Tar & Roses Trempranillo 2011, Heathcote/Alpine Valleys, Victoria, Australia

 

 

Here is an anomaly, a Tempranillo from Australia, which definitely smells like a Tempranillo, with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, dusty, cedar, black licorice, black pepper and Moroccan spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol at 13%), dark fruit and savoury flavours with fresh acidity and firm tannins. Great length on the finish, with robust flavours and texture with those same dusty tannins lingering till the end. A very enjoyable and interesting young wine, best to cellar an additional 2-3 years and best paired with a lamb dish. Tar & Roses Tempranillo 2011 would make a great phantom wine in any Spanish blind tasting, see who can pick out the intruder. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 21, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (280198) at $24.95