Spring evening, not summer. Perhaps a 2007 summer, but heat does terrible things to red wine.

Silent and freezing in Stroud this morning with promise of snow. People driving slowly and carefully.

Off to Sains to get in provisions and wine for tasting.

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mel

There is quite a lot to choose from and no definitive answer IMO. It depends on the classification, I like the bright fruit and fresher acidity of a crianza, I luuvvvv the fading colour, the warm kiln like smell, and the soft, rich, creaminess of a well aged gran reserva with its subtle flavours and hints of every wine you have ever tasted.

The use of too much American oak can over burden the wine though.

The freshness, lightness, smoothed tannins, caramelisation from bottle/cask ageing, oak fragrance, but not so it smells like the cinema (although Stroud cinema somehow manages to smell of warm wee, despite being new - I mean popcorn), and fruit, but not fruit sugar, and vanilla.

Off to Sains and hoping to find Riscal reduced.

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mel

happy hunting Mel. There's always Maj to fall back on who have it for 9.99 when you buy 2
Concordia reserva down to 6.49 (from 11.99) when you buy 2 too

haven't tried the reserva before, just the crianza.

I've promised myself not to buy any more wine this month (tho I'm sure my supplies are a lot thinner than most of you guys).... will see if I manage it (somewhat doubtful tbh)

Riscal not reduced in Sains and wasn't tempted by anything else.

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mel