This bottle was past its drinking window. There was still big fruit but the flavors were off and there was not much structure. It's a big bold wine that didn't age well. If you like the style I recommend drinking it young. In this bottle the acidity was low, the tannins were not much of a factor, it was clumsy and out of balance. Also, it should have been decanted as there was significant sediment (which is not a bad thing to me).
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The wine is a dark garnet color. The very nice nose has black cherries, vanilla, earthy underbrush, dried herbs, and hints of dark chocolate, fresh ground espresso, and wild flowers. This has medium body with fairly solid tannins and very nice acidity. Nice spicy, earthy fruit on the palate with dried herbs, espresso, and dark chocolate adding nice depth and complexity. The finish is very tasty but a touch short. A pretty nice lower end Tempranillo that will not disappoint.
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difficult to drink on a pnp bases. nose and flavor was hard to explain but wasn't appetizing. the second day was much better. more fruit, black cherry, plenty of tannin and a medium finish. probably would be good decanted and enjoyed with a meal. i'll probably try other wines at this price point before i buy again.
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A big tempranillo with smokey dark fruit aromas. On the palate there are bold flavors of dark berry reduction sauce, but not a jammy mouthfeel. Moderate tannins round this out nicely. ($15)
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inky garnet hue. intriguing nose of beef jerky, spice, dark cherry, and alcohol. medium weight, integrated acidity and tannins, but the fruit is lacking. medium finish of dark berries, coffee, and meat. better in previous vintages.
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Deep violet with a medium body. Nose has earth and some dark fruit. This opened slowly, but was soft and round in the mouth, with tastes of blackberry and good acidity. The finish had blackberry, pepper and some oak on a short to medium finish.
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Sorry this is my last bottle of this. It has been a year since I had the penultimate, and the last bottle still delivers. The smoky flavor has subsided, but the dark fruits are still present. The heat is wearing off, too.
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You simply cannot beat this wine for the price. Perfectly balanced fruit with a nice medium finish. Terroir comes through in just the right dose. Fabulous food wine...and it held up over three days! Looking at other scores I see some real low ones and also note it was a Costco wine. Low scores could be a result of spoilage by the retailer. You just don't know where and how long this wine sat before it hit the store floor. Always important to know how your vendor takes care of the wine.
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Can't really pin this wine down. Seemed high in alcohol at first , but opened with time. Flavors seem all over the place. I'll try and narrow them down with my second bottle. Decent value and a interesting wine. Not real familiar with Spanish wines so more of a learning lesson for me.
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Intriguing wine. Violet black color. Spice, bacon and tar on nose. Bacon-city and meat with a 20-30 s finisht...well integrated tannins. No fruit...all meat. Reaction from the crowd was....unusual but really good. I don't know if I would buy again but $12, not bad. gws
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Over the hill? The more I taste this, the more I pick up rubbing alcohol. It would seem this wine is coming apart and disintergating. Too bad as it has enough tannins to go some distance. Oh well. One left, and I will see what that does.
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Surprisingly medium bodied, and I could see my fingers through the wine. Not the fruit bomb I expected. Very Spanish, with red fruit, spice, and tar. Went nicely with food and even held up OK on the second day. Well done at this price point.
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First night this was fine - as before (90 points. But after having saved half the bottle ithe firdge ofr the next day, it came off as rather disjointed and very alcoholic on the palate.
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Discovering Wine: Inky purple with a nose that opens up to big scents of vanilla and also has a little violet and earth. The tastes are blueberry and blackberry with some pepper and oak. Very smooth and almost round. The finish is big with licorice and firm tannins and also has some pepper. 15% of the vines are from 100+ year old vines. This is excellent if it is given time to develop after it is poured.
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Better nose than flavor. Decanted for one hour. Started out as dark cherries...Robatussin like after a swirl in the mouth - cherries and alcohol. Tasted OK after I stopped the swirling. OK wine, good enough to drink, but will not buy again. Maybe it doesn't like food? Not good with flank steak and mashed taters...
