Top Picks for Tempranillo

Dark burnt sienna color. Aromas of leather, cafe au lait, toffee, flamed orange, and tobacco with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, long malted milk balls, nutmeg, cinnamon, and membrillo finish with well-integrated tannins. A divine Ribera del Duero with great balance and beautifully developed flavors; buy more than one bottle.

Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, watermelon candies, cherry tobacco, and licorice with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, medium-long finish that shows notes of black plum, mace, sun dried tomato, and cocoa with firm, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. An expressive Tempranillo balancing ripe fruit and fine tannic grip.

Dusty garnet color. Mature, earthy aromas and flavors of oily roasted nuts and olive, conditioned leather, clay, and berry-vanilla cake with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-long finish with accents of marinated sour cherries and beets, cedar, and cascara with well-integrated, crunchy, dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. A complex and layered Old World Tempranillo with power and finesse.

Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, baked plum, vanilla bean, and dried dill with a round, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a peppery, engaging, medium-length finish with accents of fig, black tea, and tapenade with drying, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lovely Ribera del Duero with solid maturity and deep, complex flavors.

Dark brick red color. Aromas of raisins, leather, toasted coconut, fig vinaigrette, toffee, and persimmon with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, distinctive, medium-long cacao nibs, espresso bean, cherry pie, and dried dill finish with moderate oak flavor. A mature and ready-to-drink Ribera del Duero with a complex finish.

Indigo color. Aromas of cassis preserves, cinnamon, cumin, shaved coconut, lemon zest, leather, and green olives with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, long hints of roasted coffee beans, cured meats, and dark chocolate finish with moderate oak flavor. An indulgent Ribera del Duero with a kaleidoscope of harmonizing flavors.

Dusty dark garnet color. Inviting aromas and flavors of ripe morello cherries, black olive, leather, espresso, and toasted almonds with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-long finish displaying suggestions of dark chocolate, hints of charcoal, black tea, and oregano with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lovely domestic expression of Tempranillo with great varietal character; complex and balanced this wine will be an interesting conversation starter at the table.

Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of nutmeg, black cassis, olives, spice cookies, and toasted coconut custard with a lightly tannic, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a warming, nuanced, long finish with notes of creme brulee and blackberry coulis with light oak flavor. A complex Ribera del Duero that delivers!

Deep purple color. Aromas of ripe plum, wild strawberry, vanilla-scented tobacco, pine, and roasted coconut with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, subtle, long castelvetrano olives, raspberry jam, salted nuts, and chocolate wafer finish with heavy oak flavor. A concentrated and flashy Napa Tempranillo with generous oak.

Garnet color. Earthy, mature aromas and flavors of dried figs and dates, balsamic reduction, rose hip jam, castelvetrano olives, and wet leaves with a round, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a complex, very long finish displaying notes of smoked almonds, candied orange peel, and carob. A mature, layered Tempranillo that drinks wonderfully now and will continue to blossom with time.