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….

I have a history with this wine.  It was introduced to me by friends, one of whose father was Chairman of the Board way back in the day.  I have drunk many vintages over the past 20 years and look forward to each bottle.  Quality can be a little inconsistent over the years but generally speaking this is a very good staple for the cellar.  This particular vintage is dark and brooding in the glass  It offers up notes of lush blackberry with lashings of black cherry pie and vanilla.  On the palate I get some raisin, blackberry, tar and almond. Very Tempranillo-like.  The tannins are quite polished and unobtrusive.  They join the party midpalate and carry through to the medium length finish.  The flavors are mostly primal right now but I sense that development is forthcoming and this wine will evolve nicely.  The predominance of that earthy tar component really excites me as this is my favorite Tempranillo trait.  This wine will drink well till 2025 at the least and begs for roasted meats, a hearty game stew or some heavy duty cheese.  I’m going 90 points, and for $16 this is a 4 star effort.  Salut….

I have an affinity to this winery, having drunk many vintages over the years.  I also happen to have friends who have vintages dating back to 1968 in their cellar.  His father used to be on the Board, hence the connection.  Anyway…..  I always think of them and my visit to Spain when I see the unmistakable bottle with it’s wire cage.  Always well priced at around $15, it is consistent and decent.  Here we go.

Bright opaque purple color with a classic earthy Tempranillo nose laced with some oak.
Iodine, black cherry and blackberry hints come through after a bit of air.  On the palate, slightly less fruit, more secondary flavors of tar, black tea, black berry and some Asian plum.  A slightly hollow mid palate has me concerned but the wine has an acidic crunch at the end that I kinda liked. Totally melded tannins that still have some good grip. 88 points is my guess.  Very enjoyable, with points off for the hollowness. 2014-2017 and 3 stars.  Salut….