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Wine Details
Price:
$28.00 per bottle
Description:
A very rare bottling of a native Spanish varietal, Tempranillo, which has only recently been grown in Washington State. The vines are located on a south-facing gravelly slope, near Mattawa. The fruit was hand-picked under ideal weather conditions. A medium bodied, ripe, accessible style. Shows cherry fruit, with exotic hints of smoke, savory herb and rose-petal notes. Vanillin and subtle spice add complexity. Sweet fruit by mouth, with a rich finish, with mild dry tannins. Bottled in March 2006 after aging at our cellars for 16 months in primarily American barrels. Will benefit from near to medium-term cellaring, gaining additional integration and flavor development over 6-18 months.
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Varietal Definition
Tempranillo:
The Tempranillo is to Rioja what Pinot Noir is to Burgundy. By far Spain's most noble indigenous grape it has similar characteristics to the Pinot - strawberries when young, earthy vegetal when mature - and it ages very well. It ripens early ('temprana' is the Spanish for 'early') is thick-skinned and gives good colour and extract but low alcohol and acidity. In Rioja it is blended with the more fiery Garnacha and a little Mazuelo and Graciano. It is grown throughout Spain but very much as a grape for blending as opposed to a straight varietal. Outside Spain the grape is quite prolific in Argentina and to a lesser extent in California.
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