Cortijo Tinto Premier 2009

The 2008 Cortijo III Tinto is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha fermented and aged in stainless steel. It shows off a terrific aromatic array of cherry, black raspberry, and earth notes leading to a surprisingly rich, full-flavored wine with plenty of savory fruit and a lengthy, pure finish. It is an exceptional value.

Ruby-red. Fresh red and dark berries on the nose. Soft and approachable, offering gently sweet raspberry and blueberry flavors and no rough edges. A bit short on the finish but packs a lot of sweet fruit for the price.

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Bright purple color. Spicy redcurrant and wild strawberry on the nose, with subtle cracked pepper and baking spices adding complexity. Light in body but deep in sweet red berry preserve flavor, with no apparent tannins. Finishes crisp and incisive, with the red fruit notes repeating. This would be good with a light chill.

This is a wine you buy by the case, because the style and price are right for drinking it everyday. Deep red color, medium body and bright, sweet berries on the nose and palate make this wine a perfect fit for nearly any dish. Make the decision of what to make for dinner harder than what wine to serve, because you can't go wrong with Cortijo.

Light purple. Spicy cherry and dried berry aromas are complicated by fresh flowers and dark chocolate. Focused and firm, with bitter cherry and anise flavors and good grip on the end. Grown-up for this price point.

The 2005 Cortijo III Tinto is an unoaked cuvee of 100% Tempranillo. Medium ruby-colored, with a fruity cassis-scented nose, it delivers gobs of ripe, juicy, forward flavor in a hedonistic package.