varietal: Tempranillo

McPherson Cellars Tempranillo La Herencia 2019

95
McPherson Cellars
Fanciful Name: La Herencia
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Texas
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: One of the original proponents of the classic tempranillo grape, Kim McPherson adds complexity by blending small amounts of graciano (16%) and carignan (3%). Fermenting in stainless steel preserves the purity of the fruit while aging in French oak for 11 months. Very integrated fruit with hints of dark fruit, plum and white pepper. Beautifully pairs with Texas beef off the grill!
McPherson Cellars Tempranillo La Herencia 2019

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Newsom Vineyards Tempranillo Blend Inception 2019

98
Newsom Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Inception
Varietal: Tempranillo Blend
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Texas High Plains
Retail Price: $49.99

Tasting Notes: Nolan Newsom . . . no, not that Newsom fella in California. This is the 8th-generation Texan, 3rd-generation grower who took the seed of growing grapes, not cotton, in the High Plains (3700 ft. elevation) from the first two acres of cab ever grown in 1986 to the 160 acres today, with over 19 varietals. This is their flagship and the only blend in his portfolio, Nolan’s version of the classic Bordeaux style. This vintage highlights syrah (48%) and sangiovese/tannat (40%) with small amounts of seven other varietals for complexity. Rich and full bodied, it starts out lush and finishes bone-dry. 30 months of oak aging helps smooth things out with a fruit-forward style. An end cut of prime rib, double baked potato, and a bottle of Inception — perfection!
Newsom Vineyards Tempranillo Blend Inception 2019

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Latitud 42 Rioja Crianza 2018

92
Latitud 42
Fanciful Name: Rioja Crianza
Varietal: Tempranillo Blend
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: Oak age rounds out this black cherry-heavy wine and gives hints of spice on the finish. The fruit character drives the wine, and slight savory tones make it enjoyable and approachable.
Latitud 42 Rioja Crianza 2018

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Vina Alberdi Reserva 2016

95
La Rioja Alta
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $20.00

Tasting Notes: Another smashing red from the 2016 vintage. A mix of vanilla, cocoa and tobacco, with lush tannins and oak that does not overwhelm the palate. Throw in a touch of earth and spice and you have the perfect wine for roast lamb.
Vina Alberdi Reserva 2016

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Rolland Galarreta 2018

93
Rolland & Galarreta
Fanciful Name: R & G Tempranillo
Varietal: Tempranillo Blend
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Ribera del Duero
Retail Price: $20.00

Tasting Notes: A majority of the wine is produced from tempranillo, with merlot added to the blend. An excellent wine, the result of a collaboration between the Spanish owner and the well-regarded French winemaker, Michel Rolland. Quite dark in the glass, the nose and palate both possess dark fruit, with hints of spice and floral notes. Plenty of power and length on the finish.
Rolland Galarreta 2018

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Larchago, “Izarbe” Rioja Reserva, 2011

92
Bodeas Larchago
Fanciful Name: Izarbe Reserva
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $25.99

Tasting Notes: Very aromatic and easy to love. Aromas of dill, coconut and malibu invite. Seamless and lengthy, with flavors of leather, tobacco and dark fruits.
Larchago, “Izarbe” Rioja Reserva, 2011

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Lopez de Heredia Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva 2007

97
Lopez de Heredia
Fanciful Name: Viva Tondonia
Varietal: Tempranillo Blend
Vintage: 2007
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $50.00

Tasting Notes: One of the most iconic wineries in Rioja, Lopez de Heredia makes wines that age for many decades. Leather and spice on the nose, with gamy, elegant red fruit on the palate, and a tangy zip of acidity. The wine is lovely now and may very well outlive you.
Lopez de Heredia Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva 2007

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Izadi Reserva 2016

96
Izadi
Fanciful Name: Izadi Reserva
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $27.00

Tasting Notes: By all accounts the 2016 vintage in Spain is the best in over 20 years. This tempranillo is exquisite, with light earth and spice, luscious deep berry, and smooth-but-firm tannins. Small production. Grab it if you can find it!
Izadi Reserva 2016

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CVNE Cune Rose Tempranillo Blend 2019

90
CVNE
Fanciful Name: Cune Rose
Varietal: Tempranillo Blend
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: This Rioja rosé is a blend of 75% viura, 15% tempranillo and 10% garnacha. It is a bright-pink-to-salmon color in the glass with plenty of body for a Rosado-style wine. On the nose, slightly musky notes of flint and mineral are present with flecks of strawberry and other red fruits. The strawberry notes are confirmed on the palate and balanced by a clean, mineral and saline finish with some length. Great for spicy Asian cuisine or a grilled salmon salad.
CVNE Cune Rose Tempranillo Blend 2019

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Vinedos y Bodegas Garcia Figuero Noble Tempranillo 2015

98
Vinedos y Bodegas Garcia Figuero
Fanciful Name: Noble
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Castilla y Leon
Retail Price: $160.00

Tasting Notes: 100% tempranillo and an outstanding cellar selection. Deep, intense, dark ruby layered with ripe blueberries, juicy plums and a hint of cinnamon, clove and mocha. Be sure to decant to enjoy a long, rich, smooth finish. One of those wines you just hate to finish the last sip. This wine screams for a good grilled steak, a chunk of hard cheese or a slab of dark chocolate. Enjoy now or cellar for the next 10 years.
Vinedos y Bodegas Garcia Figuero Noble Tempranillo 2015

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Valenciso Reserva Tempranillo 2010

96
Valenciso
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $42.95

Tasting Notes: Decant this big boy or hold it for a few more years. Nineteen months in French oak brings out a perfect balance of fresh fruit, mineral and spice. Grilled lamb works just fine!
Valenciso Reserva Tempranillo 2010

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Bodegas Roda Riserva Tempranillo 2015

94
Bodegas Roda
Fanciful Name: Riserva
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja Alta
Retail Price: $45.99

Tasting Notes: If you have not heard yet, 2015 in Rioja was amazing. Yes, the stars aligned and produced what will no doubt become an epic vintage. The Roda Reserva is my cup of coffee in a wine glass. Yes, that sounds weird, but when a wine smells like a beautiful cup of dark roasted coffee, then why not. This new world expression of rioja is as good as it gets, with the espresso notes accompanied by lots of spice and dark fruit. The silky texture of this wine makes it even more of a winner.
Bodegas Roda Riserva Tempranillo 2015

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