Sabor Real Toro Crianza 2005

OK, so I could have a huge column just on Spanish wines all into themselves. However, there is one very important point that should be made concerning Spanish wines. If there is one country’s wines that have benefitted from inclusion in the EU, it is Spain.  More money from the EU has been spent on bringing Spain’s wine industry up to the EU standard than in any other country. For that reason, you can find some terrific wines at very reasonable prices.

That being said, you still might have to wade through a bunch of so-so wines to find those truly exceptional values. I’m going to put this wine in that category. It’s an OK crianza but on first sip it can be a bit off putting. There is this sense of smoke or burnt wood, most likely from a heavy char on the oak barrel used to age the wine, that mellows as you drink it, but is very pronounced in the beginning. Still, for the right foods (barbecue anyone?) this could be a real nice pairing.

Tasting notes:

A clear, wine of deep ruby color that has legs. It has a clean, developing nose of medium(+) intensity that displays aromas of blackberry and tobacco. It has medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol, medium tannins, and a medium(+) body. It has medium(+) intense flavors of blackberry, smoke and tar with a medium length finish. It is a good, high-priced wine that is ready to drink now but will improve in the bottle.