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? How about it?
3x 2018 Twisted Oak The Spaniard, Sierra Foothills
Case:
12x 2018 Twisted Oak The Spaniard, Sierra Foothills
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $588/case MSRP
About The Winery
Winery: Twisted Oak Winery
Owners: Jeff and Mary Stai
Founded: 2004
Location: Murphys, CA
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 from 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, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2018 Twisted Oak The Spaniard - $40 = 14.28%
I had the opportunity to be a Lab Rat for this wine and went in without any prior research. However, I was familiar with Twisted Oak from previous Casemates offers. Upon opening the bottle and taking the first sip, my wife immediately noted that it was very drinkable. We both detected an initial burst of fruit up front, followed by a dry finish.
For dinner, we paired it with thick-cut pork chops and a mildly spicy sweet potato-apple mix, and the wine complemented the meal well. That said, I don’t think it would hold up against a steak. It’s an easy-drinking wine, enjoyable on its own or with lighter fare than you might typically associate with a Cabernet. Given the price point, I’d say it’s a solid value and sure to impress friends who usually spend around $20 at the grocery store.
I’m always excited to receive an unexpected package with a bottle of wine inside. This one caused me to do a fist-pump in the air as a previous purchaser and fan of Twisted Oak offerings. I have purchased mixed variety offerings in the past and although I have never had the 2018 varietal, The Spaniard has always been my favorite of the bunch.
First thing of note is my bottle has a different breakdown of the blend than what is listed on the website. The label shows 51% Tempranillo, 27% Garnacha, and 22% Graciano, in case that matters to anyone.
I opened my bottle and let it sit for an hour before trying as I was waiting for our friends to come over for dinner. The Spaniard pours dark, and I could smell the dark fruits on the nose immediately. This had some heavy fruit up front, which is my kind of wine. I could taste cherry notes and slightly disagree with the other lab rat, as I think this would pair very well with any red meat or a day of BBQ. It drank easier than I remember, and as the bottle had more time to open up, the wine improved. My friend was impressed with the wine and already asked me how to purchase more when it is offered on Casemates.
I must say that reading through comments, I am a little bummed to find out Twisted Oak is no more. So if you are a fan of The Spaniard in previous offerings, I would suggest stocking up as this wine is great for impressing guests. I still have a 2014 that I now have the urge to crack open. I will be splitting a case with my friend.
Cellar racks are beyond full and I really don’t need to buy anything for a while.
BUT… it is Twisted Oak AND it is The Spaniard. ‘Nuff said.
/giphy unguarded-pastel-dracula
I’m here if y’all need anything, but I’m sure most if not all of you know this wine seems to cellar forever, though last I checked the 2007 and eariler I would say are definitely in the drink now category.
@CruelMelody sure!
Meat Loaf a la El Jefe
1 medium yellow onion diced
2 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic peeled and chopped fine
½ lb mushrooms diced
½ tsp pepper
¼ tsp cayenne
1 tsp chile powder
1 tsp celery seed
¾ tsp thyme
2 tsp kosher salt
6 oz mrs cubbisons seasoned breadcrumb dressing (½ box)
4 slices thick bacon diced (about 1/4 lb or so)
1 egg
¼ cup water
3 lbs ground beef
Sauté onion in butter in a non stick skillet until soft. Chop mushrooms in a food processor to large crumbs (A little bigger than rice sized). Add mushrooms to skillet and brown. Add garlic when mushrooms are done and cook for a minute or so. Dump into big metal bowl to cool.
Put the dressing, all spices and salt, and bacon in food processor (don’t bother cleaning up the mushroom bits) and pulse to crumbs. Stir into big metal bowl. Add egg and water and mix well.
Cut beef into mixture with hands until well mixed but don’t over mix by aggressively whipping the meat. Just take your time. On a half sheet lined with silpat or parchment, form into a loaf.
Bake at 325 until internal temp is 155. About 60 to 75 minutes.
Notes:
You will notice there is no glaze. The standing loaf makes an amazing crust and I think you don’t need a glaze.
I like to bake this in the smoker when I can.
I don’t usually bother but you can certainly add some shredded carrots and/or finely diced celery. Cook these with the onions until soft.
Wow! surprised to see any Twisted Oak, knowing they closed up shop. If wine cellar didn’t already have 10 cases outside of the 400 slot rack, would have bought 2 cases! As it is swmbo is not too pleased with the wine levels.
