Spain

Dominio de Eguren Codice Tempranillo 2004

The Eguren wines have been fairly controversial, some love them for their intensely concentrated, mouthcoating fruit and full oak treatment.  If you hate them, those are the things that put you off.  As usual, I'm a bit of a fence sitter and treat each wine on it's own merits.  The top wines from these guys are outstanding, but I have been heard to say: hmmm…seems to be built for the American market.

Anyway, this wine is made from Tempranillo out in the wilds of Castilla.  Wilds might be a bit much, but its fairly close to the Eguren family home.  It gets 6 months in a mix of French and American oak, new by the looks of things. 

The nose opened up a bit odd, some unexpected smoky bacon and paprika to start and then builds with some brambly red fruits, liquorice and a big lick of vanilla.  Smooth and balanced in the mouth, with some tangy cherry, plum and blackberry with some liquorice on the palate.  Not my style, but I'm sure some will like it.  85 Pts.

Source: Toro/Woods wines Price: Around $19 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.eguren.com