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Big tempranillo. A little closed on the nose, but mineral and black berries on palate. Enough tannins to carry me home, without it being too much. This has structure for another 5 eyars.
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The Blind Drunks monthly tasting (Rich & Dana's): Opens with a note similar to Oscar Mayer bologna. That blew off, revealing dark fruit, plum and bacon notes. A mix of red and dark fruit notes on the palate.
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a decent bottle. 100% tempranillo. a little pine tar, black cherry and funky whiff of the barn. not quite tasty, but a pretty serious wine for 10 bucks. DEFINITELY let it air out a bit. the heat blows off and the flavors seems to settle in. still, flavors very forward - this is one of those wnes that you don't mistake for an expensive bottle, but are pleased that it's every bit worth the price.
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After an hour open, this assaults your nose with astringent alcohol. Beyond the heat is the unmistakable aroma of cocoa and faint red fruit. This does have some of the vitality I've come to expect from wine made from ungrafted vines, and certainly has an interesting mineral core, one laced with mocha. But it lacks the corresponding finesse and the secondaries are so over-determined that you have to wonder how badly this was spoofed.
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I have to agree with the reviews that mention smoked meat. It is very present on the nose, along with ripe blackberries. There are black fruits on the tongue, as well as a smoky flavor that lingers on the finish. It is a bit hot at present and will probably mellow well. I'll buy more of this.
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Spanish Wine Tasting (Binny's Naperville): WOTD!! Most complex nose and balanced on the palate. Shows some nice dark fruit. Finish is balanced with some nice silky tannins. Exellent presence of oak in the nose and palate as well.
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11/13/2014 - gfish Does not like this wine: 80 Points
This bottle was past its drinking window. There was still big fruit but the flavors were off and there was not much structure. It's a big bold wine that didn't age well. If you like the style I recommend drinking it young. In this bottle the acidity was low, the tannins were not much of a factor, it was clumsy and out of balance. Also, it should have been decanted as there was significant sediment (which is not a bad thing to me).
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1/19/2014 - Vinomark wrote: 87 Points
Nice tasty dense tempranillo with oak/vanilla hints keeping this a simpler but decent qpr wine
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9/29/2013 - RussK wrote:
Russk 88-
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2/14/2013 - tfharris Likes this wine: 87 Points
Day 1 - smooth and very enjoyable. Day 2 - seemed to drop off a bit.
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11/25/2012 - cbbrown3 wrote: 89 Points
The wine is a dark garnet color. The very nice nose has black cherries, vanilla, earthy underbrush, dried herbs, and hints of dark chocolate, fresh ground espresso, and wild flowers. This has medium body with fairly solid tannins and very nice acidity. Nice spicy, earthy fruit on the palate with dried herbs, espresso, and dark chocolate adding nice depth and complexity. The finish is very tasty but a touch short. A pretty nice lower end Tempranillo that will not disappoint.
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2/16/2012 - Vinomark wrote: 87 Points
Oak is in the house & it's a little to predominant
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10/5/2011 - youngvintners wrote:
difficult to drink on a pnp bases. nose and flavor was hard to explain but wasn't appetizing. the second day was much better. more fruit, black cherry, plenty of tannin and a medium finish. probably would be good decanted and enjoyed with a meal. i'll probably try other wines at this price point before i buy again.
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2/3/2011 - ecola wrote: 90 Points
A big tempranillo with smokey dark fruit aromas. On the palate there are bold flavors of dark berry reduction sauce, but not a jammy mouthfeel. Moderate tannins round this out nicely. ($15)
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1/15/2011 - JoeTom wrote: 87 Points
inky garnet hue. intriguing nose of beef jerky, spice, dark cherry, and alcohol. medium weight, integrated acidity and tannins, but the fruit is lacking. medium finish of dark berries, coffee, and meat. better in previous vintages.
