Murky, dark purple in the glass.  The nose has Blackberry, some funk and creosote.  I have a feeling this wine might be off unfortunately.  Let’s see.

On the palate, it does taste slightly off. The murkiness of the wine may be a clue.  There is a stewed fruit component for sure alongside some really nice tannins.  Unfortunate.  The wine needs a re-taste, which will happen soon. 

Clear vs. murky

Bottle number 2 was definitely showing better in the glass.  That murkiness is not apparent, the color a much purer purple.  The nose has a perfumed scent, black berry and violets come to mind.  The palate is far better this time around.  Dark fruits, boysenberry and black olives.  The mid palate is fresh and lively with some nice acidity to go alongside the medium tannins.  More dark fruit emerges with tapenade and smoky flavors appearing.  The finish is quite dry, not astringent at all.  The blackberry fruits really shine with some cedar notes.  This is a tasty wine with depth and complexity.  It has had 10+ years in the cellar and is on pointe now.  92 points and 4 stars for this $45 Tempranillo.  Really tasty- it will pair great with Tapas, a Filet or even a toasted cheese sandwich!  Salut….  

Bright purple, semi opaque.  Bramble, earthiness and blackberry on the nose.  On the palate I get more black fruits, delicious integrated oak, lithe tannins and good acidity.  There is a juicy fruit preserve component on the midpalate that I’m really enjoying.  Licorice hits me on the back end alongside chocolate powder, interesting.  This wine is not overly built, it drinks well and has some cellaring potential .  90 points and 4 stars for this $14 value.  Salut….

Medium color and opacity.  Nose of plum, earth and licorice.  The initial palate is quite sour, acidic but refreshing with blueberry, plums and creosote.  The mid palate is more sour cherry-like with that bracing acidity really taking over.  The finish has more cherry than blue fruits and is where the tannins finally appear.  Slightly unbalanced but tasty nonetheless.  88 points and 3 stars- $22.  Drink now.  Salut….

I have only tasted two other Kirkland branded wines.  They were both just okay.  This is a shot at redemption.  I have purchased this bottle and a Cabernet that I will get to next week.  Here’s hoping for the best!

In the glass it is of medium opacity, with a lighter shade of purple.  The nose offers up plums, star anise and vanilla bean.  On the palate, I am surprised and happy.  Smooth, balanced and very tasty.  The plums give way to blue fruits, juicy acidity and tannins that are present but not impeding.  The anise flavor really hits me on the mid palate.  Earthy Tempranillo hints peek out every so often and the tar component that I like in Rioja finally emerges.  Decent length finish of black cherry and oak.  The wine has backbone and good balance.  It offers immediate pleasure with some cellaring potential.  Drink with hard cheeses, a lamb stew or even some kebabs and rice.  88 points and 5 stars for this relative bargain at $7, yup, $7.  Salut….

Very deep purple color.  The nose is voluptuous with tons of plums, bramble, some tar and an earthiness.  On the palate I get upfront dryness with lots of tannins leading up to the plum core, with blueberry and creosote adding to the mix.  The tannins really dry up my gums and are going to go swimmingly well with the Lamb shanks that are braising.  The mid palate is mostly blue fruits and more gum dryness.  The finish has that earthiness that I love about Riojas.  It’s a dusty, tarry, brambly thing that I really enjoy.  Even though I am sure this wine has had lashings of Oak, it is not overly evident.  What wood is present is very integrated.  Reservas are only made in certain years, this one is pretty decent IMHO.  90 points and 5 stars for this relatively modest $15 Tempranillo.  I would say buy a case and drink for the foreseeable future!  Salut….

Very dark purple.  Nose is loaded with plum, violets, vanillin and some earthiness.  On the palate- black fruits, a sour cherry component and leather. Classic Rioja with the earthiness.  The wine has some really juicy acidity but the well integrated tannins are a little green for me.  The label claims a 92 RP rating, I’m going with 90 points as I feel the acidity overpowers the tannins and the balance is a little off.  I like the fruit profile though and encourage you to drink now.  I paired it with grilled blackened Pork chops and sautéed Spinach.  $20 and 3 stars.  Salut….