Hailing from Rioja, Spain’s preeminent region for reds, this Tinto is made up of 80% Tempranillo, and 20% Grenache. As such, it should be brimming with red fruit and light touches of oak, and a certain elegance that Tempranillo often has. While in the past, wines from Rioja have tended to spend longer in oak, than wines from other regions, this particular vineyard has chose to release a 2009, with a scant year of aging. With such a young wine, even in a region like Rioja, this wine should contain a significant amount of fruit.

Sight: Magenta, slightly watery, edges, purple body.

Smell: Raspberries and strawberries feature prominently, with a slightly earthy note, almost cumin like. Traces of jammy currants, vanilla and cedar flirt occasionally with the nose.

Sip: Bright, vibrant, light in body, and punchy, this wine comes out of the gate with clarity; it’s hear to talk about red berries. Strawberries, raspberries, currants, cran, any that it can find. Oh, and it occasionally allows a bit of plum skin and espresso to peak in. [ABV 13.5%]

Savor: Strong tannins muscle in on the finish, while raspberries hang around to wait for a hint of cherry.

Overall, this is as the bottle claims, an easy drinking wine. However, it’s mostly an easy drinking wine with food due to the somewhat tannic finish. A fun side trip to Rioja, and nice to keep in mind for an occasional change. Not necessarily case worthy though.

Price: $8.95
Rioja, Spain