The Poker D Tempranillos 2010 is a blend of 4 different Tempranillo clones farmed in vineyards in the Campo de Calatrava region of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. This is a Vinas de la Tierra de Castilla wine, which is the Spanish equivalent to the IGT wines from Italy and the Vin de Pays wines from France. This indicates that the wines are indicative of the wine from the region, but do not meet all the higher classification standards. The producer, Encomienda de Cervera has been in business since the 1800s. This Tempranillo is aged in French and American oak barrels for 1 year. The alcohol content is 14.5%.

The color is plum red with a clear halo. The nose is nectar sweet ripe fruit, with spice, smoke and vanilla. The technical notes for the Poker D describe this Tempranillo as greasy and delicate, which are two words that you do not normally see used together. I would say this is more of a fat and sassy wine. This is not a wine that is flavor challenged, it is bursting with red berries, plums, blackberry, caramel, vanilla and spice. Big flavor, but solid structure and well-balanced acidity. The finish is large and long.

Tempranillo from Rioja gets all the press (for good reason), but the Poker D Tempranillos 2010 delivers the goods. Robert Parker gave it 91 points, if your into that sort of thing. Big, bold wine pairs with big, bold food, an aged steak or prime rib come to mind. It drinks well on its own, so if you see it by the glass in a Wine bar, have them pour you one.