Mustiguillo Mestizaje 2005

Nice deep red color with a nose that makes me think a bit of Rioja and a bit of Burgundy. Todonia like age on the nose with the subtle spice of Rioja, old wood and light cherry spice in the background. Pretty and welcoming with a touch of wood. In the mouth the wine is light with strong but fine tannins. I really feel like this is a different Bobal from the others I have tasted, this one having a more refined profile, though I'm intrigued by the strong tannins. Great cherry notes, and that lightly sour wood quality you find in older wines, all framed by light gentle spice. I will complain that med-long read more...finish shows a bit too much of the oak, but I do think that given a year or three in bottle this might work itself out.    (hide)

July 2008

Medium dark crimson in color with a light ruby rim. My first impression is that of surprise, in that if I had tasted this blind, I think I would have shot for an old school Rioja. Weird, yet kinda cool. It's got that elegant fresh mature cherry aroma with a touch of dark spice, leather and old cellar hidden in the background. Not subtle, yet not overwhelming, just pleasant and innocent. In the mouth, the acidity is expansive, spiking right at the tip of my tongue, than washing across my entire palate leaving small gentle sparks followed by a thin layer of fine tannins. Although a little heavy of the read more...oak, it doesn't completely mask the black pepper and cherry finish. Lay this down for a few years and see if the oak doesn't eventually chill out allowing the fruit to pipe up a bit.    (hide)

July 2008

Rating: 89/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 169 on Feb-07