I have had many bottles of the Marques De Riscal, of whom a friend’s father was on the Board many moons ago.  I think of my visit to Spain every time I see the twisted wire around bottles of this Tempranillo.

In the glass it is a reddish shade, pretty opaque and showing off wide legs down the edges.  The nose is gorgeous- tar, black plum, earthy spice and bramble.  On the palate it is rich, unctuous and very fruit forward with blackberry jam, plum reduction, spice box and cedar.  It is delicious.  There is a very nice acidic component that carries me to the maid palate where those classic Rioja flavors of creosote come to the forefront.  There is a spiciness on the back end that I really enjoy.  The back end is long, with a crescendo of tannins peaking at the tail end.  It’s a really nice, dry yet tart finish with some definite wood influence.  The mouthfeel begs for the Strip Roast I am cooking on the smoker.  This wine is drinking beautifully and will cellar well till 2027.  92 points and 5 stars for this $20 stunner.  Salut….