Toledo - Adolfo family y collection

In 2008, Roger and I departed from the Wine Lab after 7 months of straight work to attend Hospice Du Rhone in Paso Robles. We attended all the sessions but a most memorable for me was the Conquistadors: The Reign of Spain. At the event, I tasted the "best" Syrah ever. I mean this really in the best sense: The Pago del Ama Syrah from Toledo. So my goal was to return to Spain to visit the Viñedos Cigarral Santa Maria -- the makers of Pago Del Ama and taste the wine again. To my surprise and welcome, Javier and Adolfo, welcomed us here. Today, we woke up to Nieve (Snow). So spectacular, you know how it is when you wake up to snow as a child....very much the same. So Bello (beautiful) - you want to lay down in it. It only snow's here a few times a year...so you must absolutely wallow in it. We met Javier at the vineyard and family home at 11 am - Adolfo and Julita were there.

From Spain 2009-02

There is a fun picture here of Adolfo, me, and Javier, we are in the vineyard, outside the house. The vineyard only has 4 hectares planted...but I have to re-state...this is the best wine I have ever tasted. So Javier took Rog and I on a tour in the snow.... pics below...just look at them...we are all so thrilled to be in the snow in the vineyard...this is only the beginning. Lunch pics. then dinner pics are next. If you don't know Pago del Amo, you will .... either from us or the wine world....We love wine and this is the exceptional...after 25 + years of wine tasting...I cannot find a more satisfying, complex, wine in the world or the most loving and passionate people. This is true love and passion for sharing, enjoying, and loving food and wine.

From Spain 2009-02

At the start of the dinner tonight, Javier showed us his parents passion...a 40,000 bottle wine cellar...don't get me wrong..this is a wine cellar that was dug out of the Jewish settlement of more than 400 years ag0. We stood in front of a collection of a wall of first growths....but my memorable was the 39 bottle of 02 Pago del Ama Syrah...what can I say... this family is passionate...so are we...but to love and hold them in our hearts and minds forever...and we will return.

From Spain 2009-02

We had dinner at Adolfo Restuarante on Granada (pomegranate lane). Our 10-course dinner began with sherry paired with pomegranate fruit...then off to the 2001 Chardonnay Pago del Amo...now I read that this vineyard after this year was torn out because of a DO restriction (but not so clear on the history). OMG! Best Chard...we have ever tasted! Javier selected it out of the personal cellar...so very generous. It tasted the soil of the Syrah, yet very elegant and fruit forward....oh... I cannot do it justice. But if one ever has the possibility of tasting this Chard....you may have died and gone to heaven. Then on to a pairing of 05 Pago del Ama Merlot (never to be found outside of Espana)....497 bottles OMG again...so especial.

From Spain 2009-02

Feb 6, 09 will be a spectacular day in my life.
CAR-