Short notes from a tasting of Caballero brands at Ralph's Wine Museum with a few others thrown in.
Caballero Macarena Manzanilla - Very light and slightly nutty. Uninteresting.
Caballero Pavon Puerto Fino - Very dry. Makes your mouth water. Also untinteresting.
Vina Herminia Crianza 2004 - Slightly hot, tannic. Blackberry. A bit spicy. Good.
Vina Herminia Excelsus 2005 - Sweet fruit on the nose and palate. Strawberry. 8 months in French oak. Good. Very friendly.
Vina Herminia Reserva 2001 - Mint. Some softness but firms on the finish. Good balance. Very nice.
Montes Purple Angel 2005 - Carmenere with a pinch of Petit Verdot. Rich. Lots of fruit. Very tannic. Monolithic, very primary. Not showing much yet but should be very good in 5 years or so.
Charles Melton The Father in Law Shiraz 2005 - Earthy nose. Strawberry. Quite sweet. Unbalanced and not a style I like.
Lustau Moscatel Emilin - Very long and sweet. Sweet spices. Has the acidity to balance the sweetness. Raisin, grape and marmalade. Lovely.
Lustau San Emilio Pedro Ximenez - Coffee, very rich, spicy, smooth. Figs, dates, very long finish. Outstanding.