Reviews / Sombra Reposé
Review ·
Sombra Reposé
Bordeaux barrels on espadín – a well-meaning mistake
Score: 2.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Sombra Mezcal
- Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin
- ABV: 45%
- Price: $55 ($$)
Verdict
Barrel-aged mezcal has to clear two hurdles – the wood has to add something, and it has to add it without subtracting the agave. Sombra Reposé clears the first and fails the second. Bordeaux wine casks contribute a pleasant red-fruit edge and then quietly erase the espadín. Walk away from this one. Reach for their Ensamble for what this money could have bought.
Bordeaux barrels don't know what to do with mezcal either
Tasting notes
Nose: Red fruit walks in first, then oak, vanilla, a residual smoke
Palate: 45% and Bordeaux barrel aging turn this into a soft, fruit-forward drink that has less and less to do with Oaxaca the longer you hold it in your mouth
Finish: Fruity, sweet – medium
The bottom line
Best avoided. The barrel wins and that's the loss
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 4 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- Saratoga Wine – $50
- Keg N Bottle – $59.99
- Total Wine
- Old Town Tequila – $55
Price check: $55 (2026-07-29).