Sourced from the Calatayud DO in the southwestern corner of the province of Zaragoza, Spain. The area is dominated by plantings of Garnacha/Grenache but there’s a bit of Tempranillo there as well.
This is made in what I think of as an “international” style. There’s a lot of vanilla and mocha oak and the ripeness envelope has been given a nudge. It will probably achieve greater mass appeal but I think it lessens the quality of the wine, obfuscating the variety and probably the region. A rich and brooding nose of dark berries, cherry liqueur and stewed plum. Spicy and generous, full-bodied and creamy. There are nuances underneath; peanuts, tobacco, Chinotto, roasted meats and rosemary – I wish they were given more room to breath and express themselves. Still, I can see I lot of people loving it even if I didn’t. 89 Good
Region: Calatayud, Spain
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Synthetic
Price: $28.95
Tasted: March 2013