2010 Volver Single Vineyard (Photo taken from the importer’s website)
We picked up the 2010 Volver Single Vineyard a while back at Costco where it retailed (and still does) for $12 a bottle. We’ve lately had a couple of Spanish wines and thought it was worth trying this one, which Costco displayed with the more expensive wines. That might have been due to the praise that past vintages of this wine has received from Robert Parker in the past. I usually stay away from wines that Parker praises because I often find them to be too much on the oaky and smokey side. One of the things I learned when I looked into why I had problems with wines he suggested.
This wine comes from the La Mancha region in Spain, which is part of Castille. It is made with 100% Tempranillo grapes hand harvested from vines that were planted in 1957. Weirdly, the bottle does not tell us which vineyard the grapes are from which I found a bit curious. But the website states it is from 28 hectares (72 acres) called Finca Los Juncares. The wine has 15% ABV. According to Wine Exchange, a wine seller, the wine was created by the importer Jorge Ordonez, harvested at less than 2 tons per acre and aged some time in French oak barrels.
When I opened the wine and had a first sip to see how it was, I exclaimed that I really liked it. The wine is of a deep, rich crimson red color with a high viscosity. In the nose it was perfumy and alcoholic, followed by dark red fruit (cassis) and dark raspberries. It also showed herbal aromas. On the palate, Volver showed a silky mouthfeel and was medium bodied. In the beginning it was still pretty closed up, slightly smoky with strong tannins. There were bitter notes in the middle, but the finish was medium to long and felt very balanced. After 45 minutes to an hour, the wine had opened up. There were now aromas of raspberries, velvets and some pepper. The wine also felt a bit sweeter in the end after that time. I liked it more after that hour.
All in all, this was a pretty decent wine and the price seems good. I do recommend decanting it or leaving the bottle open for a bit before you start drinking, though. It is just too much of a powerhouse straight after opening. Parker says it should age well for a 4-5 years. Might be worth storing a for another year.
the winegetter 
We are just closing out the 2009 vintage of our Tempranillo, and I wonder if the 2010 will be as good. I *always* aerate this particular wine to open it up and soften it out. I have become a big fan, especially when paired with a smoked salmon.
Thanks for that feedback! I am now intrigued to try it with smoked salmon. I can see how that would work.
Oh you simply *must* try it! It sings!! And then let me know what you think :)
Sigh…buying wine at Costco–would be nice to have the option…
I’m sorry I keep teasing you…:(
I don’t remember having seen that one at Costco here. I’ll have to look out for it. Thanks!
I hope you can find it!
I’ve always liked this. I was a little hesitant at first because I didn’t think Tempranillo would work at that hi alcohol, but it was nicely balanced.
Thanks for sharing. I was also a bit skeptical when I saw the 15% ABV… Do you feel similar about it being a bit rough right after opening?
I agree it did open up after time, but same could be said for most young reds. I don’t remember it being particularly rough. But then again, these were parties and with occasional weeknight dinners – pretty casual affairs where we weren’t necessarily paying attention.
That is true for most younger, higher alcohol reds, you’re right…thanks!