Gotta get some of the last juice, and in honor of @Cheron98. She will be missed. Great time was had by all at her & @HitAnyKey42’s Western Woot Wedding Weception at Twisted Oak.
IIRC, I think I introduced her to adding some Pig Stai to the champagne there. (Got it from a Temecula Winery that did Petite Sirah, and added their LH PS to sparkling wine.)
What better case to use my Meh coupon? Cannot pass up el Jefe’s offerings while still available. Even if no more wines, hope to see him pop in now and then.
Cheers!
@kpixley
When the offer ends, it ends; you can’t purchase it.
It may show up again in the same of slightly different offer/assortment, so keep an open eye and don’t be tardy.
I just meant anymore twisted oak in the pipeline I just found out about this site after I learned that twisted oaks had given up the rest of their stock to casemates.
2018 Twisted Oak The Spaniard, Sierra Foothills
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $588/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Mar 17 - Tuesday, Mar 18
2018 Twisted Oak The Spaniard
3 bottles for $69.99 $23.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $239.99 $20/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
two or three way SoCal split?
@rjquillin I’ve already got 4 of these from the closing down sale. At 50% more than this price.
@klezman Yeah, and I had a mixed library case poached there while I was picking out other bottles.
@rjquillin Texting El jefe could have solved that! Maybe still could?
@klezman
I did, and nope; some were the last of the vintages.
@rjquillin already bought a 3 pack, pricing was too similar to warrant a split.
@klezman @rjquillin their site says WD purchased everything that was left… Maybe you’ll get another shot
@CruelMelody @klezman I could only wish.
Those were bin end pickings on their final sales day. When gone, gone forever. Sigh…
@rjquillin I picked up a case, if you want some bottles.
/giphy morose-mobile-zoo
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2018 Twisted Oak The Spaniard - $40 = 14.28%
I had the opportunity to be a Lab Rat for this wine and went in without any prior research. However, I was familiar with Twisted Oak from previous Casemates offers. Upon opening the bottle and taking the first sip, my wife immediately noted that it was very drinkable. We both detected an initial burst of fruit up front, followed by a dry finish.
For dinner, we paired it with thick-cut pork chops and a mildly spicy sweet potato-apple mix, and the wine complemented the meal well. That said, I don’t think it would hold up against a steak. It’s an easy-drinking wine, enjoyable on its own or with lighter fare than you might typically associate with a Cabernet. Given the price point, I’d say it’s a solid value and sure to impress friends who usually spend around $20 at the grocery store.
I’m always excited to receive an unexpected package with a bottle of wine inside. This one caused me to do a fist-pump in the air as a previous purchaser and fan of Twisted Oak offerings. I have purchased mixed variety offerings in the past and although I have never had the 2018 varietal, The Spaniard has always been my favorite of the bunch.
First thing of note is my bottle has a different breakdown of the blend than what is listed on the website. The label shows 51% Tempranillo, 27% Garnacha, and 22% Graciano, in case that matters to anyone.
I opened my bottle and let it sit for an hour before trying as I was waiting for our friends to come over for dinner. The Spaniard pours dark, and I could smell the dark fruits on the nose immediately. This had some heavy fruit up front, which is my kind of wine. I could taste cherry notes and slightly disagree with the other lab rat, as I think this would pair very well with any red meat or a day of BBQ. It drank easier than I remember, and as the bottle had more time to open up, the wine improved. My friend was impressed with the wine and already asked me how to purchase more when it is offered on Casemates.
I must say that reading through comments, I am a little bummed to find out Twisted Oak is no more. So if you are a fan of The Spaniard in previous offerings, I would suggest stocking up as this wine is great for impressing guests. I still have a 2014 that I now have the urge to crack open. I will be splitting a case with my friend.
/giphy responsible-unequal-oxygen
@halwarning Instabuy for me. Thanks El Jefe!
Can’t turn down an opportunity to stash some Twisted Oak. In for 6 bottles.
/giphy ornate-amusingly-ramen
Cellar racks are beyond full and I really don’t need to buy anything for a while.
BUT… it is Twisted Oak AND it is The Spaniard. ‘Nuff said.
/giphy unguarded-pastel-dracula
I’m here if y’all need anything, but I’m sure most if not all of you know this wine seems to cellar forever, though last I checked the 2007 and eariler I would say are definitely in the drink now category.
