Pago de Carraovejas

Pago de Carraovejas Crianza 2004
This is one of those wines which has quite a reputation in Spain.
Spoken of in hushed tones. I have had friends promise me they MIGHT be able to get me a couple of bottles. I’ve never really understood this as it’s quite readily available in the UK. (ok more expensive for sure). I have had it in the past and not been overwhelmed. I found it fine but a bit light and juicy. A restauranteur in Segovia is part owner and it used to be served in his reasaurant. Probably still is.

I happened upon a bottle recently and thought I’d give it a try.

Dark cherry core, lovely nose wafting out of the glass. Black and red fruits. Oak but not overpowering. I’d swear southern Rhone as it has a heady lifted aroma with glycerin on the palate but there is no Grenache. It’s 85% Tempranillo with Cab and Merlot.
Very smooth entry and supple tannins, satisfyingly long and sweet finish. Absolutely ready. If there is a fault it is that it is a little ’fat’ in subsequent glasses. Makes me think it’s not an ager.
But it is quite different to what I remember from some years ago. A more ’serious’ wine than I thought. Must visit that particular restaurant this year !

So Veremaites (!) What’s your opinion of it ?