Community Tasting Note

blanquito wrote:

Thursday, November 18, 2004 - Opened with great anticipation, given the raves from professionals and top-ranked amateurs, and my love of Tempranillo. I waited a grand total of 1 day after arrival from the west coast (from the Wine Exchange). The bottles were cool upon arrival, though a few had corks protruding a tad. Several also had lowish fills... The wine: a deep black purple, very primary colors. A subtle nose of southern Rhone (garrigue?) and faint oak. On the sip, the wine is smooth textured, with layers of subdued black cherry fruit, followed up with lots of bright acidity and a long finish of tart, drying tannins. Still gestating, it would be unfair to judge this wine too harshly before it has learned to crawl. Nevertheless, I expected more fruit from a 2001 Spaniard. The wine has good concentration and raw materials, but it is only moderately fun to drink now given its tart profile. On day 2, a tad sweeter, still muted, still too tart. Reminded me of an Italian wine. Not one to open with neophytes until it comes into better balance. Bad bottle? Too young? I am sure it will get better in a few years, adding complexity, but I wonder if it will reach the heights so prophesized.

Post a Comment / View blanquito's profile
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (1,826 views)