Tempranillo is the truly great indigenous red grape of Spain. Also known as Cencibel, Ull de Llebre and Tinta del Pais, it shines in many parts of Spain besides its most famous home: Rioja. Today’s wine comes from the region of Castilla Y Leon, where one of one of Spain’s landmark wines, Vega Sicilia, is also produced. Known as Abadia Retuerta, this relatively new winery has turned many heads and tickled many taste buds since its founding in 1996.
2013 Abadia Retuerta Selección Especial $30 srp
Oxblood red in color. Powerful nose of dark fruit compote, with singed earth and mushroom notes. There is also a touch of mountain mint freshness behind it all. A sense of high extraction is even demonstrated on the bouquet. Flavors are medium-full bodied with an already surprisingly smooth texture. Notes of savory cherry, blackberry, tar and what I can only describe as beef bouillon. Coffee and chocolate elements also emerge with further aeration. (75% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah) Drink now – 2019.
91/100 points
