L.A. Cetto 2002 Nebbiolo

This is the first of several reviews I plan on completing on wine, wine-related products, and other interests. They will be under "Review" in label menu. The shot below shows the Guadalupe Valley, the home of the first wine .
L.A. Cetto has been producing wine for over 30 years and has earned numerous accolades for its efforts. With over 840,000 wine produced per year and 2,500 acres of vineyards, Cetto represents nearly half of the Mexican wine market. Besides Nebbiolo, Cetto produces wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Grenache, Petite Verdot, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Sangiovese, Mourvedre, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat Canelli. L.A. Cetto is located in the Guadalupe Valley, just east of Ensenada in northern Baja California. Wine was first grown here in the late 19th century by missionaries, but only began attracting attention recently. Winery - L.A. Cetto
Location - Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico
Wine - 2002 Private Reserve Nebbiolo
Appellation - Guadalupe Valley
Alcohol - 14%
Price - $15-20 USD per 750 mL bottle

Color - Garnet, with a slight brickish tinge.
Nose/Aroma - White pepper with strawberry rhubarb and a hint of toasted oak.
Palate/Flavors - Blackberry and currants, white pepper, toasted oak, tobbaco, and a touch of vanilla. Not a traditionally fruit-forward wine, secondary characteristics have dominant presence.
Style - Typical hot climate red that seems a bit over-oaked. Definitely a very clean and well made wine, though slightly out of balance (acid and bitterness seem a bit overpowering).
Food Pairing - Would go well with red meats and tomato-based dishes. Maybe carne asada fajitas with tomatillo soup or lamb shanks with garlic mashed potatoes.
Comments - A good value wine for the price. Shows an old world winemaking approach in a new world region, still a bit surprising that L.A. Cetto is the largest Nebbiolo producer outside of Italy.