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12/12/2010 - RussK wrote: 89 Points
RUSSK GC Holiday Party at Yaffe. Club liked it
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12/1/2010 - Jwestover wrote: 75 Points
There are many better
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12/1/2010 - Jwestover wrote: 75 Points
Ok, but there are many better!
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4/27/2010 - The Kokopelli wrote: 87 Points
Deep violet with a medium body. Nose has earth and some dark fruit. This opened slowly, but was soft and round in the mouth, with tastes of blackberry and good acidity. The finish had blackberry, pepper and some oak on a short to medium finish.
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3/18/2010 - trayhumphrey wrote: 88 Points
Sorry this is my last bottle of this. It has been a year since I had the penultimate, and the last bottle still delivers. The smoky flavor has subsided, but the dark fruits are still present. The heat is wearing off, too.
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3/3/2010 - pawa wrote: 89 Points
Almost inky black and still very young. The plastic cork makes me slightly worried about the aging potential though.
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2/24/2010 - skoppel wrote: 92 Points
You simply cannot beat this wine for the price. Perfectly balanced fruit with a nice medium finish. Terroir comes through in just the right dose. Fabulous food wine...and it held up over three days! Looking at other scores I see some real low ones and also note it was a Costco wine. Low scores could be a result of spoilage by the retailer. You just don't know where and how long this wine sat before it hit the store floor. Always important to know how your vendor takes care of the wine.
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12/26/2009 - rwilk_2000 wrote: 87 Points
Can't really pin this wine down. Seemed high in alcohol at first , but opened with time. Flavors seem all over the place. I'll try and narrow them down with my second bottle. Decent value and a interesting wine. Not real familiar with Spanish wines so more of a learning lesson for me.
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12/6/2009 - RussK wrote: 88 Points
RUSSK Im loosing interst in this wine. Even after a long decant, still a bit hot and monolithic.
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11/27/2009 - golfwineski wrote: 88 Points
Intriguing wine. Violet black color. Spice, bacon and tar on nose. Bacon-city and meat with a 20-30 s finisht...well integrated tannins. No fruit...all meat. Reaction from the crowd was....unusual but really good. I don't know if I would buy again but $12, not bad. gws
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11/7/2009 - Lessthanzero wrote: 86 Points
Over the hill? The more I taste this, the more I pick up rubbing alcohol. It would seem this wine is coming apart and disintergating. Too bad as it has enough tannins to go some distance. Oh well. One left, and I will see what that does.
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10/21/2009 - christyler wrote: 88 Points
Surprisingly medium bodied, and I could see my fingers through the wine. Not the fruit bomb I expected. Very Spanish, with red fruit, spice, and tar. Went nicely with food and even held up OK on the second day. Well done at this price point.
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10/18/2009 - Lessthanzero wrote: 87 Points
First night this was fine - as before (90 points. But after having saved half the bottle ithe firdge ofr the next day, it came off as rather disjointed and very alcoholic on the palate.
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10/15/2009 - The Kokopelli wrote: 90 Points
Discovering Wine: Inky purple with a nose that opens up to big scents of vanilla and also has a little violet and earth. The tastes are blueberry and blackberry with some pepper and oak. Very smooth and almost round. The finish is big with licorice and firm tannins and also has some pepper. 15% of the vines are from 100+ year old vines. This is excellent if it is given time to develop after it is poured.
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10/9/2009 - Lessthanzero wrote: 90 Points
similar to previous notes. Great QPR.
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10/1/2009 - jmoskow wrote: 89 Points
Great QPR. Mocha, white pepper, and lingering smoke.
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9/5/2009 - EMichels wrote: 85 Points
Wine Exchange - Over 90/Under $30: Big; Ripe; Big and ripe
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8/24/2009 - julian.batiste wrote: 91 Points
Cherry pie
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7/1/2009 - djlaporte wrote: 87 Points
REALLY nice: Full bodied with just enough black cherry fruit. Tannins are smooth & supple.
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6/7/2009 - knuckledragger wrote:
Lots of dark cherry. A hint of an amaretto smell.
