2007 Bodegas Volver Tempranillo La Mancha

90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "An alluring aromatic array of pain grille, smoke, violets, black cherry, and blackberry that jumps from the glass. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied with gobs of ripe fruit, succulent flavors, soft tannins, and excellent balance." (02/09) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, incense and cocoa powder are complemented by a suave smoky quality. Plush, creamy dark berry flavors possess plenty of weight but are energized by racy minerality. Chewy tannins arrive with air, adding grip to the broad, sappy, persistent finish. Complex enough to enjoy now." (Sept/Oct '09) 90 points Wine Spectator. Definitely a mouthful of Tempranillo-based wine with some real character, the Volver Tempranillo La Mancha has great pedigree. Let me explain. Cuttings are from one of the classic Rioja bodegas, Cune. Winemaker Rafael Canizares is a sixth generation winemaker who was born and raised in La Mancha, well aware of many of the best situated vineyards in this huge region, and adept at making the best use of his great raw material. Dark fruits and ground coffee aromas lead to an intensely flavored, pure, dark-fruited palate, with good length and persistence. I'd confidently stack this up against any Rioja, Ribera del Duero or Toro Tempranillo based wines out there right now in terms of the amount of structure and value you get for the money. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)