I’ve been tasting a lot of Spanish wines lately and really liking what I’ve found. After I reviewed Bodegas Abadia Retuerta’s Rívola a few weeks back, I was offered this sample by the winery’s U.S. importer. Since Tempranillo is also the wine of this evening’s Wine 2.0 virtual meet-up, I thought it would be appropriate to post my review.

Bodegas Abadia Retuerta, “Selección Especial”, Estate Grown, Castilla y León 2003 ($25/media sample) - A blend of 75% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot.

Very dark garnet with a purple rim. Aromas of black cherry, spice and vanilla. The wine has concentrated black cherry and currant flavors with black pepper, spice and nicely integrated tannins with a long finish. A nicely balanced and elegant expression of Tempranillo that I find delicious for current drinking but will reward another 4 or 5 years of cellaring. Like it’s little brother Rívola, this wine shows quite a bit of oak upon opening which nicely settles down into a supporting role once aerated. Decant before serving.

14% ABV
Natural cork closure
Score: 90

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