On Sale: $17.94 (was: $22.94)*
Tempranillo is pretty much a fixture for us, because when you’re looking for that full bodied but still quite vibrant and complex style, a Spanish Tempranillo nearly always fits the bill. It’s not all about Rioja however, and we think this ‘Celeste’ Crianza from Familia Torres shows that when it comes to this price point, the Duero can easily give Rioja a run for its money. Familia Torres is one of Spain’s most well known names, with an absolutely rock solid reputation that spans three centuries and nine winemaking regions. Their ‘Celeste’ is a gorgeous effort from high elevation vineyards, and it perfectly balances rich texture, pure Tempranillo fruit, and toasted spice, at a very accessible price of only $17.94.
Torres has tapped into the Duero’s incredible wealth of higher elevation vineyards to produce this big, bold style Tempranillo. At these higher elevations (nearly 3000'), the typically warm and dry Spanish climate is matched by the cool and breezy nights, so this Tempranillo ends up “big but balanced” with “commendable purity of intense black fruit” (Decanter). Miguel Torres Maczassek is now the fifth generation of his family to sit at the helm of ‘Familia Torres’, though their winemaking routes go back several centuries, and despite their scale, “their wines are always reliable” (Wine Advocate). For under $20 and the best price around, this “velvety-textured” Tempranillo is the perfect house red, and its profile is sure to make it a crowd-pleaser. Cheers!
92 points, Decanter: "With its starry label, Celeste aims to evoke the intensity of a star-filled night sky. Tempranillo vineyards sit at 895m, producing a wine with commendable purity of intense black fruit. It's big but balanced, with elegant oak and fresh acidity holding everything in check. Toasty spice notes appear on the nose and follow through to the persistent finish. (Drink between 2020-2026)"
92 points, James Suckling: "A creamy, velvety-textured red from the Duero, showing cherries and chocolate with some walnut undertones. It’s full-bodied with pretty fruit and complexity. Lightly salty and savory."
*Offer publication date September 2, 2021. Pricing and availability subject to change.