Tempranillo enjoying growing fame in Northwest

Red Lily Vineyards 2012 Red Blanket Tempranillo, Rogue Valley, $22

Of the six expressions of Tempranillo she releases, this is Rachael Martin’s largest — accounting for about 25 percent of the total production at the Southern Oregon native’s winery near Jacksonville. She incorporates Cabernet Sauvignon (21%) and uses a 21-month barrel program dominated by French oak — and a third of the wood is fresh out of the wrapper. The nose expresses Bing cherry, red currant and dark plum, backed by wild rose, pepper and pleasing oak spice. There’s a nice approach of dark red fruit joined by mouthfilling but managed tannins akin to blueberry skins. That pleasing texture and balance is capped by loganberry and lingering Montmorency cherry. It’s the fifth vintage for this proprietary blend, yet the Martins continue to hold firm on the price of their approachable entry-level Tempranillo.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 750 cases

Alcohol: 13.9%

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