Deep ruby colored with chocolate highlights and medium viscosity (14% ABV).  Medium (+) intensity aromas of tobacco, black cherry, blackberry compote, coconut, vanilla, bramble berry, dusty earth, menthol, a medicinal note, orange peel and coffee.  The palate is dry with a full body and medium (+) tannins that are fine-grained and integrating nicely.  Medium (+) intensity flavors of ripe black cherry, blackberry cobbler, tobacco, dust, vanilla, menthol and coffee.  It’s quite layered and delicious, ripe and smooth.  The finish is medium (+) in length and silky, everything is in balance.  This is a 93 point wine imho that I paid $25 making it a 5 star effort that is still youthful after 20 years and will provide pleasure for many more years to come.  Salut….

Medium garnet with a touch of bricking, light staining and a high viscosity (13.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of dusty earth, desiccated plum, dried coconut slivers, dried dill, black plum reduction, blueberry jam and a bacon streak.  The palate is dry with medium acidity,medium body and medium tannins that are fully integrated.  Flavors of dried/desiccated blue and black fruit combined with oak nuance and dusty earthiness that is a telltale off the region and of the Tempranillo grape.  The finish is medium (-) in length and focuses on tertiary notes of tobacco, tar, dust and dried herbs.  I fear this wine is just past peak so I had better drink up.  I like it, but the points will reflect the lack of further development.  I paid $20 per bottle and will give it 89 points making it a 4 star effort.  It’s grilled lamb for the pairing btw.  Drink now.  Salut….

Deep garnet colored with medium viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose of this Tempranillo has medium (+) intensity aromas of vanilla, coconut, back plum, black cherry, tobacco, dust, cassis, Maduro wrapper, mint, dried green herbs, dried orange peel and blueberry compote.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a full body and medium (+) tannins that are chalky.  Flavors of black plum, black cherry, cassis, coconut, vanilla, baking spice, dusty earth, mint and tobacco persist to a long finish.  I’m impressed with this wine’s complexity and balance- 92 points from me and 5 stars since it runs $23.  I believe it has great cellaring potential, till 2033 but is drinking beautifully now.  Pairing tonight with Shish Kebabs.  Salut….

Deep ruby, inky with slight staining and high viscosity (14% ABV).  Aromas of vanilla, baking spices, ripe blackberry, violets, blackcurrant ganache, mocha and blueberry pie.  Dry with medium acidity, medium tannins and a full body. Flavors of  blackberry, dusty earth, violets, blackcurrant, blueberry and vanilla lead to a medium (+) length finish that has some baking spice warmth.  The tannins are delightful and silky.  91 points for this Tempranillo that runs $17 makes it a 5 star wine.  Drink till 2030.  Salut….