INSIDER'S PICK: 2017 PALACIOS REMONDO RIOJA 'LA MONTESA' (Wine Advocate 92points) $19.99

Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We are also doing both a white and a red option each week, with the white wine available for the discount on Thursday and Friday, while the red wine available on Friday and Saturday. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.

Even a region with a storied tradition like Rioja can stand for a little jostling of its sensibilities every now and again.Tempranillo has always been the signature grape in the region, the backbone for the structured and long lived wines that have made them famous in much the same way Cabernet Sauvignon has served the Medoc area wines in Bordeaux. Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano are also allowed red grapes in the blend for Rioja,  but usually only a small portion. For this bottling Palacios Remondo decided to flip the script and give their Garnacha center stage, a very unique take that is noticeably different than the norm but undeniably delicious. Immediately warmer and red-fruited on the nose, but not as jammy and sweet on the aromas as Garnacha from the Mediterranean coast, maintaining more than a hint of pepper and black spice. The palate is also more lush, definitely lower in acidity and tannins than expected in a Rioja, but not heavy or overly extracted, delivering vibrant red berry flavors, touches of anise and herbs, and a fresh polished finish. This may not be what a traditionalist is looking for, but it's a great expression of the region. What's next, a Merlot from the Margaux region in Bordeaux? (Hint: that IS a thing, and we have one....)

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