Celeste Crianza, ’07 $15

Ribera del Duero, Spain

With many Tempranillo wines out there, I’m always hesitant to just pick one up and try it at this price point.  You can definitely find cheaper however I’m starting to learn the $12-$20 range tends to have better tasting wines.  I hate admitting the price thing is making a difference but it’s proven true for most of the Temps I’ve had.

With this wine the aromas were full of crushed dark cherries, plum and a hint of black pepper.  Toasted oak scents were mild and complimented the stone fruits.  Flavors of ripe blackberries, dark cherries and a subtle nutty trace brought the fruit forward tastes together quite nice.  Mellow tannins and a medium body give it an “easy drinking” classification for me.  I would say though, day 2 of drinking this wine was even better.  It almost felt like a more full bodied wine.

I found this wine to go good with a simple marinated skirt steak of salt, pepper, garlic, parsley and olive oil.  Grill it over a high heat to give it a nice crust.  You won't be disappointed!