Valencia,in Spain, is an up and coming area, and the 2007 Nodus Reserva de Familia blend is an example of how good their future will be. The 13% alcohol red scored  18 points  on the Dionysian scale of 20. That’s a 93 on the Wine Spectator scale of 100!  It was opened, then judged after an hour of air. It was  paired with a pasta creation.

This ideal blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (which does so well in that area) was left  to sleep for 18 months in a mix of French and American oak.It is velvety on the tongue and has a black fruit nose with hints of wood, spice and plum. It is garnet with a ruby base. I’ve seen wines like this age for two decades and gain even more complexity.

I enjoyed this wine one year ago with Adolfo de las Heras, the Director General of Bodegas de Utiel in Valencia and it was good then, but even better now. Vinedrea Imports of Vineland, New Jersey imports the line.

At eight years old, it is just starting to reach its potential. This is a wine to seek out and cellar. The 2009’s and 10’s should now be available. Nodus is the feature name of wines made by Bodegas de Utiel. They also have an excellent CAVA which I’ll open soon. In vino veritas.

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A carafe of Nodus with Pasta Basilicata;Yellow Pear Tomatoes & Heritage Red Tomatoes & Mediterranean Salada coated with heavy Freshly grated Parmigiana.