Pesquera doesn’t seem to get a lot of attention these days. The happy consequence of that is that the wine stays cheap.
The 05 crianza was highly recommended by a Spanish wine afficianado I trust a year or so ago, who said it would need a lot of time, and I stashed some away in deep storage. Another friend said recently he’d been very disappointed. Since PJ’s has it for $23, I figured I’d buy one and try it.
Decanted about two hours ahead, with sausage and mushroom pizza from Dean’s here on the Upper West Side, this was terrific. It showed a trace of new oak at the beginning, and was fairly taught but quite drinkable from the get-go. With some air in the glass, it just continued to open up until it was quite lush, though with a good backbone of tannin and acid. The fruit is quite ripe, but not over the top. If you’re in the mood for a big wine for grilled meats, this would do the trick admirably.
With a bit of luck, this might turn out as well as the 94 crianza. And, hell, if it’s only half that good, it’s a steal.