The 2016 Bodegas Borsao Zarihs ranks as one of the top Syrah values in the world. This big, rich, and modern-styled red snagged the #28 spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2020, and we were lucky to get a 10 case allocation.
Rated 93 points by Wine Spectator, they say this “red marries the ripe fruit and toasty oak of the international style with a savory, rustic character.” After tasting this one recently, I agree with Spectator’s sentiments, but I’d say this one definitely leans more towards a New World style. Supply is very limited, and it’s first come, first served.
2016 Bodegas Borsao Zarihs
93 points – Wine Spectator and their #28 wine of the year!
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
I’ll start by saying this is a HUGE RED WINE. There’s nothing shy about it at all. 100% Syrah from Borsao’s vineyards in the foothills of the Moncayo Mountains, this stuff is aged for 12 months in 100% new American oak. Combine that with the warmth and sunshine of the 2016 vintage, and you get yourself a big, dark, and hearty red wine.
Tasted blind, I would have definitely guessed Syrah/Shiraz, but I might have thought it came from Paso Robles. Deeply colored and fully extracted, this is not for the faint of heart. Nope, this is for folks who like their reds ripe, plush, and toasty. I’m not going to beat around the bush here…..this is not about terroir and fine detail, it is about big, broad, and full aromas and flavors.
Bodegas Borsao makes some of Spain’s top red wine values, and their Zarihs is another in a line of supreme over-achievers. Wine Spectator did not mince words when they described this one. “An opaque red-black color with a crimson-purple rim. On the nose, a powerful impression of blackberries, with a hint of wood smoke and sweet vanilla. The nose begins to open up and develops notes of dark chocolate. The initial impact is very full bodied, with a plush, soft structure. Flavors of dark berries dominate; wild blackberries and dried plums, with notes of espresso coffee.”
I could see this being great with baby-back ribs or grilled chicken slathered in your favorite sweet and spicy bbq sauce. Or skip the food and just experience the wine for what it is. With such a high press to price ratio, this won’t be around for long.
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville