Lacey, Wash., winemaker Josh Stottlemyre creates this blend using varieties found on the Iberian Peninsula — Tempranillo (54%), Malbec (33%) and Mourvèdre. However, he sources them from Elerding 6 Prong Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills and Joel Hattrup’s Sugarloaf Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. He deploys a program of 30 percent new French oak for 19 months, and the nose is minty fresh with dark cherry notes, black tea, allspice and cardamom. There’s beautiful plush fruit on the delicious and round palate that hints at sweet pomegranate and blueberry. Moderate tannins make for a firm yet juicy finish.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 120 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
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