What this wonderful Prieto Picudo lacks in complexity and elegance it more than makes for in richness, lushness, and intensity of flavour. Big and bold but not overwhelming, with a nice balance of fruit and wood, it has notes of dark cherry, cassis, sweet oak, vanilla, black pepper, baking spice, and leather, with some refreshing tartness on the finish. Unlike some other big Spanish reds, like Garnachas from the warmer south, this doesn't seem at all fake and confected, and while it's easy to see why this uncommon varietal is often used in blends, this effort proves it can stand on its own.

Grabbed this one simply because I've never had a wine made from Prieto Picudo and this one didn't disappoint. Big black fruit notes, a bit of baking spice, some savoury notes, along with with good dose of minerality keep this one interesting. It's definitely quite ripe, though there's a good amount of acidity to keep things fresh. While not incredibly complex, it's well balanced and the price can't be beat. This one will please both wine geeks who want to try something new and those who just want a tasty wine. Will be definitely grabbing more of this one. Tasted February 2015.

It's reasonably safe to say that this is my first tasting of pieto picudo (at least, on its own)...and it was a very positive one. Deeply coloured, with very ripe fruit, a hint of sweetness (must be the ripe fruit, only 6g/L rs). Smooth and approachable. No great complexity but very delicious. A fine value and worthy detour for sure. Tasted Feb 2015.