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!
November 16, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I have customers asking for this wine, and I can’t seem to find it in my neck of the woods (Denver, CO area). Would you happen to know the name of the company that distributes it in your area, so that I may contact them to see if they know who would distribute it in my area?
Tempranillo rocks, by the way, when done right. And since I obviously haven’t tasted this particular one, I can’t offer an opinion!
-Kind Regards
Christopher Burns
Chambers Wine and Liquor
303-751-6935
chris@chamberswineandliquor.com
November 17, 2009 at 8:17 am
Hi Christopher. . .yes, let me see what I can find in my notes and either I will get back to you or one of our readers will!