Review: Pomum Cellars 2010 TINTO

A classic Spanish blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano.

2010 was an unusually cool year for Washington. Word on the street was that it would be a difficult vintage to execute; but the best winemakers would produce truly spectacular wines. A vintage to remember for some. The Pomum Cellars 2010 TINTO is one of those wines made by one of those talented winemakers. This bottle was provided courtesy of Pomum Cellars.

Color: Clear, light ruby.
Nose: Bright raspberry.
Palate: Smoky, earthy, raspberry, cranberry, cherry, dry, fine tannin, drank well across the palate, great texture, smoky, cherry, medium finish.

The 2010 TINTO was a good companion to dinner of broiled lamb and asparagus. After being open for 35 minutes it had a satisfying fluid quality, similar to premium chocolate which melts the moment you bite it. The nose expanded to aromas of raspberry cordial, tobacco, sage, tarragon and white pepper.

After dinner, the TINTO still exhibited that fluid chocolate quality, it shined mid-palate and felt lovely on the tongue as it drifted into a beautiful dry finish with green tea. A lip smacker friends. Big like. Strongly recommended.

Tempranillo is one of those varieties which benefits from the brightness of Grenache (Garnacha) and Graciano. This wine is beautifully balanced and drinks surprisingly well at such a young age. I have high expectations that this vintage will continue to evolve and deliver satisfaction for several more years. Once again, winemaker Javier Alfonso has delivered on his mission statement, "Crafting Passion in a Bottle."

Blend: 75% Tempranillo, 19.4% Garnacha, 5.6% Graciano
Closure: Natural cork.
ABV: 14.3%
Production: 330 cases
SRP: $25
Sample Provided by the Winery

Pomum Cellars
http://pomumcellars.com
18512 142nd Ave, Woodinville, WA 98072
(206) 362-9203

Note: I met Pomum Cellars winemaker Javier Alfonso and his wife Shyla in Seattle this January at the Washington State Wine Awards ceremony. He and his wines made a strong first impression. Javier is originally from the Ribera del Duero region in Spain and is making wine in Woodinville, Washington.

Related Post: Wine of the week: Pomum Cellars 2009 Syrah

Cheers!

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