Spanish Tempranillo tasting

Spanish Tempranillo goes by quite a few names, including Tinto de Toro, and each of the wines we tasted from northern Spain was labeled Tinto de Toro or Tempranillo. Whatever name it goes by the wines are increasingly terrific. Each year brings new producers, and the areas where it's grown are becoming more and more well known - whoever heard of Bierzo a few years ago for instance? Of course we started with a white first, Albarino from Condes de Albarei 2007. It was fine as a starter, and whetted my palate for the reds. They included JC Vizcara 2006, Bodegas Y Vinedos O Fournier Spiga 2004, Abelis Carthago William Selection 2004, Bodegas Matarredonde Libranza 2004, and Vinos Jeromin Manu 2004. Tasted February 20, 2008.