hill Bodegas Volver Monastrell 2009

D.O., Alicante, Jumilla, Spain
4278 days ago

Gabriel scored this wine: 89/100

89-90 : Great value for this favorable Monastrell. I tried it in two consecutive days. On the first day it was no more than good. Simple. Nothing too special. However, on the second day, it was significantly better - fresh, full (was medium the first day), hints of cassis, meaty, smokey , hints of tar, mouthwatering. Let it breath for an hour before you enjoy it. Tasted March/13

Gabriel Israel

Wine Blogger

Memorable Wine

2005 Tobreck Les Amis. 2000 Vieux Château Certan. 1989 La Nerthe CdP Cuvée des Cadettes

more

Current Fav Wine

Any Spanish Gran Reserva

more
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award