In 2012, the 2009 vintage of this wine won gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and we could tell from first taste why. Bitch Tongue 2010 Tempranillo is from Sea Shell Vineyards, situated on the banks of the Huero Huero Creek, just three miles east of Paso Robles, California, an area highly recognized for it’s Rhone-style wines and highly wine-worthy climate and terroir.
Dark, juicy berries like black currant and cherry are immediately present on the palate. Highly concentrated with long legs, cocoa and spice on the nose. A stellar wine at first glass, the Tempranillo 2010 would pair well with grilled beef, but we’d also consider other pairings – roasted rack of lamb, Mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and olives, or pork tenderloin with dried plums.
This is a seriously sexy wine, and at an affordable $26 price, makes for a great every day bottle to keep around the house, to give to friends, or to hoard by the case (which we would entirely recommend). Drink now through 2015. (89 points)
Winemaker notes: Grapes are hand picked and cool fermented. Barrel aged in 20% new French oak.
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Grenache
Brix/Alcohol content: 25.9 degrees, 14.5%