@eljefetwisted Good reminder to drink my last bottle of 2007, then!
@eljefetwisted can I have your meatloaf recipe?
@CruelMelody sure!
Meat Loaf a la El Jefe
1 medium yellow onion diced
2 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic peeled and chopped fine
½ lb mushrooms diced
½ tsp pepper
¼ tsp cayenne
1 tsp chile powder
1 tsp celery seed
¾ tsp thyme
2 tsp kosher salt
6 oz mrs cubbisons seasoned breadcrumb dressing (½ box)
4 slices thick bacon diced (about 1/4 lb or so)
1 egg
¼ cup water
3 lbs ground beef
Sauté onion in butter in a non stick skillet until soft. Chop mushrooms in a food processor to large crumbs (A little bigger than rice sized). Add mushrooms to skillet and brown. Add garlic when mushrooms are done and cook for a minute or so. Dump into big metal bowl to cool.
Put the dressing, all spices and salt, and bacon in food processor (don’t bother cleaning up the mushroom bits) and pulse to crumbs. Stir into big metal bowl. Add egg and water and mix well.
Cut beef into mixture with hands until well mixed but don’t over mix by aggressively whipping the meat. Just take your time. On a half sheet lined with silpat or parchment, form into a loaf.
Bake at 325 until internal temp is 155. About 60 to 75 minutes.
Notes:
You will notice there is no glaze. The standing loaf makes an amazing crust and I think you don’t need a glaze.
I like to bake this in the smoker when I can.
I don’t usually bother but you can certainly add some shredded carrots and/or finely diced celery. Cook these with the onions until soft.
Wow does this make good sandwiches the next day!
@eljefetwisted then you jefe. Yours is still the only winery membership I’ve ever joined! I’ll miss your wines.
@CruelMelody it was folks like you that kept it fun - thank you!
In For a case, gone like so many others.
rare-vicarious-beef
/showme a flatulent-informally-plane anime flying over people
Wow! surprised to see any Twisted Oak, knowing they closed up shop. If wine cellar didn’t already have 10 cases outside of the 400 slot rack, would have bought 2 cases! As it is swmbo is not too pleased with the wine levels.
@outdoorslife They never are but they don’t mind drinking down the in-vine-tory.
Gotta get some of the last juice, and in honor of @Cheron98. She will be missed. Great time was had by all at her & @HitAnyKey42’s Western Woot Wedding Weception at Twisted Oak.
IIRC, I think I introduced her to adding some Pig Stai to the champagne there. (Got it from a Temecula Winery that did Petite Sirah, and added their LH PS to sparkling wine.)
/giphy drowsy-exquisite-patch
Well. Didn’t expect that.
Oh, and in for a case, of course!
/giphy influential-willowy-giraffe
Couldn’t pass this up! I still have 4 of the 2013 according to CT…I’m going to need to bring one of those up and drink soon.
/giphy popular-tangible-pest
@TimW the 13 is my favorite vintage after the 2009.
@eljefetwisted @TimW excellent. I have a bottle of 09 and 3 of the 13 to enjoy in the next few years.
Twisted oak and going out of business??11 in for a case
/showme an everlasting mournful hippopotamus
^-- seems fitting.
What better case to use my Meh coupon? Cannot pass up el Jefe’s offerings while still available. Even if no more wines, hope to see him pop in now and then.
Cheers!
Do we know if this is the end end end of the Twisted Oak or is there more to come in 2025?
@halwarning There is more inventory than just the Spaniard, but ultimately that’s a David question.
Was in for three on general principals, then found (and cracked) a bottle of the '18 from sometime past . . . in for three more.
/giphy relaxed-elite-downtown
Anymore left?
@kpixley
When the offer ends, it ends; you can’t purchase it.
It may show up again in the same of slightly different offer/assortment, so keep an open eye and don’t be tardy.
I just meant anymore twisted oak in the pipeline I just found out about this site after I learned that twisted oaks had given up the rest of their stock to casemates.
@kpixley
Based on the inventory I saw remaining when I visited TO on the next to last day of sales, I can’t imagine we won’t see more offers.
@rjquillin awesome ill keep my eyes open!
VAN MURALS! GROUND SQUIRRELS! SPIT CURLS! AWESOME!
@kpixley keep an eye out tomorrow- ish