Siempre Oaxaca Espadin / Tobala

Verdict

Ensambles live or die on the wisdom of the blender. Siempre Oaxaca's espadín-tobalá leans on the tobalá to give the espadín a personality it wouldn't have alone. Buy it if Banhez Ensamble isn't on the shelf, the cooperative label means you can't count on batch consistency, but what's in this bottle delivers more aromatic lift than its price tier usually buys.

Tasting notes

Nose: Green melon, cooked agave, a mineral top note, light smoke

Palate: The tobalá brightens what would otherwise be a standard espadín joven, floral lift up top, limestone sweetness in the middle, a finish that borrows from both agaves

Finish: Floral, clean – medium

The bottom line

A smart entry blend. Not reference-grade, but honest