Ibiza restaurant in Houston – Great wine list and value

I haven’t blogged much since I smashed my clavicle and had surgery, so I thought I would write a little something about a recent night at Ibiza restaurant in Houston TX. For anyone that lives in Houston and is a wine addict like me, you cannot beat their wine prices anywhere, and their list is very good as well. The night was a special one to honor a friend who was having a birthday, so I didn’t make a great effort to write detailed notes on the wines, as I didn’t want to be terribly rude. This blog will look a little different in format, but I hope that you enjoy the information on the wines.

We started the night off with two Clos Mimi wines that’s had been decanted for about five hours before we arrived at the restaurant. The first wine was the a 2003 Clos Mimi Syrah “westerly” vineyard from Santa Barbara, California . RP rated this wine a 93, and only 105 cases were made.

brief impressions: Dark cherry, and blackberry on the nose with fresh black pepper, with Forest floor. The wine is well balanced and very pleasant. Rating: 91 JH

The second wine was a 2004 Clos Mimi Syrah “Shell Creek” vineyard from Paso Robles, California. As many of you that read these blogs know, I am a big fan of wines from Paso Robles.

Brief impressions: The very first thing that came to my mind when I smelled this wine was it is very old world in style. Dark raspberry fruit, with nice herbal notes, and mineral components. The fruit is brighter in thi wine, and the acidity was nice and bright too. The wine is well balanced and silky smooth on the palate. RP gave this wine a 90+ score in August of 2006. Only 120 cases were made. Rating: 92 JH

The third wine was a 2005 El Nido from Jumilla, Spain. This wine is composed of 70% Mourvedre, and 30% Cabernet. This is one seriously good wine, and I would have to say one of the very best I have had from Spain. RP gave it a 98, Jay Miller a 98, and ST gave it a 94. I would have to say that IMO ST really missed it on this one.

Brief impressions: An incredible bouquet that displays aromas of blueberry, blackberry, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and pencil lead,  with a nice wild game component. At 17.5% Alc you would think this wine would be hot, but it was not at all. The palate is complex, and the mouthfeel is full  with an array of wonderful fruit flavors. Rating: 98 JH

The last wine of the night was a 2005 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet. If you like big, bold, full bodied cabs like me, then you must have some of this wine. This wine is drinking really well right now, but IMO it will improve for a few years to come, and drink well for a decade. Brief impressions: Deep dark ruby color. On the nose blueberry’s cassis, pencil lead, star anise, cedar, and a nice floral component. This wine is very elegant and graceful for such a big wine, like the plus size lady that can really move on the dance floor! The finish is oh so pleasant and lingering. RP gave this a 96, WA a 96, and WS a 92.

I would have to agree with the higher scores. There is no way this is a 92 rated bottle of wine. Rating 96+ JH

I cannot say enough about Ibiza. If you live in Houston, go and check it out. The wine list is exceptional, and the prices are outstanding. The menu is dynamic food is just as exceptional too.