I love these sensual reds from Spain and South America! Jess at JavaMonkey introduced us to a few more this past Thursday at a tasting dedicated entirely to Tempranillo.
The wines:
2005 Lorinon Crianza (Rioja, Spain): A blend of 85% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo
“Crianza” means that the wine spends at least 12 months in oak. This one started with much promise, dark and rich with a little pepper on the nose. It’s a little rough on the palate at first with an acid bite, but it finished smooth for the first few sips. Then it fell a little flat.
Rating: Good
2007 Reinares Tempranillo (Castilla, Spain):
A whiff of cinnamon-clove on the nose leads to nice fruit undertones with a little green pepper on top and not much of a finish.
Random wine quote for the evening: “This one is wham, bam, but no ‘thank you, ma’am.'” (per Dan Browning)
Rating: Good
2006 Orobio Tempranillo (Rioja, Spain):
This one is made by a Tempranillo specialist. File that one under “jobs I want.” Black cherry and other dark fruit with cedar on the end, this is the kind of Tempranillo that makes me happy.
Rating: Very Good to Excellent
2008 Emperador de Barros Tempranillo (Ribera del Guadiana, Spain):
A wine that tastes like grape juice. This one got a universal, “WTF???” from the table.
Rating: Meh
2006 Atalayas de Golban (Ribera del Duero, Spain):
Burnt caramel on the nose (one couple said acetone, but they’re geeks). Oaky-smoky caramel popcorn. This one gets props for being interesting but still fruity.
Rating: Very Good
2006 Creta Roble (Ribera del Duero, Spain):
Yummy jam and dark fruit, this was a good fruit bomb to finish out the evening. It also has enough acid to make it good with food.
Rating: Very Good to Excellent