See through purple, not what I was expecting from a Tempranillo out of Rioja. The nose is however right up that alley. Red currants, earth and a tar component greet me. The telltale creosote is alive and kicking in this wine, as is a touch of vanilla. On the palate, I get a brutish, young and cocky wine full of red fruit, with raspberries, strawberries and currants popping. The acidity is vibrant and the tannins are lithe. The mid palate carries the red fruit theme and amps up the acidity factor. On the tail end the finish is fresh with tannins and strawberry extract. More red currants sneak in right at the close. Very smooth and nicely balanced, but I don’t get a hint of the yearlong oak maturation after the initial whiff. Might be well integrated, who knows. This wine is a great summer addition to a party, serve it with dry rubbed ribs, perhaps a bourbon glazed pork chop on the grill or even just a basic Mezze. I’m going with 90 points on this $11 stunner that makes it a 5 star wine. Drink now till 2022. Salut….
