Beso de Vino has been rated by Josh Raynolds of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar with high punctuation.
This independent and critically acclaimed bimonthly publication, established in 1985, is read by wine lovers in all 50 states and 34 countries. Every issue includes in-depth articles on three to five important wine regions, with detailed tasting notes and scores on more than 1,000 wines.
2011 Macabeo Carinena ($10) (all stainless steel): Pale yellow. Spicy, sharply focused pear and nectarine aromas and flavors show good energy and become spicier with air. Sappy, floral-accented pit fruit flavors provide good palate coverage and show a silky texture. The dry, nervy finish leaves a dusty lemon rind note behind. Made in a pretty grown-up style and delivers solid value. 88 points
2011 Rosado Carinena ($10) (100% garnacha raised in stainless steel): Bright pink. Raspberry, cherry and floral aromas display good vibrancy and power. Juicy red berry flavors are subtly accented by a hint of white pepper, with tangy acidity adding lift and bite. Finishes smooth and long, leaving a juicy red fruit note behind. This is an excellent value and would work with a host of lighter as well as richer foods. 88 points
2011 Garnacha Carinena ($10) (aged for four months in used French oak): Vivid ruby. A sexy, highly perfumed bouquet offers scents of candied dark berries, plum and potpourri. Deeply pitched dark berry flavors show impressive clarity enlivened by notes of white pepper and floral pastilles. Finishes sweet and long, with subtle tannins and lingering spiciness. This wine delivers serious bang for the buck. 90 points
2011 Seleccion Carinena ($10) (85% syrah and 15% garnacha, aged for three months in French oak): Opaque purple. Intensely perfumed aromas of cherry and blackberry are brightened by zesty minerality and a subtle peppery quality. Lively red and dark fruits on the palate, with black pepper and licorice nuances emerging with air. Sappy and strikingly intense for the price, finishing with excellent persistence and gentle tannic grip. 90 points
