This joven (young wine) blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha may become my summer red. The brilliance of joven wines is they are not aged in oak, so the fruit really shines. I wonder if this could become a trend elsewhere in the world as producers want their wines released earlier (no oak age means we get it sooner). The cost of oak barrels is substantial, so no oak means a more approachable price. Also, the Bardosa's lightweight bottle leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
I digress.
This is a delicious wine, period. The aromas seduce with sweet smoky cherries, dark flowers, chocolate and warm spice, the secondary tones are leather, farmyard and cedar. The palate is fresh and juicy with gobs of cherry/berry fruit and loads of spice, the texture supple and it has fantastic acidity. Fine cocoa tannins coat your mouth throughout.
Pair it with spicy sausage or a cold pasta salad with hot chilies, tomatoes and manchego.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 17th, 2009