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6/5/2009 - eldiabloazul wrote: 82 Points
Better nose than flavor. Decanted for one hour. Started out as dark cherries...Robatussin like after a swirl in the mouth - cherries and alcohol. Tasted OK after I stopped the swirling. OK wine, good enough to drink, but will not buy again. Maybe it doesn't like food? Not good with flank steak and mashed taters...
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5/25/2009 - Lessthanzero wrote: 90 Points
Big tempranillo. A little closed on the nose, but mineral and black berries on palate. Enough tannins to carry me home, without it being too much. This has structure for another 5 eyars.
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5/17/2009 - RussK wrote: 89 Points
RUSSK Well liked. Solid, if a bit hot.
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5/12/2009 - gdougieg wrote: 88 Points
very good
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5/10/2009 - Li6 wrote: 89 Points
Starts off with smoke and coffee notes but opens to reveal dark fruits as well. This should benefit greatly from another couple years of bottle age.
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5/10/2009 - RussK wrote: 88 Points
RUSSK Very nice, firm tanins, nice sweet fruit, balanced except for the Achohol (a bit hot).
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3/22/2009 - AllRed wrote:
The Blind Drunks monthly tasting (Rich & Dana's): Opens with a note similar to Oscar Mayer bologna. That blew off, revealing dark fruit, plum and bacon notes. A mix of red and dark fruit notes on the palate.
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2/17/2009 - hmn wrote: 87 Points
a decent bottle. 100% tempranillo. a little pine tar, black cherry and funky whiff of the barn. not quite tasty, but a pretty serious wine for 10 bucks. DEFINITELY let it air out a bit. the heat blows off and the flavors seems to settle in. still, flavors very forward - this is one of those wnes that you don't mistake for an expensive bottle, but are pleased that it's every bit worth the price.
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2/8/2009 - RationalDenial wrote: 84 Points
After an hour open, this assaults your nose with astringent alcohol. Beyond the heat is the unmistakable aroma of cocoa and faint red fruit. This does have some of the vitality I've come to expect from wine made from ungrafted vines, and certainly has an interesting mineral core, one laced with mocha. But it lacks the corresponding finesse and the secondaries are so over-determined that you have to wonder how badly this was spoofed.
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2/8/2009 - trayhumphrey wrote: 88 Points
I have to agree with the reviews that mention smoked meat. It is very present on the nose, along with ripe blackberries. There are black fruits on the tongue, as well as a smoky flavor that lingers on the finish. It is a bit hot at present and will probably mellow well. I'll buy more of this.
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2/7/2009 - beezer6 wrote: 91 Points
Spanish Wine Tasting (Binny's Naperville): WOTD!! Most complex nose and balanced on the palate. Shows some nice dark fruit.
Finish is balanced with some nice silky tannins. Exellent presence of oak in the nose and palate as well.
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1/31/2009 - DanSm wrote: 88 Points
Intense. Not my style of wine.
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1/22/2009 - sichuanpeppercorn wrote: 88 Points
Solid, interesting fruit and spice, definite secondary flavors, weak midpalate, and oak driven finish. Can't complain at all for ten bones.
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1/19/2009 - cormyr wrote: 88 Points
iodine and bacon. this is a serious wine but please give it a real cork.
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1/9/2009 - cormyr wrote: 90 Points
best one ive tasted yet. plump but not overdone. good job.
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1/7/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Smoked meat. Bacon in a bottle. Goes great with pork roast. Tanins from right out of Toro. Good at $16.
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12/20/2008 - ItsNotMe wrote:
Redding party.
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12/5/2008 - John wrote: 83 Points
nice wine for the price. another great find at costco
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11/28/2008 - Black Mikan wrote: 89 Points
Great value, good wine.
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11/23/2008 - Black Mikan wrote: 88 Points
Solid value Spanish red. Berries, spice, leather..some weakeness on mid to late pallette, but for the price, it's fine.
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8/2/2008 - snaff wrote: 88 Points
Great QPR. Dusty notes with plum and black cherry.
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