“Ripe cherry and dark berries on the fragrant nose and in the mouth. A peppery element adds back-end lift and cut to the fleshy, broad palate. Unfolds slowly on the finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a lingering suggestion of bitter cherry pit.”

“Chunky, roasted, somewhat stalky aromas are big and generous but lack purity. This feels snappy and tannic, while flavors of tomato, herbs and oak end with loamy, baked flavors. This is good stuff but it leans toward tomato sauce in flavor and feel.”

“The 2011 Cantos de Valpiedra has a nose of dark fruit, graphite, licorice and peat with hints of leather. It’s pure Tempranillo fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for one year in oak barrels. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine texture that is ripe without excess, tasty and loaded with freshness and persistence.”

“Very drinkable Tempranillo. Clean but not too expressive on the nose showing cedar, cloves and touch of red cherries. Mid body, approachable with good balance.” (15.5 out of 20 points)