| Clio was our fastest selling wine over the last | | | | At the helm of this Spanish knockout is Australian |
| year. We literally could not keep it in the store. | | | | superstar winemaker Chris Ringland. His Clio is a |
| This is the third vintage, our third Clio newsletter | | | | blend of 60 year old Monastrell (also known as |
| and the third hit for this Spanish gem from Jumilla, | | | | Mourvedre) and 25 year old Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Spain. The previous vintage, the 2003 vintage, | | | | vines. The wine exhibits a dense purple color along |
| received 96 points from Robert Parker who also | | | | with a rich layering of dark fruits and roasted |
| gave the 2002 vintage 93 points. This is quite | | | | coffee and earth. It is a full bodied wine -- but not |
| impressive for a wine that, at that time, had only | | | | overpowering -- great concentration, multilayered |
| had two vintages behind it. After those back to | | | | mouth-feel and an extremely long finish. |
| back ratings, we and the importer sold out | | | | Without question this wine out-drinks Jordan, |
| instantly. | | | | Silver Oak and Stags Leap at a fraction of the |
| The 2004 has just been released and we tasted | | | | price; it can be enjoyed now with meats or any |
| it yesterday; it is every very bit as good as the | | | | other hearty meal. Even better, it has the |
| two prior vintages. This consistency is a | | | | structure to cellar for 8 to10 years if you can |
| byproduct of Jumilla, Spain which is a semi-dessert | | | | resist its temptation. |
| terrain and has very consistent climate. | | | | |