I bought this one for my mom. She hated it. Cool.
DIDN'T HIT THE SPOT
My mom typically likes medium to full bodied wines with a little more fruit and oak than I do. This Tempranillo from the Toro region of Spain seemed like a good compromise. But unlike the Wine Advocate review we read that said it was "balanced and elegant," we found the nose completely unbalanced. Or it "smells like nail polish," as my mother put it. It smelled very strong to me too, in that same way that you know whatever cheap bottle you just picked up at Walgreens last minute on the way to the party is going to smell: not terribly offensive, but like you are going to have a headache tomorrow. And like you might not be invited back to the next party.
I found it to taste much better than it smelled, and understood more of that "balanced" thing that I was expecting based on the review. It had a very smooth mouth feel and didn't punch me in the back of my throat like I was expecting based off the nose. But although the palate wasn't violent, it wasn't particularly exciting. I mostly tasted black cherries and dusty herbs.
Not my favorite, but I think it did pair nicely with the spicy beef tacos we had for dinner. TBH, my mom didn't like those either. ("For someone who can't smell farts, I can sure smell chipotle." Thanks for that, mother.)
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you already bought it, drink it with some Mexican food. Otherwise, pass on this vintage. To me, there are other Tempranillos out there that have more of those interesting and pleasant tobacco/leather notes that temper the fruitiness and make Spanish wine (typically) so easy drinking.
OTHER REVIEWS
Wine Advocate: "...It shows a balanced nose, hints of flowers and spices, with some elegance. The palate is consistent with the nose, quite fine and elegant, with good freshness and fine tannins. This is a lighter, fresher year..." 91 POINTS
NOTES FROM TOTALWINE.COM
PRICE: $19.99
BRAND: URO
COUNTRY / STATE: Spain
REGION: Toro
WINE TYPE: Red Wine
VARIETAL: Tempranillo
STYLE: Fresh
TASTE: Black Fruit, Herb
BODY: Medium-bodied