Alicante

Toscar Tempranillo Crianza 2003

 Ok, this is the 3rd of the 4 Toscar wines.  This one is a wood aged tempranillo, and its a good drink. It shows plenty of rustic, warmer climate tempranillo character and some nice wood treatment that is virtually unheard at this price point in Australia. While I have a stylistic preference for the cooler climate gear, you'd have to pay at least 10 to 15 bucks more than this to get something barrel aged from Rioja, Ribera del Duero or Toro. And for that all important midweek drink, price matters.

Opens up with a slight earthy undergrowth character and adds some plums vanilla, dried herbs and spices. A bit rustic in character, but as with all these Toscar wines, its easy drinking: rounded, fairly smooth and balanced. The palate shows some rocky plums, white pepper, and a touch of smashed up coffee beans. The finish is a bit drying with some sandy tannins. Overall, it a wine with plenty of interest and personality at a price you can't possibly complain about. 86 Pts.

Source: Ce Soir Imports Price: $14 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.salvadorpoveda.com