Carmen Rodríguez Méndez 2012 “Carodorum” Seleccion Especial Toro Reserva
Toro is often overshadowed by the famous and much larger Ribera del Duero wine region. However, Toro is a special place in its own right, with some of the oldest vineyards in …
Tempranillo
Spanish Wine Regions
It is no secret that Spain has a lush terroir, bringing us the world’s most exciting cultivars and high-quality wine. As a result, Spain is now known for being one of …
Shannon Ridge 2012 “Single Vineyard Collection” Tempranillo, Lake County
Shannon Ridge is a Lake County winery that is best known for its Petite Sirah blends. Its Morine Ranch vineyard grows Cabernet Sauvignon, but they also cultivate an interesting collection of French, Italian, …
Senorio de Los Baldios 2009 Ribera del Duero Crianza
A modern style of RDD that pushes the classic marriage of tempranillo and oak into a more risque space. Lush and full-bodied sporting flavors of melted chocolate and vanilla over dark …
Bodegas La Magdalena 2011 “Sueno” Tempranillo
Ribera del Jucar is one of a dozen unknown yet exemplary wine regions in Spain. It’s an ancient wine region that was under vine during the Roman Empire. But it’s also …
Montecillo 2008 Rioja Reserva
If I could figure out a way to turn the Wine School into a religious institution (think of it: best communion ever!), Rioja would be one of our holy lands. It’s …
Bodegas Eguia 2008 “Vina Eguia” Crianza
Our readers may be familiar with Bodegas Eguia, as we gave a high rating to one of their Rioja Reservas a few years back. This is the Crianza, which by definition …
Bodega Triton 2009 “Tridente” Tempranillo
What is this curious label? The wine region listed is “Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon,” a reference to a huge — and unremarkable — wine region in central …
Heras Cordón 2005 Rioja Reserva
Winemaking in Rioja has a contradictory vein: winemakers tend to use classic techniques and grape varietals to make modern wines. Heras Cordon is a relatively new winery in Rioja Alta, being …
Emina 2005 Atio
Ribero del Duero is one of the top wine regions in Spain. At its heart is what has been dubbed “the golden mile.” Many of the region’s top producers have their …
Francois Lurton 2009 El Albar Barricas
Spanish Wine Review One of the finest values in fine wines I have seen in a few years. This is a remarkable bottle for both its impressive weight and finesse from …
Zuccardi 2008 “Q Series” Tempranillo, Mendoza
It smells like a little coffee house on fire, but without the hipsters. Yes, that’s a good thing. This bottle is all about the oak. Full-bodied, the wine sports a round, …
Bodegas Dios Ares 2008 Crianza Rioja
One the nose, cardamon, and lavender play with a nub of burnt vanilla, following a sweet hit of black fruit. The palate is exactly what a Crianza should be: balanced but exuberant. There are …
Cascabel 2006 Tempranillo Graciano, McLaren Vale
It’s tempting to think of Australia in fairly monolithic terms. But this bbq-ready red proves how wrong that is and how food-friendly and gulp-able unexpected varieties can be when grown and …
Segura Viudas 2001 “Mas D’Aranyo Riserva” Tempranillo
One of those rare $10 bottles of wine that can deliver some substance along with style. Ripe currant flavors edge into toasted chocolate, and finely textured tannin support flavors of thyme …
Sierra de Siles 2003Tempranillo
An interestingly lolly-pop-like purple color that lightens to ruby at the edges is the first indication that this is a lighthearted wine. The nose smells strongly of cloves, and this exotic …