La Uve, Barrica, Toro, 2001
This wine was interesting for a being so cheap (like $12). The nose was really strong vanilla/oak and pepper. And I mean: OAK! And then a bit after it opened-up, the nose was strongly cinnamon and turmeric. The taste reminded me of a California Cab -- really, really oaked-up. There was a bark flavor right before you taste it, and that returned at the end of the finish. The taste was cherry jam and that oak taste -- no, it wasn't at all sweet vanilla, just aged, yet strong oak. The body was really good and full (no, not at all syrupy).
I'll describe this as a "Justin Timberlake wine"; yeah, it's bubble-gum pop, but you have to admit that sometimes it sounds good (no, I don't own any Justin albums just for the record). It's just that this is a wine likely to be a hit at parties (oak is pretty popular, or vinters wouldn't use it), even if the critics might not like it. I have to admit that I liked it, especially for the price; however, Denise didn't care for it -- way too much oak for her.
Cost:
Rating:
6.5 (Denise gave it 5.5)(100% “Tinta de Toro” Tempranillo)