The blend here is 85% Tempranillo, 6% Garnacha and 9% Graciano. This wonderfully complex wine has aromas of blackberries, raspberries and notes of smoke, minerals and herbs. The tannins are firm, slightly austere and yet ripe, balancing expressive fruit concentration on the palate and leading to a long refined finish.

Ripe plum, tar, leather and spice. The palate shows sour cherries, dried fig, white pepper and significant tannins carry the finish.

Chris Taylor and his Quattro Mano wines have certainly made their mark on the modern Australian wine scene. Using 'alternate' Mediterranean varieties like this Tempranillo, Taylor handcrafts flavoursome and yet medium to full-bodied wines of utmost character. This Novillo Temp is choc full of dark berries, liquorice and that traditional hint of cola. Simply delectable.

Chris Taylor and his team have harnessed the old and new perfectly with their exciting and engaging range of wines. Their La Reto Tempranillo is a lovely balance of old world Spanish characteristics and a modern, perfumed attractiveness. Red berries, plums and hints of liquorice are all present along with a delicious minerality to give this wine that extra dimension.

Marqués de Riscal began with a dream back in 1858 and over 150 years later, the Bodega decided to commemorate the 150th Anniversary with a Gran Reserva Rioja that befitted the history and standing of such great wines. The result it this outstanding Tempranillo blend from the 2001 vintage, a truly special vintage in the Rioja region. Dark cherry in colour with complex aromas of balsamic, charred wood and layers of spices. The palate follows with a viscous mouthfeel with a good concentration of tannins and acid structure. A truly remarkable Rioja that pays a great tribute.

Iconic Tempranillo producers, Bodegas Roda, have excelled yet again here with the Roda I. Beginning quite linear on the palate, it opens up dramatically with some delicate spice and nuttyness. It will take time to flesh out completely but it will be worth the wait.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.

Pesquera is one of the legendary Estates of Spain. It was under this label that Alejandro Fernández made the 100% Tempranillo wines that first launched the Ribera del Duero region on to the world stage. He established Pesquera in 1972 and the resulting critical acclaim was instrumental in the Ribera de Duero receiving official D.O. status in 1982. 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). Aged for 30 months in oak barrels and then 12 months in the bottle. A fabulous Reserva with intense aromatics of ripe plum, wood spice and leather.

Vina Pedrosa is one of the most prestigeous wineries in Spain. This wine is a 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), cask aged for 12 months in oak showing a beautiful ruby red colour. It has distinguishable aromas of fresh fruit underscored by notes of cedar wood and liquorice with a most elegant mineral touch. Powerful and enveloping in the mouth. An amazingly successful wine with which this winery shows off its firm foundations. A beautiful intro to the range of Pedrosa.