There are 100 point wines, wines that age beautifully and cult cabernets. But I’d rather drink a wine with soul — one that stirs my soul, one that is expressive and a delight to drink. Nothing’s better than discovering a new soulful wine.
In this case, I found two! over dinner with friends at Wood Tavern in Oakland. The restaurant is a great place — always packed but it still feels so comfortable. And the food as it turns out is soulful too.
On to the wines. The first, a Priorat, 2004 Joan Gine´ from Spainish producer Buil Gine’. I love Priorats, they are fragrant, fruity (think lush red cherry) with minerality and well-balanced and just delicious. You don’t see many Priorats on wine lists, but I always order it when I see it. The Joan Gine’ does not disappoint! It’s made from Grenache (Garnacha), Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. [retail $32]
The second wine is an ’07 Lewis Syrah. Rhone varietals are my favorites, and Lewis has an outstanding bottling here. The nose just bursts out of the glass. This is a rich, voluptous wine. You’ll definitley notice the deep, inky color. You may think it’s too big and powerful, but paired with a dish like pork belly, you really can’t go wrong. It’s smokey and chewy and intensely soulful. [retail $70]
What are your soulful wines?