Inky dark in color with a mild black berry nose, which is about the only thing mild about this wine. On the mid palate the wine spot on matches the nose with nice black berries, black cherries and the like coming through. On the long finish the wine displays some lovely palate coating dryness, nice tannins and acidity. This is definitely a bigger wine. The complexity and dryness are really noticeable without food, but not too overpowering. We chose this to go with dessert, chocolate brownies of course! And it went amazingly well I would give this an 89+ which for the price is a bargain. Given the tannins this wine will keep well. Don’t hesitiate to buy some for the cellar! The LCBO say full-bodied and firm … I say hell ya! Wimps need not apply!
From the LCBO web site:
Ardal Crianza 2013 Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon — VINTAGES#: 167601
STYLE – Full-bodied & Firm
This modern-style red delivers cherry, currant and licorice flavors, accented by espresso and mineral notes, supported by firm tannins and fresh acidity. Drink now through 2025. Score – 90. (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2016) $19.95
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:February 17, 2018
Alcohol/Vol14.0% Made in: Ribera del Duero, Spain By: Bodegas Balbas Sugar Content:2 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry Style:Full-bodied & Firm