TAPAS is one of my favorite events of the year, and while I love tapas style (small plates) dishes, TAPAS actually stands for Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society.   Tempranillo is a Spanish grape varietal, but many California winemakers are starting to grow it since the conditions in CA are well suited to the grape.

Some of my favorites…

2009 DARE by Viader Tempranillo – I’m a big fan of Viader’s cabernet, and was surprised to see Viader at the tasting since I wasn’t aware that they produce Tempranillo.   And it is a great one – berries and flowers on the nose, ripe strawberry and spice finish.

2007 Six Sigma Tempranillo - berries, spice, smells a little sweet in a good way!  Dried cherries and fig on the smooth finish.   I tried the 2009 as well, and think that in a year or so the ’09 will surpass the ’07 – it was really intense!

2010 Riaza Wines Albarino -  ripe citrus, lotsa grapefruit, bit of banana on the finish. Really refreshing…  a great summer white!  Riaza’s tempranillo was pretty nice as well!

2011 Baiocchi Wines gb Neophyte Rose – after tasting lots of reds (not surprising given it was a tempranillo event), I was happy for another light, refreshing wine.   Juicy strawberry and rose petals on the nose, crisp palate and finish.   I wanted to order some for the summer, but it is SOLD OUT… bummer.

2009 Odisea Temporary Insanity – I loved the name and label on this one.   Can wine cause temporary insanity?   Smells like:  chocolate, fennel, raspberries.   Thyme/rosemary mouthfeel, ripe & earthy finish.     

Fans of Paso Robles wine, look up this winery - http://www.crwines.com/    I am very excited about the wines Crooked Road was pouring, especially the 2010 Resurrection.  Sweet tobacco and strawberry on the nose, ripe berry midpalate, finish was nice and robust!   I purchased this bottle at the event because I enjoyed it so much!

Next up… Pinot Days!