2014 Calatyud Manga del Brujo winery

Whenever the winemaker writes on his label, “I hope this wine…”, that’s a clue that what you about to try is a crap shoot. This red is a blend of four grapes is a tribute to the history and art from the historic region. Argon, Spain is famous for its old-world architecture, castles, convent, and art. But because of its religion bent, no one paints nudes. But this area does produce stellar wines. The wine maker tossed four different kinds of grapes into barrels: Ganache, Syrah, Tempranillo, and the ever popular Mazuelo. In tasting notes, the wine maker says this blend is “sturdy, rich…”. Whatever the intent, the out come was not swell. The color is a true blood red with good legs. The nose is very earthy, wet summer stone. First taste is of leather and coffee. Then later there is coca, and then a dry sawed oak-wood tannin finish. This wine was put in a standard dark glass bottle, but there was a step-up to a composition cork over plastic. The labeling was a plane white with light gray, hard to read lettering. But there was a black inscription scribbled across it. This is not a fun nor an exciting wine. If you happen to buy one of these, use it for cooking beef.