Tasting- Monte Aman

Name:  Monte Aman

Variety:  Tempranillo

Region:  Arlanza

Country:  Spain

Year:  2009

Price:  $5.95

VC review:  Fermentation of selected grapes in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Aging in American oak casks for 5 months followed by 3 months in the bottle before being released in the market. Inky ruby. Ripe cherry and plum on the nose. Smooth and fleshy, with deep dark fruit flavors complicated by bitter chocolate and anise. A spicy quality adds lift and focus to the weighty fruit. Offers an appealing mix of power and energy and drinks very well right now.

My notes:  The nose is bright, potent with acid, and offers notes of dark fruit.  The taste of this wine is definitely complicated and difficult to pin down.  I know I like it, but I just don't know exactly what is going on.  I get some spice and sort of a smoky flavor.  It is pretty hot with alcohol at 13.5%.  I would try this one again.  

Food:  n/a