WTN: Argentine Tempranillo

Continuing my recent run of unusual and interesting wines, here is a very compelling Tempranillo from Argentina. This is an extraordinary value for under $20.

Alberti 154, El Olvidado, Tempranillo Reserva, Mendoza 2012
From old vines. Dark ruby/purple. Wonderful, aromatic, smokey, slightly gamey nose; dried cherry, leather, cigar tobacco, and hints of raspberry on top of blackberry liqueur, with cocoa powder/dusty earth, and nice of hints of vanilla and oak, with a touch of dried orange rind. Identical notes on the palate; ripe and dense, with big body, lots of puckery, chalky tannin, good acid tone, and a wonderfully succulent texture. The quality and polish of this wine are remarkable. Textbook Tempranillo, but with a New World sensibility. Love it! Has the balance and substance for at least 5 more years, possibly up to 10, depending on your preferences. 3.5 Stars (at times flirting with 4).

Nice find but feel rather "new world" for my palate. Not a name I know.

It's definitely not an AFWE wine, but it does stand on its own merits - it is certainly better balanced and has more genuine character than most Argentine Malbecs.

Had to look up AFWE!
http://www.wineloverspage.com/wlp_archi ... 100219.php

Had to look up AFWE!
http://www.wineloverspage.com/wlp_archi ... 100219.php

It's a compliment for those with classical palates basically. I consider myself to be within the AFWE spectrum, although I definitely don't mind bigger, riper wines from time to time (although I'm often surprised that I like).