Barking Frog Winery 2012 Tempranillo, Washington, $32
Carlton, Ore., seems to be a think tank for Willamette Valley winemakers adventurous enough to reach into Washington or Southern Oregon to source grapes in order to make wines of their choice. Ron Helbig finds much of the fruit for his bold red program in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills and Yakima Valley, and this Tempranillo fits that profile. Aromas of blueberry, cherry, chai spices and violets ply their way onto a palate that’s incredibly bold with sturdy tannins, racy acidity and a big pinch of spice. This is best laid down for five years, but serve in the meantime with well-marbled meats.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 100 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