TN: Tempranillo Tasting (Oregon wins)

Last night one of my groups met to try some value Tempranillos. All of the wines were supposed to be available for under $40. The rules were the wine could be from anywhere although all but one were from Spain. The wine were served blind over the course of two hours. Breads and cheeses accompanied the wines.

• 2010 Bodegas La Cana Albariño 87 Points

  Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas

  Yellow/gold in color. The nose seems to have some oak on it although I doubt it saw any. Kind of a Orange creamsicle quality to it along with some orange wines. Lacks the usual crisp sea shell notes I would expect. The palate is very citrusy, tangerines and oranges and quite tart. Also some green apples. With air, the vanilla/orange quality of the nose came out. And interesting wine, but different than most Albarinos I have had before.

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• 2007 Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza 87 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Dusty with dark cherries. Young, this took some time to open. Soft on the palate. Lots of acidity and mild tannins. Slightly bitter. Cherries and cherry pit notes. A nice every day drinker.

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• 2005 Carlo and Julian Tempranillo Estate Vineyard 86 Points

  USA, Oregon, Yamhill County

  The group liked this far more than I making it their WOTN. Jeff said, it reminded him of a traditional Rioja from twenty years ago. For me, the nose is nice with an earthiness to it. Dusty with cherries and a dried wood element. Perhaps some tarragon as well. On the palate, I got a tingly acidity that was distracting. Lots of dark cherries but also a perception of alcohol that I did not enjoy. Heat on the finish. It stood out from the others, and as I said, i was in the minority here. Anyway, very cool to have an Oregon wine "win" and Tempranillo tasting.

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• 2001 Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Cuvée Especial 88 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Inky purple in color. This bottle was still pretty tight. Dusty with cherries on the nose. It came out soft and thin, but kept adding weight and body all night long. Another hour and it may have been my favorite. It really needs cellar time of air. Reminds me of the Muga but not quite in that league.

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• 2004 Eguren San Vicente Rioja 85 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  This was disappointing. Probably the highest priced bottle in the tasting. It thought it was disjointed and my score gives it the benefit of the doubt. The nose is very tight, but with air it seems more Bordeau like; cassis, graphites, and plums. On the palate, lots of oak and tart cranberries. Perhaps ageing and wood will sort this all out. Not sure. I also don't know how representative this bottle was. It was bought recently so it was probably on the store shelf for a while. The crowd was mixed but liked it better than I.

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• 2004 Ysios Rioja Reserva 90 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  I liked this. Seemed middle of the road between traditional and modern Rioja. Purple in color with some ruby swirls. The nose is dusty with iodine and dark cherries. nice texture. Dark cherries. medium tannins. A nice wine that needs a few years to age out.

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• 2008 Bodegas Volver Tempranillo La Mancha Single Vineyard 89 Points

  Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, La Mancha

  Inly purple in color. The nose has lots of oak, coffee and black cherries. Good acidity. Black raspberries with some tannins. Depth. Seems very modern in style.

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• 2005 Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza 88 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Ruby in color. The nose has more cherry powdered drink mix notes than anything else. Simple but nice. On the palate, more tart cherries and some plums. Medium bodied. Nice daily drinker type of wine.

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• 2008 Bodegas Tritón Tempranillo 89 Points

  Spain, Castilla y León, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León

  Very solid modern Spanish wine. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has dark cherries, dust, smoke and camphor. The palate is soft and accessible. Slightly sweet red fruit (cherry pie filling?). Its easy to drink and delicious.

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• 2001 Bodegas Julián Chivite Navarra Reserva Coleccion 125 89 Points

  Spain, Navarra

  I liked this more than the group. Although from Navarro, it was the most traditional of the wines. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has dusty cherries iodine, and some plums. Perhaps some dill. On the palate, cherries and dark cherries. Complex. Medium bodied. Probably lacked the fruit on the palate of the other wines.

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