The gift bottle with the nifty label had been lying there gathering dust for some time. I gave it the stink eye for maybe the dozenth time since it arrived at Casa de las Rocas Grandes, and then, with a slight shrug, picked it up, leaving fingerprints smudged on the dusty bottle. Maybe we should dust more.
Invoking the Monty Python rating system, the 2004 Tormenta Cabernet was a wine for lying down and avoiding, nigh on undrinkable. Surprisingly, the 2006 has shown some impressive gains. Is it a great wine? No, but it has solidly arrived in that niche of decently priced, drinkable wines in the $6.00-$10.00 US price range.

The wine is made in a traditional fashion using organically grown grapes. In the glass it's ruby red and quite dry, with a little oak, subdued tannins, and the typical black fruits that you would expect with Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit, which is 100% Cabernet, is restrained and does not overwhelm the palate, more in keeping with French stylings. The wine drinks nicely now but will hang with you until at least 2010.
Enjoy this wine with grilled beef and horseradish.
Salud,
TWC