Abadia Retuerta Rivola Sardon de Duero (Spain, 2005)

[2.5 stars, out of 5]

This was a rather ordinary wine that we enjoyed this past weekend with a dinner of homemade pizza. The label noted that the wine was "vino de la terrra de Castilla y Leon," so from the largest region of Spain, located in the Northwest quadrant of the country. Kelly picked up this little bottle at the Wegman's in Gainesville, but I don't recall how much she paid.

The 2005 Rivola is a blend of 60% tempranillo and 40% cabernet sauvignon. The wine was dark, clear red in color, with no discernable nose except a faint woodsy smell. Our three tasters found this wine to be a bit dry, and moderately oaky with blackberry and plum flavors. Overall, we thought it could have more concentrated flavor and perhaps could age a bit more. Still, it was easy to drink and not at all offensive.