In the world of big wines Tempranillo’s can be big! Being an old vines I was excited. Dark in color with a subtle nose of black berries. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by big alcohol (that passes with some breathing) and some black berries. On the long finish this is a big wine with huge firm tannins, some strong acidity and some strong peppery spicy notes. This wine needs some breathing. It’s a big wine but I am surprised at how subtle the fruit is. I’m not sure if this is too too young, needs more breathing or what. The fruit is completely overwhelmed. I would give it an 88 or so. I wouldn’t be running out to grab more.
EL HALCÓN OLD VINE TEMPRANILLO 2009 VINTAGES 313783 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95
Made in: Ribera Del Duero, Spain By: Ole Imports
Release Date: Mar 16, 2013
Style: Full-bodied & Firm Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Varietal: Tempranillo
Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
The 2009 El Halcon is 100% Tempranillo sourced from 75-year-old head-pruned vines. The wine was aged for 8 months in 3-year-old French oak. Purple in color, it sports a fragrant nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, lavender, and black fruits. Dense, rich, and round, it is a great value for drinking over the next 5-6 years. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2011)
