Rioja

Comse Palacio y Hermanos Crianza 2004

This is a wine that is popular in a lot of the bigger chain stores, but lets not hold that against it.  Its a solid performer and the 2004 is a value for money winner, up there with Conde de Valdemar.  Its made from Tempranillo in the cooler Rioja Alvesa and gets 8 months in new french oak.  It needs a quick decant to show its best, but shows well from the first pour.

Very deep red in colour with aromas of cherry and mulberry with a touch of earth, violets and spice.  Really nice acid and plush, chalky tannins in mouth with the oak in the backseat giving a bit of direction.  Ripe, juicy fruit on the palate, more mulberry with some blueberry and cherry, with a bit of mocha coffee and spice.  Its not overly complex, its the good fruit and smart oak treatment that help this wine over deliver as a midweek tipple.  Excellent quality for the price.  89 Pts.

Source: Retail Cost: $24 Closure: Conventional Cork

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