2003 Bodegas Borsao "Tres Picos"

Back in 2001 and 2002 I bought gobs of Tres Picos.  For about $10 a bottle it was a no brainer to open it.  In fact just recently I found a few bottle of 2000 and 2001 in my stash.  Both were still very good however they were a little less bright than in their youth. 

Tres Picos comes from an area of Spain called the Campo de Borja.  Much like the Languedoc in France it was previously known for producing bulk wine of little distinction.  Also like the Languedoc it was int he shadows of better known and more prestigious regions such as Rioja and Ribera Del Duero.  Over the past few years this area of Spain has produced truckloads of fabulous value wines.  As with the Tres Picos, many are made of Garnacha (or as we call it Grenache) and many are imported by Jorge Ordonez.  The Tres Picos is derived from high altitude old vines (35-40 years old).  It is fermented in stainless steel.

The 2003 Tres Picos has a lot to offer.  The color is dark purple with a tinge of red. It packs a load of bright and deep flavors like cherries, kirsch, and pomegranates.  There is also a very nice wildness to it that keeps from being all fruit.  A nice acidity keeps the tounge on the toes.  The finish is long and pleasant.  It brings more than I remember in past years.

About $12 and readily available