The 2008 Tempranillo (87% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon) could easily compete with the equally priced values that emerge from Spain. There are 5,400 cases so availability should not be a problem for most readers. Broad black cherry and black currant fruit notes intermixed with spice box notes are followed by an elegant, round, lush, sexy, medium-bodied wine that is meant to be consumed over the next 2-3 years. High quality, appealing, value-priced wines emerge from winemaker Dan Cedarquist under the Matchbook label.Tel. (530) 662-1032 (Crew Wine Co.)

The score reflects the rich cherry, blackberry, cola and smoked meat flavors in this dry, crisp, silky wine. But it also takes into account a certain funkiness and one-dimensional simplicity.——S.H.(12/15/2010)—— 84