Something new and different for me this week!  My friends came over last night and I grabbed a random bottle from my wine stash.  I honestly can’t remember when, where, or how I came to acquire this bottle of wine, but I was pleasantly surprised!  You’ve probably gathered that when I’m not drinking CA wines, I tend towards France.  But Spain is quickly becoming a close second favorite from the old world.  

This 2008 Rioja from Urbión smells like a mix of red fruits and chocolate.  The palette was bright and juicy, nice balanced acidity, hardly any tannins, and a silky smooth finish that tasted a bit like balsamic vinegar (in a caramelized syrupy way).  Such an easy wine to drink.  I’m supposed to be detoxing this week but I poured myself a second glass….oops!