2008 Abadal Crianza Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Half Case

Tastes like: Sweet currants, cocoa, vanilla
Pairs with: Honey-glazed pork chops, poultry
Good for: Entertaining, special occasions
Drink this: Now or within the next three years
Alcohol: 14.0%

It is no surprise that Abadal's wines are incredibly food-friendly crowd-pleasers, as the winery has strong ties to the gastronomy scene in Spain. Valentí Roqueta, who founded Abadal in 1983, is a benefactor of the local culinary school Alicia and is a close friend of Ferran Adrià, of el Bulli fame. Adrià was even on hand to speak at Abadal's 25th-anniversary party and praise the work the winery has done to promote the region.

This blend of 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 50 percent Merlot expresses both varieties while also displaying a remarkably savory, herbal quality that Abadal attributes to the woodlands near the vineyards. Aged in high-quality oak (Abadal uses the same source for its casks as renowned producer Vega Sicilia), this wine shows a lovely purity of fruit and a refreshing backbone of acidity.

Perfect for just about any celebratory occasion, Abadal's wines are also affordable enough to keep a case on hand for guilt-free, weeknight indulgences. But this wine is also toothsome enough for guests you want to impress.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby-purple in color, this wine offers flavors of forest berries, red cherry, sweet currant, cocoa, vanilla and spice. A juicy core of fruit is supported by palate-cleansing acidity. Meant for early consumption, this is a pleasure to drink now but will still hold two to three additional years in your cellar. Pair it with honey-glazed roast pork chops, poultry or light meat dishes.

—Janine Lettieri

Janine Lettieri has worked in New York City fine dining for over a decade with sommelier roles at Fleur de Sel, the three-star Michelin restaurant Le Bernardin, and the Waverly Inn. Janine holds certificates from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the American Sommelier Association, as well as a Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Janine is pursuing the Master of Wine credential, which only 30 Americans hold. Learn more about Janine here, or follow her on Twitter: @JLettieri