Longship Cellars 2013 Invader Tempranillo, Horse Heaven Hills, $30
Tri-City, Wash., winemaker Kyle Welch sets sail with his young brand by focusing on varieties that thrive on the Iberian Peninsula, including this Tempranillo from Destiny Ridge Vineyard that includes an injection of Grenache (6%). Two barrels in the five-barrel program were new French oak, and those 18 months make for a theme of heavy toast, black cherry and red currant, backed by smoke, green tea and a bright finish of raspberry. Suggested pairings include carne asada, smoked tri-tip tacos with chimichurri sauce, paella, grilled pizza or a rib eye. These wines are available online and at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center in Prosser, and free delivery is available in the Tri-Cities.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 120 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
Leave a Reply