Wine Spectator: Editors’ Guide to the Grand Tour Tasting

Wine Spectator’s annual Grand Tour is coming soon, with evening tastings in Las Vegas (June 4), Washington, D.C. (June 10), and Hollywood, Fla. (June 18). To help you decide how to spend your night, we asked our senior editors and tasters to each pick five wines they think you shouldn’t miss. Some of them complained about having to stick to such a low limit; others were so enthusiastic they just blatantly disregarded it. (Who really minds?) Whoever’s advice you follow, you’re sure to drink well!

 

James Molesworth

I also relish getting a chance to taste wines from regions I don’t cover formally. Spain is among my favorites, and I’ve adored Muga’s Prado Enea bottling for a long time. Their 2011 Gran Reserva (94) should be on deck for anyone who enjoys Rioja or a well-aged red.

 

Alison Napjus

Earlier this year my job became even more fun and exciting with the addition of a new role for me, lead taster for the wines of Spain. While I plan to taste through all of the Spanish offerings at the Grand Tour, these two stand out as examples of just why I love Spanish wine. On one hand, you have Marqués de Murrieta, a family-run winery credited with the production of the very first Rioja, in 1852; its Finca Ygay Reserva 2017 (90) is a standout example of the great tradition for quality winemaking from Spain. On the other hand, you have Bodegas El Nido, established only 20 years ago by the Gil family; it produces impressive wines in a powerful, modern style, such as the El Nido 2017 (93), from the Jumilla appellation, which has emerged only in the last two or three decades as a source for both quality and, in many cases, great value.

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Featured Wines:

BODEGAS MUGA “PRADA ENEA” GRAN RESERVA 2011 – BUY USA

MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA 2017 – BUY USA

BODEGAS EL NIDO JUMILLA EL NIDO 2017 – BUY USA