Abacela 2009 South East Block Reserve Estate Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $55
This Iberian grape variety gets its name from a Spanish term for early because it’s an early-ripening red, and this Cab-like grape was hand-picked from the Jones estate on Oct. 9. The all-French oak program, dominated by two-year-old barrels, presents balance in the nose as clove and vanilla sit behind black currant and blackberry aromas. There’s cherry, red currant, cola and chocolate on the palate, which shows maturity and food-friendly acidity. Suggested pairings include El Lechazo of Aranda de Duero — a traditional Spanish roast lamb dish.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 157 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
Ray Grinberg says
What about Daven Lore Tempranillo?
Andy Perdue says
Hi, Ray. We tasted the DavenLore 2011 Tempranillo about nine months ago and enjoyed it. This list includes Tempranillos we’ve tasted more recently.
Mark Stanley says
Hi Andy
I have been making Tempranillo from the Sugar Loaf Vineyard almost every year since 2008. Every vintage has been good. This is a variety that has great potential for WA. The Sugar Loaf site is superb, but I think it is doing well in other WA areas as well. The varietal expression here in WA seems to be more fuller bodied than the typical Rioja or Ribera.
WA Viticulturests–plant Tempranillo!
P.S. Look for my new book to be published in August on Amazon “Creating World Class Red Wine” by Mark Stanley
Andy Perdue says
Mark, thanks for the note. Sugarloaf is a terrific vineyard, especially for one that is so young. We’re seeing a lot of wines carrying the Sugarloaf designation.
And we’re excited to see where Tempranillo goes in Washington. It’s unlikely to ever be a major player, but it could well be a niche role player, much like Sangiovese and Grenache.
Jeff Gordon says
I agree with Mark. The first time I tried our Tempranillo I noticed a bigger body. I would caution people on getting sold on this variety. We may like it here but you get out of the Northwest, for the most part, people want Spanish or South American Tempranillo, not something from Washington.
Jeff Gordon