Winemaker Notes
Hold a fiesta, cook up some tasty tapas and ole!
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a charming Tempranillo from one of McLaren's Vale's consistently top-notch small producers. There's lovely purity of fruit—like fresh blueberries, cherries and plums—which mingle with aromas of cocoa nibs, cloves, violets and roses. On the medium-weight palate, an initial burst of juicy fruit is balanced by lithe tannins. Neatly composed, this avoids the flabbiness of many New World Tempranillo and instead offered bundles of charm and class. Editors' Choice.
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James Suckling
Cedary oak with fresh red berries and hints of balsamic lead to a super fleshy, succulent palate that carries intense, fresh dark-berry flavors.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.