TORRES CELESTE RIBERA DEL DUERO
DAMN, WE LOVE THESE WINES!!
Torres may well be the most well-known Spanish wine producer brought to the United States. Ever the expansionist, Miguel Torres has been a ground-breaker in virtually all regions of Spain. In the 70s, the famous black label known as Mas La Plana received international accolades and put not only Cataluña, but Spain on the wine map. Expansion led to wines being made throughout Cataluña (Priorat, Conca de Barbera, etc.) and recently into Spain's red wine Holy Land, Ribera del Duero. This region is known for its amazing Tempranillo, but unfortunately, greatness comes at a price. Torres has released two versions, both called Celeste and both are extremely delicious...and very good values!
2006 TORRES CELESTE RIBERA DEL DUERO "7:00 PM"
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
We can not emphasize more that in the high-priced region of Ribera Del Duero, these two wines perform at extremely high levels and one doesn't have to take out a second mortgage to try a bottle. At 895 meters, a star (Celeste) is born. When Torres does something, they always to do it correctly. When they went into the Robera Del Duero, they were seeking out the best high elevation land possible. Their efforts were met famously resulting in two wines that reflect terroir with awesome depth and presence.
The 7:00 PM label and name reflect the red color of the Ribera Del Duero sky at 7 PM. Fresh, smooth lighter and brighter, this gem serves up strawberry jam and creamy red plum. A veritable romance made for the mouth.
2004 TORRES CELESTE RIBERA DEL DUERO "10:00 PM"
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The Celeste blue-label bottling's label and name reflect the blue color at dark at 10 PM. Intense blackberry color showing a rich spicy and aromatic nose with liquorice and black pepper balanced by hints of well-ripened blackberry and black cherry fruit. Perfect tannins and a full-body add to the sumptuously long and pleasing finish. Need we say more...