Elefante Tempranillo Shiraz 2010 $13 14%

Fourth Wave giving me a sneak peak at this over-achieving quaffer from Castillo La Mancha a few weeks back but I was slack and forgot to write a tasting note. There’s a bit of a change in the percentages of the blend in 2o10 but one thing that has not changed is the absolute value for money. Nicely smoky cherry and raspberry fruit, a good mix between savoury and sweet too, with a good deal of Tempranillo to pan out the structure. It’s as generous as a paella pan overflowing with flavour, has a silky red fruit palate and some dried herb character. Ends with keen acids that keep it perky but it’s the smooth tannins that impress making for a seamless drink at the price.

Elefante Vina de la Tierra Castilla Blanco 2011 $13 12%

First of all you have to remember the price of this wine, just $13 for an import of  character and flavour and a good point of difference to the homogeny of  Grigio and Savvy that so many gravitate towards.  A blend of  Macabeo, Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc, it smells of citrus, melon, honeysuckle, green herbs and has hints of dough and mango. It’s a textural marvel, deliciously rounded and almost unctuous, great delivery of citrus and melon with hints of apricot  and spice.It’s got length, jaunty, fresh acids to cut through and delivers a wine of infinite interest for the price. I could easily see myself pounding back a couple of chilled glasses of this with some tapas meats or chicken liver terrine. Marvellous value.

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