Testimonial - Montecillo Crianza 2000 from Ray & Frank Liquor Store

Robert Abrams with assistance from Joshua Karlin and Pam Karlin
October 3, 2005

My friends and I got together for dinner last night and decided to sample a bottle of Montecillo Crianza 2000 from Ray & Frank Liquor Store (706 9th Avenue, NYC, 212-489-2029). This was a bottle that the staff at Ray & Frank helped me pick out. On first observation we saw that it was a pretty wine. It had a rich ruby color. It smelled sweet too. Pam thought it was lovely, with a pear aftertaste. I thought it had a smooth texture. It was fruity, but dry with no acidic aftertaste. Josh commented that it was delightful and really good. It was sweet without being cloying. It went well with spicy tuna as well as chocolate, especially the blue ones (dark chocolate). We all agreed it was the best wine we had all night - we had sampled from three bottles over the course of an extended dinner, but the Montecillo we finished. I liked it so much I am planning on buying a case. At about $12 per bottle it is good value for your money. Montecillo Crianza is from the Rioja region of Spain. It is made from Tempranillo grapes and is aged for one year in French oak barrels and one year in the bottle.

Joshua Karlin with a now empty bottle of Montecillo Crianza 2000
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

Ray & Frank Liquor Store

706 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
212-489-2029
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