Weekly Wine Review - Australian Red - 2011 Running With Bulls Tempranillo

I'm always on the lookout for something new and interesting.  Tempranillo - the grape whose home is typically in Rioja, Toro, and Ribera Del Duero in Spain - made in the Barossa region Australia... hmmmm!  Very interesting!  Barossa is more known for big bruising Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, so let's see what their take is on a classic Spanish grape... my guess is big and bruising!

Wine: 2011 Running With Bulls Tempranillo

Region: Barossa, Australia
Grape Varieties: Tempranillo

Obtained from: Purchased at AJs Fine Foods

Price: $21

Wino4Life Category: Weekend Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Natural cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Dark red with a pink rim.

Aroma: Black cherry, flowers, smoke, and spice. 
Taste: Nice balance, a good amount of acidity, and a pleasant but fairly tart finish.
The Grade: I give this one a B+. Definitely a very interesting wine, as it takes a Spanish grape and presents it in a very Aussie style. I would challenge wine experts to identify this as Tempranillo in a blind taste test - I wonder if many could.  At this price point if you want a bigger red wine like this - then go for a Shiraz or a Cab from Barossa.  If you want Tempranillo head on over to the Spain section where you can find either fruitier "new world" or earthier "old world" examples of Tempranillo based wine.