Embocadero Tempranillo 2009

Oh my god, I'm so LATE!! The holiday season just caught up to me folks, and I've spent the day in a scramble of present wrapping, clothes laundering and fancy cheese buying. Which has all left me very little time for wine drinking. And so here it is, 4:30, and I'm just now cracking open a bottle to tell you about. On the plus side, this is the first Tasting Tuesday that hasn't started before noon in I'm-embarrassed-to-tell-you how long.

This week, I'm drinking the 2009 Embocadero Tempranillo*, a very flavorful Spanish red, and great sipper for this time of year.

In the glass the Embocadero Tempranillo is a deep red, nearly purple, and it does not cling to the side of the glass when swirled. When you first open the bottle, you'll notice a sweet, grapey smell that is a bit misleading. Let it air for a bit, and you'll get some floral scents in there, which are more accurate to the flavor.

The sip packs a punch of dark fruit and vanilla, with some oak, smoke and baking spices (think spice of the nutmeg/clove variety, not peppers). It's really nice to drink on its own, but I am considering pairing this with some of the hors d'oeuvres (I can NEVER spell that without google) I have planned for our holiday meal. I'm thinking prosciutto and smoked mozzarella would be happy companions to this wine.

just because my leg broke off
doesn't mean I'm not delicious.

For today, since I'm running so far behind, I had the Embocadero with...reject Christmas cookies. Other than that being a truly sorry excuse for an afternoon snack, I rather enjoyed the combination.

Price: $

My Rating: B+

*Spellcheck sez this should actually read: Embroider Temporary.


As a side note: Next Tuesday is Christmas, so I won't be posting a blog. Maybe if I'm feeling some particular gusto about whatever we have with our Christmas dinner I'll put something together for Wednesday or Thursday. More than likely though, I will return afresh in 2013. Happy Holidays to all!