Muriel Vinas Viejas Gran Reserva Rioja 2011
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and cigar box with supporting notes of dried herbs, leather, and forest floor. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black and red fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, red cherry, cigar box, black tea, and clove. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a velvety texture. Made with 100% Tempranillo. $34.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
L.A. Cetto Sierra Blanca Tempranillo Guadalupe Valley 2018
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red currant and baking spices with supporting notes of raspberry and dark chocolate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with soft tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet supple texture. Aged 12 months in American oak. A great wine and a great value. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Diez-Caballero Reserva Rioja 2010
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and earth with supporting notes of fig, cedar, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, dried herbs, mineral, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
2Hawk Darow Series Tempranillo Rogue Valley 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and mineral with supporting notes of cigar box, dried herbs, and fig. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with dry tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $49 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Carlos Serres Old Vines Rioja 2014
Deep, dark ruby red to pruple. The nose is inviting offering scents of freshly crushed red and black fruits with blackberries and raspberry in the lead supported by accents of vanilla-soaked oak with allspice and violets as well. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, fruit-forward attack of ripe berry fruit with flanks of vanilla and spice with subtle oak notes emerging on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with decadent fruit at its core presented with perfect balance thanks to a bright note of acidity and soft, chewy tannins. Made with 100% Tempranillo. $10 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Onx Indie Rosé of Tempranillo Templeton Gap District 2015
Brilliant, medium depth salmon color. The nose is very expressive with scents of Rainier cherry, red grapefruit, and white peach filling the nose with accents of mineral, citrus zest, and tropical flowers. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and juicy fruit core that's flanked by vibrant, fresh acidity that carries the fruit flavors toward the secondary citrus and floral notes. Medium-bodied with generous fruit layers and perfect balance thanks to the fresh acidity. $24 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Kennedy Shah Tempranillo Columbia Valley 2011
Brilliant, bright ruby red color. The nose reveals a lush and juicy wine with loads of black and red fruits with violets, brown baking spices, and hints of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a big and juicy fruit forward wine with ripe, sweet cherry and blackberry supported by hints of tart berries, and spice. Lush and decadent this wine is made for drinking today with great balance and soft, subtle tannins. Made with 100% Tempranillo. $20 – 4 Stars – 91 points
