Gran Familia Cosecha 2005

Area: Spain, Rioja
Grape: Tempranillo 90%, Graciano (Mouvedre) 10%
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: Black; 92 Dilettante; 92

Description: Color; deep cherry with garnet hues. On the nose it has aromas of stewed fruit, cedar wood, spice and autumn leaves. Flavors of dark plums, spice, earth, smoke, leather are nicely balanced with a balsamic base. In the mouth it's soft and smooth. The low, middle and high notes remain throughout the long supple finish. This wine has the characteristics of a Gran Reserva despite it's humble table wine status.

One sip and I was transported back to Barcelona's Taxidermista Restaurant. Ah, that's the night we sat under the arcades of the Placa Reial and fell in love with red Spanish wine. Decanting not required. It's worthier than the $11 price tag would suggest.
Food Pairing: good with fried chicken and pork and Asian Fusion
Musical Pairing: Flamenco
TV Pairing: Forever Knight.