10.17.2008

Tapena Tempranillo (2007)







4 stars (out of 5)

The vintner describes this wine perfectly - a pinot noir in blue jeans. One of the lighter red wines we drink, this vintage could have stayed on the wine rack a year or two longer for me, but is ready to drink now for new wine drinkers and those of you who typically drink whites or lighter reds. Served with homemade red sauce and ground beef over pasta, we found the taste full of dark berries with a hint of smoky flavor and a strong alcohol scent. On its own, the wine was light and short-lived but when paired with food the finish was long with a hint of spice. I recommend this wine at the end of a warm fall day with good company. A terrific value for under $10 ranks it four stars out of five.

1 comment:

Just Plane Jayne said...

Agreed! Don't let the rubbing alcohol smell fool you -- this is an easy drinking red that would also be delicious lightly chilled in the summertime.