Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1025306
44 / the tasting panel / september 2018 BLUE REVIEW FEATURETTE Viña Albali 2011 Gran Reserva Selección Privada, Valdepeñas, Spain ($15) A crisp and bright Tempranillo that's worth adding to by-the-glass programs; creamy texture and vibrant fruit with a tangy finish. 88 Viña Albali 2015 Gran Selección, Valdepeñas, Spain ($10) Generous and juicy at a crazy price; fresh and aromatic with a long, lively finish; racy and modern. 88 FYI 2017 Red Blend, Spain ($13) A sleek, opulent blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon; satisfying, concentrated, and deep, it's a remarkable value. 90 Prospero Brut NV, Spain ($11) An unexpected sparkler that's refined and refreshing with a burst of apple and pear; lively with a ridiculously low price; dry and flavorful. 90 Viña Albali Verdejo Rueda 2016, Spain ($12) Clean, smooth, and fresh with juicy, crisp style; a good value from a region with a growing reputation; bright, balanced, and long, this is a delightful everyday wine. 88 Viña San Juan 2016 Red Blend, La Mancha, Spain ($12) Smooth and full-bodied with dense, meaty flavors; a well-balanced, generous blend of Merlot, Tempranillo, and Syrah with a lengthy finish. 90 Frissé Sparkling Sangria, Spain ($10) This carbonated, bright-pink, rosé-based drink is polished and off-dry with succulent raspberry and apple notes; the clean, vibrant flavors have been amplified by authentic and natural additives. 88 Sentoro 2016 Tinta de Toro Red, Toro, Spain ($10) Luscious, ripe, and generous fruit results in a lovely wine with astonishing value; velvety and balanced with an enduring finish. 90 Pulpo 2016 Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain ($14) Fragrant and refreshing; spicy and crisp with pleasing mineral notes; silky with balance and good length; a classic Albariño with depth and style at an amazing price point. 91 Viña San Juan 2017 White Blend, La Mancha, Spain ($12) A lush, piquant, and balanced blend of Chardonnay, Verdejo, and Viura with bright, generous flavors; more complex and rich than you would expect from a wine at this price. 88 Tempranillo Takeover SPANISH PRODUCER FÉLIX SOLÍS AVANTIS IS AT THE TOP OF ITS GAME by Anthony Dias Blue E ncompassing six key wine regions throughout Spain and selling 27 million cases annually in 116 countries, Félix Solís Avantis is the seventh- largest producer of still wine in the world. Despite this tremen- dous international influence, the company has remained true to its deep familial roots while offering quality, affordable wines and exceptional service to its global consumers. Founded in 1952 by Félix Solís Fernández and his wife, Leonor Yáñez, Félix Solís Avantis now operates under the leadership of third-generation family employ- ees as it blends Old World styles with New World modernity. The company's extensive portfolio has received a multitude of praise from internationally rec- ognized media outlets and orga- nizations, including recognition as the "Best Spanish Winery" nine times at the Berliner Wein Trophy competition. With a mission to celebrate all things Tempranillo, Félix Solís Avantis' new website, accessible at getyourtempon.com, encour- ages consumers and wine-buy- ing professionals to expand their knowledge of this widely grown Spanish grape variety. Here are some recent releases I tasted and reviewed from the company's vast portfolio: