A Rioja-style blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha. We have quite a hodgepodge of tasting notes for The Spaniard, so rather than wrap a narrative of questionable cleverness around them, we’re just going to throw them right at you: “Cherry Black Currant bomb” “Cedar cherry tobacky” “Great gams” (gams?) “Fruitalicious”
Finished with 30% new French, American, and Hungarian oak; 70% neutral oak.
Pair this with Meat! If you don’t ever drink this with lamb, you’re not livin’ right!! Well-marbled beef by itself, or lean cuts of beef with rich sauces. How about a smoked Spanish Paprika rubbed Ribeye topped with thick Applewood smoked bacon and Cabrale Spanish Blue?
2017 Twisted Oak Torcido Garnacha, Sierra Foothills
Torcido (Tor-SEE-doh), [SP] adj., 1. Twisted, 2. Just like this gnarly Spanish clone Garnacha…
Tasting Notes
100% Grenache from the Colina Roja block, Twisted Oak Winery - baby!
You remember when you were a little kid, and there was this little store round the corner that had a nice man behind the counter who would sell you a big bag of the best candy for a nickel? We don’t either, no one is that old! But if we were that old, this wine might just remind us a little of those days, with floral aromas of raspberry and cherry; and spicy flavors of tart strong fruit - maybe even that funny pepper candy you used to think was yucky - finishing with impressions of 10W30 oil. Whoops, I guess we wandered into the hardware department, but I think you get the idea…
Pairings? Tapas! spicy sausages and salamis - ham - game - pot roast - linguica, sweet fruit sauces - even lamb and goat!
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Varietal: Grenache
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 14.4%
2017 Twisted Oak Graciano, Sierra Foothills
Tasting Notes
This chewy Graciano partly comes from our own Estate vineyard on Red Hill at the winery in Vallecito. The Willow block also grows the Graciano used for our Spaniard program, but we are always thrilled to have a little left over. The logical thing to do is bottle a small amount for the wine club so we developed the Twisted Freaks club just for occasions like this!
It may be Graciano but it’s not a boxer and it ain’t Italian either. Still, you’ll find punchy aromas of plums, blackberries, and jam with a wallop of dried spicy characters. Then a powerful jab of deep sweet blackberries and a one-two finish with dried herbs and spices. Come to think of it, this Twisted Freak is quite the knockout, isn’t it?
Duck Goose! Or pair with ham, Manchego, anchovies, roast pork, and all sorts of hearty, legume-filled stews. And of course, slooooow-roasted lamb shoulder.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Varietal: 100% Graciano
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 14.5%
2017 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills
Tasting Notes
Tempranillo! The grape that made Calaveras County famous! (OK, along with frogs, Mark Twain, and an infamous archeological hoax… I’m looking at you, Clampers!)
Tempranillo! Ten years ago you couldn’t even say “Tem-prah-NEE-yoh” and now, you - ladies and gentlemen - from what was only an inarticulate mass of Cab-swirling tissue, I give you a Cultured, Sophisticated Tempranillo lover about town!
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Varietal: Tempranillo
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 14.5%
What’s Included
4-bottles:
1x 2017 Twisted Oak The Spaniard, Sierra Foothills
1x 2017 Twisted Oak Torcido Garnacha, Sierra Foothills
1x 2017 Twisted Oak Graciano, Sierra Foothills
1x 2017 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills Case:
3x 2017 Twisted Oak The Spaniard, Sierra Foothills
3x 2017 Twisted Oak Torcido Garnacha, Sierra Foothills
We’re often asked what the background of Twisted Oak is, to which we invariably reply, “The Sierra Nevada, of course!” If we are pressed further, we are forced to admit that Twisted Oak Winery is the culmination of a delusion, er, vision by Jeff and Mary Stai. The vision was of a terroir based winery making superior, hand crafted, yummy wines, and then having more Twisted fun than anyone in the industry selling them.
Jeff and Mary found 120 acres just outside Murphys in the Sierra Foothills at nearly 2000 feet elevation. It is there that they planted 10 acres of vineyards in Tempranillo, Grenache, Graciano, and Touriga Naçional to take advantage of the continental Mediterranean soil types and climate. It is on top of this property, with an amazing view of the Sierra, where the state-of-the-art, no-pumpover, four-level gravity flow winery was built. When completed in 2004 it included open-tank, stainless steel fermenters along with our own 300-foot barrel cave. This was all under the watchful eye of a 350 year old California Blue Oak tree that not only is our namesake, but also adorns every Twisted Oak bottle.
Whatever the formula Jeff & Mary have devised for Twisted Oak, it has been validated by the hundreds of consumers that buy us out of wine each and every year. Twisted Oak Winery has also received accolades by publications and competitions which have graced us with many scores of 90 or above. We think the Wine Enthusiast put it best “The gang at Twisted Oak Winery are taking winemaking in this area to the next level…” Cheers! And always, keep it Twisted! Twisted Oak Winery!
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, TX, VA, WA, WI
Going to have to preface that I love Twisted Oak, and I’m certain I’ve happily snatched every mystery and assorted case that has been offered here, never to be let down. The bottle in question:
2017 Twisted Oak Torcido Garnacha
…came the same day I brought my pup home from emergency surgery from days before, so while emotionally exhausted I was just as excited by its appearance. Somewhat late in the afternoon of a warm but not exceedingly so day for the region this time of year, the heat from the truck seemed to still creep in through the styrofoam 2-bottle package (which I just realized contained a glass too, how nice!). The side of the bottle was a little warm, and temp checked at 86° (oof). Luckily I had time before the review so I promptly rested it in the chiller to get it down to 55.
After a long weekend of post-op dog nursing and getting used to that routine I pulled the bottle and its cork, which was nicely stained pink but not creeping up the side. Pouring into the glass I noted the color to be a little light, semitransparent and kind of dusty rose which reminded me of some older wines I’ve had (and hoping the heat hadn’t gotten to it much). Rose came to mind on the nose, as well as cherry, some strawberry, and tomato if that makes sense.
I knew I was going to like it, but a couple sips just confirmed it. For a medium-light body there’s some interesting complexity: cherry and strawberry but with some spiciness and even a slightly warm hint of bourbon. Had a glass with some creamy family-garden-shared-tomato sauce pasta with sausage and they both quickly disappeared together. Smoothed out and held up well hours later. I’m pretty sure I’ve had the Torcido before- I know I’ve seen it among my past collections, but I dug through my current stash and couldn’t find one, so I must have enjoyed it.
Obviously I have to recommend it. Worth every drop. And it appears to be part of an assorted case, so best to grab one and its friends while you can! Thanks so much @eljefetwisted and @winedavid49 for the opportunity to rat!
Consumed over 2 nights starting last Sunday. The wine got about a 1/2 hour of air before I dive right in.
Color Depth: Medium
Color Hue: Ruby/Red
Clarity: Clear
Aroma Intensity: Aromatic
Aroma Development: Youthful
Aroma Notes: Still smells young, full of black fruit, mostly black cherry, minimal oak and Alcohol.Not much in the way of ancillary aromas.
Dry/Sweet: Dry
Body: Medium
Acidity: Fresh
Tannins: Low, rounded
Balance: Good overall
Flavor intensity: Flavorful
Flavor notes: Moderate oak, some vanilla, moderate noticeable alcohol, black cherry, big fruit profile.
Finish: Long
Overall Conclusion: Solid sipping and food wine, oak is integrated nicely and acidity is there to play nicely with the food. The wine does come across as a little hot at summer room temps (75) and I would recommend chilling a little before serving. I mostly enjoyed this without food and really enjoyed the balance and full fruit profile. I think it could be cellared a few years to see how it develops but its also delicious now so I would have a hard time holding off.
I’ve been buying TO for a long time and cannot remember a bottle I didn’t like.
We opened this wine expecting it to be similar to a lot of light-viscosity, berry-like continental wines. Graciano was totally unfamiliar to us although we have probably had it mixed in other red blends. Neither of us was prepared for the boldness and zing of this wine.
The aroma is of tangy berries, much like that given off by the tart cherry juice I used to mix with hard cider. There is also a hint of dusty spices. The wine has thick legs and clings to the glass substantially.
This is a full-bodied wine that coats the mouth. It is rich with blackberry and black cherry flavors. The initial sip has a strong, acidic bite; however this mellows somewhat as it opens, and the acid becomes a tart zing that persists and makes the berry flavor tingle the tongue. Both of us feel that this is a stand-alone wine that lingers long, diminishing gradually to a spicy finish. Lovely.
We feel that this would be good with a charcuterie board of all types of cheeses and meats or at a reception with hors d’oeuvres.
All of the above is just a wordy way of saying we loved it and that it made our mouths dance. Thank you to Alice and WD for the opportunity to rat this wine. It has been a pleasure!
Like an adult on Christmas, I slowly open the UPS box. It’s a Twisted Oak!!! “And?” It is the f*&@(NG Spaniard! I exclaim while doing a little happy dance. Then the realization sets in. . . with great wine comes great responsibility. I think that is how the saying goes?
I can’t offer many useful comparisons to a good Rioja. It arrived at 78 degrees (infrared bottle temp); I have a few days to let it settle and get to temp. Sorry, El Jefe, I did not get to the market to take a picture with the hanging ducks, nor do I have a rubber chicken. Best I could do was recruit my friend who spent 3 years in Barcelona, and drank all the Rioja he could. The quid-pro-quo was: it needs to be enjoyed with meat, per the winemaker.
Tim rolls in with Ray Ray’s BBQ “Meat Sweats.” Smoked brisket, pulled pork, jerk chicken, dry rubbed spare and back ribs, and in-house made hot link, with pickles, buns, and sauces.
My better-half arrives right on time, despite being a pescatarian. Pop and pour. We all sense alcohol and it needs time to open—not a surprise at all. That said, cherry was immediately noticeable. That initial fruit burst dissipated as the flavors and aromas got together.
Small pours for all 3 of us. Tim, after grabbing the bottle and wondering the blending percentages, after trying: “Okay. I like this. It is opening up. I haven’t ever had a Cali Rioja, but seems on point.” We proceed to try it with all the meats. The best was the fatty brisket. These chewy chalky tannins are made to destroy fat deposits on your palate. Surprisingly great with the “jerk” chicken, as you notice the more background herbal spices. (They take a little artistic license, and it has a very powerful sauce.) Annie liked it, but not nearly as much as we did, as she was drinking it on its own. This wine needs food. I don’t know why, but it also worked with pickled onions. On it’s own, with a minute out of the bottle, she said it was “chalky, tannic, and closed.”
Elapsed time, 4 hours at ~70* room temp, in the bottle, without the cork. (I would say there is 2/3 left?) My Rioja buddy liked it so much he asked if he could have more. I wasn’t about to pour him a taster. Annie and I decide to try it with black cherries, Costco smoked salmon (Regular, Peppered, and Dill), chive cream cheese, neutral and herb-based crackers.
We both used a DE LONG tasting sheet. Consensus is that this wine is never going to have much of a consensus. Despite having black cherries in my mouth mere seconds before whiffing, all the cherry aroma is gone. It is now plums, currants, blackberries. I am (K), FWIW.
Visual: Deep / brick / slight haze.
Aroma: Moderate (K), Low (A). / Some age / Damp earth, alcohol, black currant, bay, leather, plum (A), Black fruits, pipe tobacco, cigar box, laurel, sage, vanilla (K)
Taste: Off dry / Medium-full / Smooth / Medium (A) High (K) / Good / Flavorful / Cocoa, blackberry, plum, cinnamon toast cereal, dill (K), Tart cherries, molasses, tomato reduction (A).
Finish: Long // Style: Traditional
TL;DR: An experienced Rioja drinker asked for more after tasting it. This wine needs food/air. It is quite special. A flagship wine that goes down like there is hole in the bottom of the (pirate) vessel. Nothing to fault. Lots to explore. It is lovely.
@KNmeh7 I had some leftover Ray Ray’s (I had leftovers?!? Inconceivable!) and a small glass around 30 hours after opening, and sitting in the bottle, uncorked, room temp. The wine is really hitting its stride, and going down far too easily. Everything is more harmonious. Dark fruits are present, herbs there, and it just slides down your throat.
I suppose the greatest compliment I can give this wine is my BBQ, which I love any day of the week they are open, did not taste as good after I finished my glass.
I have had many wines compliment foods, but I never went back to the food after and felt, well, this isn’t as awesome.
@KNmeh7 Thanks for the solid rattage. And Ray Ray’s is amazing, but there’s no shame in having leftovers of the Meat Sweats – your cardiologist would definitely approve of spreading it out.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
Twisted Oak The Spaniard & Friends - $60 = 20.00%
I should also add to my purchase post above, that I have remained a Casemates member just so I can buy Twisted Oak. I hope there are more TO offers coming in the near future!
@coynedj I am NOT comparing this to the Crucible we opened on Christmas. However, I did mention that: “In a weird way, the more expensive and coveted the bottle, the easier it is to drink.” You should be sipping it each time with reverence. Instead, you just want it, because it is that good.
@dkrupps@eastcoastmary These cases actually split better 3 ways. And coincidentally, I’m heading down to MD in October. Any interest in 4 bottles each?
I’m one of those iconoclasts that think wines age just fine with a twist-off (my preferred term). We first used them in 2009 and those wines are aging very nicely. We make more Tempranillo and sell it wholesale, where the twist-off is desired.
@eljefetwisted
Not a question, but a request, if you offer these to Casemates (or RWS), again, talk to your marketing dept and have them fill out necessary papers to ship to OK…(Understand if you are holding a big oak club while talking it might help)
@winecaseaholic I feel your pain. And you are talking to the marketing dept. Yours would literally be the first request I’ve ever had to ship to OK. I’m afraid I’d have to ship quite a few cases to justify the cost of the permit. Write to your local reps about how the high cost of permitting hurts the mom and pop wineries you want to support.
@eljefetwisted actually I live in Arkansas, & drive to UPS in Oklahoma to pick up my casemates orders (just this AM picked up a case) trying to get AR to open up is an almost impossible task)… guess I’ll have to hope your next offering is when a trip to my other deliverable states (IA & Tx) is scheduled curious how much is the OK permit?
Yeah AR the only way is to purchase here and arrange the shipping. I usually advise people to check the wine on the plane and ship the dirty clothes home… OK is $300.
I have been auto buying twisted oak for years. Met el jefe at a bar way back after an event in sf at crush pad with Gary Vaynerchuk and discovered twisted oak. Missed the last bart train back to the east bay. Waited a couple hours for a bus back and it was about a two hour bus ride. Got back to my car at 6 am and called in sick to work. One of the best nights of my life moral of the story……….in for a case!!!
I just opened a bottle of the Graciano from a previous offer last week with some Bolognese. It was exceptional, and felt like it still had some room to lay down. In for 2 cases.
@Kildahl
Broke a cork on a 2008 Twisted Oak Petite Sirah tonight myself, although the bottom half came out clean when I re-keyed it. Drank with hot buttered cheesesteaks.
Lots of sediment but we poured through a filtered spout into a decanter before serving.
2017 Twisted Oak The Spaniard, Sierra Foothills
Tasting Notes
Specs
2017 Twisted Oak Torcido Garnacha, Sierra Foothills
Tasting Notes
Specs
2017 Twisted Oak Graciano, Sierra Foothills
Tasting Notes
Specs
2017 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$576.00/Case for 3x 2017 Twisted Oak The Spaniard, Sierra Foothills + 3x 2017 Twisted Oak Torcido Garnacha, Sierra Foothills + 3x 2017 Twisted Oak Graciano, Sierra Foothills + 3x 2017 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills at Twisted Oak Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, TX, VA, WA, WI
Estimated Delivery
Friday, Sep 8 - Monday, Sep 11
Twisted Oak The Spaniard & Friends
4 bottles for $99.99 $25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $239.99 $20/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2017 Twisted Oak The Spaniard
2017 Twisted Oak Torcido
2017 Twisted Oak Graciano
2017 Twisted Oak Tempranillo
Oh my. Why is this right now? Can we buy this in 3 months or so?
@klezman agree, need to get a buyer in VA or DC:( no MD…
@klezman this is the end of the vintage for us…
Going to have to preface that I love Twisted Oak, and I’m certain I’ve happily snatched every mystery and assorted case that has been offered here, never to be let down. The bottle in question:
2017 Twisted Oak Torcido Garnacha
…came the same day I brought my pup home from emergency surgery from days before, so while emotionally exhausted I was just as excited by its appearance. Somewhat late in the afternoon of a warm but not exceedingly so day for the region this time of year, the heat from the truck seemed to still creep in through the styrofoam 2-bottle package (which I just realized contained a glass too, how nice!). The side of the bottle was a little warm, and temp checked at 86° (oof). Luckily I had time before the review so I promptly rested it in the chiller to get it down to 55.
After a long weekend of post-op dog nursing and getting used to that routine I pulled the bottle and its cork, which was nicely stained pink but not creeping up the side. Pouring into the glass I noted the color to be a little light, semitransparent and kind of dusty rose which reminded me of some older wines I’ve had (and hoping the heat hadn’t gotten to it much). Rose came to mind on the nose, as well as cherry, some strawberry, and tomato if that makes sense.
I knew I was going to like it, but a couple sips just confirmed it. For a medium-light body there’s some interesting complexity: cherry and strawberry but with some spiciness and even a slightly warm hint of bourbon. Had a glass with some creamy family-garden-shared-tomato sauce pasta with sausage and they both quickly disappeared together. Smoothed out and held up well hours later. I’m pretty sure I’ve had the Torcido before- I know I’ve seen it among my past collections, but I dug through my current stash and couldn’t find one, so I must have enjoyed it.
Obviously I have to recommend it. Worth every drop. And it appears to be part of an assorted case, so best to grab one and its friends while you can! Thanks so much @eljefetwisted and @winedavid49 for the opportunity to rat!
@james awesome review thanks! But most importantly how is the puppy?!
POPSOCKETS! ROAD ROCKETS! SONNY CROCKETT! AWESOME!
@eljefetwisted thanks! She’s getting held almost full time so I don’t think she’d complain even if she could
@james sweet!
I’m here, ask me anything. No really, anything.
@eljefetwisted I should probably add that this is Jeff from Twisted Oak
@eljefetwisted dude, we know you!
@klezman well it has been a while…
@eljefetwisted true. I also just noticed your Facebook lamb chop post. We did have lamb for dinner tonight, but neglected to have it with a Spaniard.
@klezman I forgive you
CT notes aren’t helpful. Curious why this mixed case is all 2017? Fires? Not a good vintage? I’ve enjoyed TO offers in the past btw
@losthighwayz
you’re getting the blend plus bottles of each of the components. All the same vintage. So you can explore how each contributes to the blend. No fires.
@eljefetwisted I didn’t make that connection! Very cool Jefe. I’m in.
Ah come on. this one is
“SPLIT-WORTHY”
@Winedavid49 not easily 6/6 however
2017 Twisted Oak Tempranillo
Calaveras County
Alc% 14.5
Consumed over 2 nights starting last Sunday. The wine got about a 1/2 hour of air before I dive right in.
Color Depth: Medium
Color Hue: Ruby/Red
Clarity: Clear
Aroma Intensity: Aromatic
Aroma Development: Youthful
Aroma Notes: Still smells young, full of black fruit, mostly black cherry, minimal oak and Alcohol.Not much in the way of ancillary aromas.
Dry/Sweet: Dry
Body: Medium
Acidity: Fresh
Tannins: Low, rounded
Balance: Good overall
Flavor intensity: Flavorful
Flavor notes: Moderate oak, some vanilla, moderate noticeable alcohol, black cherry, big fruit profile.
Finish: Long
Overall Conclusion: Solid sipping and food wine, oak is integrated nicely and acidity is there to play nicely with the food. The wine does come across as a little hot at summer room temps (75) and I would recommend chilling a little before serving. I mostly enjoyed this without food and really enjoyed the balance and full fruit profile. I think it could be cellared a few years to see how it develops but its also delicious now so I would have a hard time holding off.
I’ve been buying TO for a long time and cannot remember a bottle I didn’t like.
Cheers!
Central Ohio, I’m basically full but Twisted Oak is Twisted Oak… would buy a case but only if could find two splitters…
@lehigh You can count on me as one enabler.
Just need one more…
@fermentedwisdom I will purchase and hope someone comes on board, or else I will have some explaining (and drinking!) to do
@fermentedwisdom @lehigh I would be happy to complete the 3 way split
@fermentedwisdom @KNmeh7 From LabRat to buyer! Done and done.
@lehigh I’m going to grab a case as well (in CMH). If anyone else out there wants in, let me know!
2017 Twisted Oak Graciano
We opened this wine expecting it to be similar to a lot of light-viscosity, berry-like continental wines. Graciano was totally unfamiliar to us although we have probably had it mixed in other red blends. Neither of us was prepared for the boldness and zing of this wine.
The aroma is of tangy berries, much like that given off by the tart cherry juice I used to mix with hard cider. There is also a hint of dusty spices. The wine has thick legs and clings to the glass substantially.
This is a full-bodied wine that coats the mouth. It is rich with blackberry and black cherry flavors. The initial sip has a strong, acidic bite; however this mellows somewhat as it opens, and the acid becomes a tart zing that persists and makes the berry flavor tingle the tongue. Both of us feel that this is a stand-alone wine that lingers long, diminishing gradually to a spicy finish. Lovely.
We feel that this would be good with a charcuterie board of all types of cheeses and meats or at a reception with hors d’oeuvres.
All of the above is just a wordy way of saying we loved it and that it made our mouths dance. Thank you to Alice and WD for the opportunity to rat this wine. It has been a pleasure!
I have loved every TO wine I have had and I would never pass up an offer to buy.
/giphy musty-wheat-cooler
/giphy muddled-new-swing
2017 The Spaniard
Like an adult on Christmas, I slowly open the UPS box. It’s a Twisted Oak!!! “And?” It is the f*&@(NG Spaniard! I exclaim while doing a little happy dance. Then the realization sets in. . . with great wine comes great responsibility. I think that is how the saying goes?
I can’t offer many useful comparisons to a good Rioja. It arrived at 78 degrees (infrared bottle temp); I have a few days to let it settle and get to temp. Sorry, El Jefe, I did not get to the market to take a picture with the hanging ducks, nor do I have a rubber chicken. Best I could do was recruit my friend who spent 3 years in Barcelona, and drank all the Rioja he could. The quid-pro-quo was: it needs to be enjoyed with meat, per the winemaker.
Tim rolls in with Ray Ray’s BBQ “Meat Sweats.” Smoked brisket, pulled pork, jerk chicken, dry rubbed spare and back ribs, and in-house made hot link, with pickles, buns, and sauces.
My better-half arrives right on time, despite being a pescatarian. Pop and pour. We all sense alcohol and it needs time to open—not a surprise at all. That said, cherry was immediately noticeable. That initial fruit burst dissipated as the flavors and aromas got together.
Small pours for all 3 of us. Tim, after grabbing the bottle and wondering the blending percentages, after trying: “Okay. I like this. It is opening up. I haven’t ever had a Cali Rioja, but seems on point.” We proceed to try it with all the meats. The best was the fatty brisket. These chewy chalky tannins are made to destroy fat deposits on your palate. Surprisingly great with the “jerk” chicken, as you notice the more background herbal spices. (They take a little artistic license, and it has a very powerful sauce.) Annie liked it, but not nearly as much as we did, as she was drinking it on its own. This wine needs food. I don’t know why, but it also worked with pickled onions. On it’s own, with a minute out of the bottle, she said it was “chalky, tannic, and closed.”
Elapsed time, 4 hours at ~70* room temp, in the bottle, without the cork. (I would say there is 2/3 left?) My Rioja buddy liked it so much he asked if he could have more. I wasn’t about to pour him a taster. Annie and I decide to try it with black cherries, Costco smoked salmon (Regular, Peppered, and Dill), chive cream cheese, neutral and herb-based crackers.
We both used a DE LONG tasting sheet. Consensus is that this wine is never going to have much of a consensus. Despite having black cherries in my mouth mere seconds before whiffing, all the cherry aroma is gone. It is now plums, currants, blackberries. I am (K), FWIW.
Visual: Deep / brick / slight haze.
Aroma: Moderate (K), Low (A). / Some age / Damp earth, alcohol, black currant, bay, leather, plum (A), Black fruits, pipe tobacco, cigar box, laurel, sage, vanilla (K)
Taste: Off dry / Medium-full / Smooth / Medium (A) High (K) / Good / Flavorful / Cocoa, blackberry, plum, cinnamon toast cereal, dill (K), Tart cherries, molasses, tomato reduction (A).
Finish: Long // Style: Traditional
TL;DR: An experienced Rioja drinker asked for more after tasting it. This wine needs food/air. It is quite special. A flagship wine that goes down like there is hole in the bottom of the (pirate) vessel. Nothing to fault. Lots to explore. It is lovely.
@KNmeh7 I had some leftover Ray Ray’s (I had leftovers?!? Inconceivable!) and a small glass around 30 hours after opening, and sitting in the bottle, uncorked, room temp. The wine is really hitting its stride, and going down far too easily. Everything is more harmonious. Dark fruits are present, herbs there, and it just slides down your throat.
I suppose the greatest compliment I can give this wine is my BBQ, which I love any day of the week they are open, did not taste as good after I finished my glass.
I have had many wines compliment foods, but I never went back to the food after and felt, well, this isn’t as awesome.
VAN GOGH! MANGO! TANGO! AWESOME!
@KNmeh7 Thanks for the solid rattage. And Ray Ray’s is amazing, but there’s no shame in having leftovers of the Meat Sweats – your cardiologist would definitely approve of spreading it out.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
Twisted Oak The Spaniard & Friends - $60 = 20.00%
Oh my, I love Twisted Oak, it’s been a while but no MD shipment!!!
@eastcoastmary DC/VA?
@eastcoastmary @eljefetwisted I’m trying to find a VA/DC receiver…
@bunnymasseuse @eljefetwisted That would be great, appreciate it!
I should also add to my purchase post above, that I have remained a Casemates member just so I can buy Twisted Oak. I hope there are more TO offers coming in the near future!
Had a bottle of the 2013 Spaniard just last night. Very good stuff. I expect the 2017 will live up to it’s pedigree.
@coynedj I am NOT comparing this to the Crucible we opened on Christmas. However, I did mention that: “In a weird way, the more expensive and coveted the bottle, the easier it is to drink.” You should be sipping it each time with reverence. Instead, you just want it, because it is that good.
I did not want to buy any more wine but I love me some TO. In for a case.
Any DC/North VA members want to split a purchase? It doesn’t ship to MD.
@eastcoastmary happy to split. You want to go halvesies or ?
@dkrupps Hello, at least 1/2 a case would be great. Are you in DC or VA?
@eastcoastmary I’m in Alexandria VA
@dkrupps
It’s a bit of a hike but Twisted Oak is worth it. Let me know how you want to proceed
@eastcoastmary I’ll grab it and we can find a place somewhere in the middle
@dkrupps Thank you, sounds like a great plan.
@dkrupps @eastcoastmary These cases actually split better 3 ways. And coincidentally, I’m heading down to MD in October. Any interest in 4 bottles each?
@dkrupps @hscottk Sure, I’ll take what I can get. thanks
@eljefetwisted , curious why is the Tempranillo stelvin closure, while the others look to be cork. Age worthiness different?
In for a case already…
/giphy plastic-pop-tree
@KingKoopa
I’m one of those iconoclasts that think wines age just fine with a twist-off (my preferred term). We first used them in 2009 and those wines are aging very nicely. We make more Tempranillo and sell it wholesale, where the twist-off is desired.
@eljefetwisted @KingKoopa
For the Cockamamie and Monastrell Cockamamie?
@KingKoopa @rjquillin yes though I haven’t tasted those in quite a while. In general it would be the *%#&@!, Tempranillo, and Syrah.
@eljefetwisted
Not a question, but a request, if you offer these to Casemates (or RWS), again, talk to your marketing dept and have them fill out necessary papers to ship to OK…(Understand if you are holding a big oak club while talking it might help)
@winecaseaholic I feel your pain. And you are talking to the marketing dept.
Yours would literally be the first request I’ve ever had to ship to OK. I’m afraid I’d have to ship quite a few cases to justify the cost of the permit. Write to your local reps about how the high cost of permitting hurts the mom and pop wineries you want to support.
@eljefetwisted @winecaseaholic
https://freethegrapes.org/
@eljefetwisted actually I live in Arkansas, & drive to UPS in Oklahoma to pick up my casemates orders (just this AM picked up a case) trying to get AR to open up is an almost impossible task)… guess I’ll have to hope your next offering is when a trip to my other deliverable states (IA & Tx) is scheduled curious how much is the OK permit?
Yeah AR the only way is to purchase here and arrange the shipping. I usually advise people to check the wine on the plane and ship the dirty clothes home… OK is $300.
I’ve been jonesing for some Twisted Oak.
/giphy mythical-likeable-sodium
Twisted Oak? Spooky, you read my mind.
Wine, prepare to be drank! Drunk? Dranken?
/giphy surging-glaring-string
@Vince247 we’re in Skulls County after all, we excel at spooky!
I have been auto buying twisted oak for years. Met el jefe at a bar way back after an event in sf at crush pad with Gary Vaynerchuk and discovered twisted oak. Missed the last bart train back to the east bay. Waited a couple hours for a bus back and it was about a two hour bus ride. Got back to my car at 6 am and called in sick to work. One of the best nights of my life
moral of the story……….in for a case!!!
I was trying to avoid buying more wine (after retrieving my latest shipments from the UPS store yesterday). Oh well…
/giphy agreeable-drastic-sulfur
Wyoming?
I just opened a bottle of the Graciano from a previous offer last week with some Bolognese. It was exceptional, and felt like it still had some room to lay down. In for 2 cases.
Looking for a New Orleans area splitter
Iowa case split?
Opened a 2007 Spaniard tonight - the cork broke(I was impatient ) but the wine was still pleasurable. Paired nicely with turkey meat sloppy joes.
@Kildahl
Broke a cork on a 2008 Twisted Oak Petite Sirah tonight myself, although the bottom half came out clean when I re-keyed it. Drank with hot buttered cheesesteaks.
Lots of sediment but we poured through a filtered spout into a decanter before serving.
2 day shipping but the Friday before Labor Day, so 4 days in transit anyway?
@lehigh You got the shipping notice yesterday?
@InFrom yup, sent 9/1
@InFrom @lehigh Good chance it doesn’t actually hit the system until Tuesday, then. Check the tracking - it’ll tell you for sure.
@InFrom @klezman alas