Robert Parker berichtet über eine Verkostung des Executive Wine Seminars in New York vom 14.10.2004, bei der 14 spanische Spitzenweine des Jahrgangs 2001 verkostet wurden. Da der Aalto PS 2001 damals noch nicht auf dem Markt war, durfte ihn der vermeintlich schwächere PS 2000 ersetzen. Hier das Ergebnis der Verkostung: 

1) Aalto PS 2000 (Ribera del Duero) - 97
2) Mas Doix "Doix Costers de Vinyes Velles 2001" (Priorat) - 96
3) Pintia 2001 (Toro) - 95
4) Alvaro Palacios "L'Ermita 2001" (Priorat) - 95
5) Clos Erasmus 2001 (Priorat) - 94
6) Vall Llach 2001 (Priorat) - 94
7) Benjamin Romeo "La Viña de Andres Romeo 2001" (Rioja) - 93
8) Artadi "Pagos Viejos 2001" (Rioja) - 93
9) Rotllan Torra "Tirant 2001" (Priorat) - 93
10) Celler Del Pont "Lo Givot 2001" (Priorat) - 92
11) Finca Allende "Calvario 2001" (Rioja) - 92
12) Mustiguillo "Quincha Corral 2001" (Tierra el Terrerazo) - 92
13) Ostatu "Gloria de Ostatu 2001" (Rioja) - 91
14) Numanthia 2001 (Toro) - 91

Die Anmerkung zum Aalto PS 2000 lautete: ***Note*** This wine was a replacement "ringer" for the 2001 Aalto PS which had not been released in the USA at the time of this tasting.

Verkostungsnotiz:
Deeply colored. Lovely nose is open and so sexy; big, sweet black cherry fruit, vanilla, Asian spices, and tons of oak. Heavily extracted fruit on the palate with tar, earth, smoked meat, and chewy tannins. Very complex and delicious wine that brilliantly combines structure and fruit; its powerful yet silky with excellent acidity throughout. The balance of this wine is perfect and the finish is long, consistent, and persistent. Everyone in the room was mesmerized by this wine. Wow!

Wine Advocate #152 - (Apr 2004) - Robert Parker - 96 points - Drink 2006-2019 - $80.00
Garcias 2000 PS (100% Tempranillo from 60-70 year vineyards, and aged in French oak) is spectacular. Unfortunately, production is small, with 40% of it (400 cases) making it to the United States. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as a beautiful perfume of smoke, graphite, black and blueberries, minerals, and flowers. This is a young, full-bodied yet remarkably elegant, pure, impeccably well-balanced Spanish red with a finish that lasts for 50+ seconds. While accessible, it should not hit its peak for another 2-3 years, and will last for 12-15.

Kritikerbewertungen
Robert Parker: 96

Genussdaten
Alkohol: 13,8 %
Dekantierzeit: 2-3 Stunden
Serviertemperatur: 17°C
Trinkempfehlung: 2006-2026