Man of La Mancha was a 1965 Broadway Musical. The wine we try now is a Cimal Tempranillo from the Spanish wine region known as La Mancha. Which is the better dancer? The answer is up to you.
Aroma: This just about purple coloured wine is very much infused with blackberry, black currant and black cherry. Bits of dark chocolate, sandalwood, espresso and spicy sausage linger in the midst of the wine like a bunch of convicts milling about in the exercise yard of a penitentiary.
Palate: Yowsers folks some tannins in this along with massive blueberry a hallmark of Spanish Tempranillo. The oak and blueberry pie in this create an almost creamy texture. The label falls to mention oak but my guess is that there is a high percentage of new French oak in this. Moderately long tannic infused finish.
Personality: I have size 14 feet and perhaps I am a bit clumsy but my soul is decent and at my price you are picking up a Keith Haring at a Filene’s Bargain Basement/Century 21 price.
Food match: Grilled lamb without a doubt.
Cellarbility: Will mellow out with some ageing. Consume by the end of 2026 but perhaps 2028 if you dare and given its low price what do you have to lose if you purchase a few bottles and store them in a basement cellar or a temp controlled cellar.
Price: $14.95 CDN (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 93/100. jamessuckling.com 92. Natalie MacLean 89.
(Cimal 2019 Tempranillo, DO La Mancha, Bodegas Bastida, Socuéllamos, Spain 750 mL, 14%).
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