Castillo de Feliciana Vineyard and Winery 2010 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, $28
Here’s an Oregon winemaker in the Walla Walla Valley producing Tempranillo from Washington’s warm and arid Wahluke Slope. It hints at black raspberry, president plum, chocolate and cinnamon toast in the aromas. On the palate, there’s a fair bit of toasted oak on the entry, then a reward of black cherry, boysenberry and black pepper tones throughout. It’s a more lighter-structured Temp than many in the Northwest, with acidity cast ahead of tannins. This wine is available at their Woodinville tasting room.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 270 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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