I chose this Black Hawk Ridge Lodi Tempranillo 2005 from California to accompany our dinner of simmered pork loin chops in mushroom sauce. This wine is growing on me as I enjoy it this evening. Full disclosure: This is not my cabernet sauvignon. Okay? That is the wine I love the most. But, I am tasting this wine with an open mind and an appreciation for the qualities of this particular quaff.
The Black Hawk Ridge Lodi Tempranillo 2005 is a dark violet with an unusual bouquet — I wish I could describe it but it is difficult; the best I can do is to say it is that it has a Mediterranean yeasty, musty nose. The taste is plummy with hints of pepper. The tannicity is definitely there, a bit on the dry side, and the body is medium to full. The finish is, again, difficult to describe. Although this is a California wine, it certainly reminds me of a European wine, especially in the finish. It is long but it has none of the bitter, dark chocolate finish, but rather a plummy, fruity, and luscious finish.
I am happy to have Tom back home from his trip to California. We are toasting to the beginning of the weekend. Cheers to Friday night!
October 17, 2007 at 6:10 pm
This wine was in the selection sent to me by the 4Seasons wine club. It is as you say and absolutly superb. Very interesting!!
October 17, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Thank you, Gary! It is reassuring to hear that you agree with my assessment. How would you describe the nose?
March 30, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I have never heard of Tempranillo. I enjoyed it so much I order extra.
March 31, 2008 at 8:26 am
We are just discovering Tempranillo ourselves and enjoying its complexities. It is not a wine for the feint of heart!