UFR - Papa Luna

Papa Luna 2007 ($16.99)


So I went back to Hi Times last week, mainly to get another bottle of Papa Luna. I happened to pick up a few other bottles along the way, but I was curious to see if I still felt the same about this bottle as I did 6 weeks ago. So, UFR, upon further review, I maintain the notion that this is still an awesome bottle that I wish I had more of.

I initially gave this bottle an A, which was very generous. Ok, too generous. But this Spanish blend of Old Vine Granacha (75%), Shiraz (20%), and Montastrell (5%) was money. It was very cherry on the nose, but still picked up that earthiness that I'm guessing came from the Shiraz. The wine changed quite a bit through the meal (El Toro Carne Asada and grilled veggie salad, our summer staple). It was solid on its own, solid with the grilled veggies in the salad, then stepped it up after a piece of carne with a little heat, yet still smooth enough to not burn. This bottle really made the meal. Really nice cherry flavor, very smooth finish.

When I walked out of Hi Times there were only 10 bottles left. I wish I had bought more. It was that good.

Oh, forgot to mention, this had a 90 point rating from Wine Enthusiast. 

UFR Grade: A-

BBQ Pairing Deliciousness

Escoces Volante 2007 Papa Luna Calatayud ($16.99 @ Hi-times)

I went into Hi-Times needing a bottle to compliment a rack of ribs from Blue Beet. I asked the girl for a suggestion and without a second's hesitation, she asked, "Have you had Papa Luna?" She leads me to the Spanish section and says, "This is easily my favorite wine right now under $20." Done. Gimme 2.

This was a hit. Scratch that, this was a home run. I ended up having it two nights in a row. Once with turkey burgers, then at the Blue Beet. Incredible wine. So flavorful, spicy but still super smooth. Without food, it was a slight, very slight, bit dry. But once I had it with food, it was off the charts. At $16.95, it's a great, great pick-up.

Grade: A