2001 Mas la plana

Joseph Coulter wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Can you believe that I have only had one bottle of Mas La Plana? Torres has lost quite a lot of glamour around here (except in Cataluña, where it comes from). But I have read recent opinions like yours, in that it is an excellent wine. I will have to keep an eye on a bottle of that. BTW, I did a search on winesearcher for the 2001 and it is available in several countries of Europe, but not Spain. 2005 and 2006 (current release) are available in around 40 retailers throughout Europe, only four or five in Spain. Clearly a story of export success and local indiference-

Surprised about your comment (re: Rioja Reserva): Being a Cabernet Sauvignon in French oak, I think it should be more like a Médoc than like a Rioja Reserva but obviously I was not there.

Best,

s.

For whatevre reason, I find Reserva's to resemble Medoc. Gran Reserve not so much too oaky for my taste. But a Reserva opened for an hour or more opens up with a Cabernet character. At least for me.

At any rate it is a totally fine wine and I am just happy that I don't know how much it cost, easier sipping that way.

Joseph Coulter wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Fine!

It once was Torres' flagship, and probably the most expensive of the range, but it has now been replace by more expensive bottlings such as "Gran Muralles" and "Reserva Real" which I remember having tasted some time ago and did not think they were worth the 80-100 euro tag.

Más La Plana is usually around 35-40 euro, retail tax included.

Best,

s.

My favourite Mas la Plana weren't called Mas la Plana.

Back when it was simply Gran Coronas Black Label the wines were fabulous (the 1970 was magnificent!). Hasn't really been as good IMHO after about 1978.