300706 Tue Aug 16 16:13:31 -0700 2005 9 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1672758 I know there's better websites for this, but I trust you guys... I can buy the 03 at an amazingly low price of $9.95 / btl & the '02 at $12.50 - wondering if saving $2.55 x 2 cases is worth it... TIA! Tue Aug 16 16:13:31 -0700 2005 0 torta basilica 1 1672780 I'll probably take some heat from the wine experts on the board, but I think albariño -- like many light white wines -- does not improve in the bottle. It's best when it is young, vibrant and semi-bubbly. The younger the better. Save your $3 a bottle, and go for the '03. Tue Aug 16 18:53:28 -0700 2005 1672758 0 Kirk 2 1672784 I'm no wine expert, but I have a lot of experience drinking albariño... and I agree with Kirk--I would go for the 03 and start drinking it right away. And that's a great price. Just saw the Codax '04 today for 9 Euros here in Madrid... Tue Aug 16 19:56:50 -0700 2005 1672780 0 buttterfly 3 1672785 Along same line as previous posters, here is a brief note on Codax Albariño from Parker's Wine Advocate: (No full citation, sorry, as per CH Board's policy) "This medium-bodied 2000 is a thrill to drink. However, the fruit fades quickly, much like the Viognier-based wines of Condrieu, so consumption over the next 12 months is essential. " Link: http://www.eRobertParker.com Tue Aug 16 20:07:27 -0700 2005 1672784 0 RicRios 4 1672786 I haven't tasted either vintage of Codax, but I'd probably wait for the '04 to hit your market. I haven't tasted any '03 Albariño that gives me the crisp, refreshing lift I expect from the wine. Link: http://www.dougfrost.com/ Tue Aug 16 20:13:36 -0700 2005 1672785 0 Melanie Wong 2 1672819 I SAY ALWAYS GO FOR THE YOUNGER ALBARINO. A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO IN MADRID I TRIED A SPECIAL CODAX AGED IN OAK. HORRIBLE. IT DESTROYED THE FLAVOR. OAK AND ALBARINO DO NOT MIX. IF YOU VERE SEE AN ALBARINO CALLED VALDEMOR, BUT ALL YOU CAN. I LOVE IT TO DEATH. Wed Aug 17 11:13:41 -0700 2005 1672780 0 MORE KASHA 1 1672818 While I haven't tried the Codax, keep in mind that 2003 was a dreadfully hot year. Many wines that count on a nice backbone of acidity suffered from the searing heat. Why not skip both wines and look towards a nice '04 from Rueda in Spain. They tend to be a bit leaner than Albarinho, but they're excellent summer sippers, and go nicely with lighter seafood. Also, if you can find it 'round your parts, the 2003 (there's an exception to every rule!) Quinta da Romeira from Alentejo, in Portugal, is lovely. It's made from Arinto, and has a lovely balance of zippy acidity and fresh citrus fruit. God bless Iberian whites!! Wed Aug 17 10:59:41 -0700 2005 1672758 0 He'sSoQiuetNow 1 1672822 Thank you all so much - I knew you'd come through - even if the advice is conflicting, it's all interesting! I ordered 2 cases as we need a end of summer party wine for our (well, for a week...) beach house in Laguna & couldn't find any of the others mentioned for a good price. Carolina Wine Company has Conundrum for $19.99 & thinking of a case of that too. Mer Soliel was a pretty good price - $31.95, but not fitting with the beach house budget/style... Just wish I'd brought back more iberico & olives... Wed Aug 17 11:47:06 -0700 2005 1672758 0 torta basilica 2 1672854 "back" as in ... back from Spain? Ibérico? The customs' dogs didn't mind? Wed Aug 17 17:01:20 -0700 2005 1672822 0 RicRios 3 1672871 Nope, had the AF FA's store 4 vacumn-sealed packs of it & our butter in their fridge, then popped it into my carry-on right before we landed. Wanted to be sure it was nice, chilled & non-fragrant. Knock on wood, but I've never seen the beagles. My GF sees them all the time, coming from London. Thu Aug 18 00:26:58 -0700 2005 1672854 0 torta basilica