Senda 66 Tempranillo 1966

This Tempranillo is simply delicious andmdash; a 90 point wine at a modest cost. The aromas of strawberries, spice and cocoa arouses the tasterandrsquo;s expectations, and he will not be disappointed once the bright flavors of blueberries, tart cherries and dark chocolate permeate the taste buds. This wine is beautifully balanced without an overabundance of tannins. It would pair well with a wide variety of dishes, including spicy chili, flank steak and strong Spanish or Italian cheeses. See how well it works with rice and beans with chicken chorizo sausage.

La Mancha is more than Don Quixote and windmills; it is wonderful wine! Since 1986, when Spain joined the European Union, a winemaking revolution has transformed Castilla-La Manchaandrsquo;s image. La Mancha is an arid, fertile, elevated (2000 ft.) plain, characterized by cold winters (5Ëš), hot summers (113Ëš), and lack of moisture during the growing season. La Mancha is from the Arab word al-mansha, meaning wilderness. The grapes had 12 days maceration, followed by 9 days fermentation in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation (30 days), 8 months in new French oak and 5 months in bottle prior to release, completed the process. The wine is deep garnet with purple edges. Aromas of plum, blueberry, oregano, raspberry, cherry and cinnamon are the path into flavors of spicy cherry, pepper and a hint of cocoa. The wine is juicy, round and mouth-filling, full-bodied with great structure and a long finish. Enjoy this smooth, luscious wine with lamb vindaloo, pizza with anchovies and onions, rabbit stew, grilled chorizo or aged Manchego. Buy a case! This wine is great!

The 2008 Senda 66 spent 8 months in new French oak. Purple/black in color, it sports a fragrant nose of spice box, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, layered, and remarkably rich on the palate for its humble price, this lengthy effort will drink nicely over the next 5andndash;6 years.