Zerba Cellars 2019 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley $50

Jon Cockburn Vineyard is the Zerba site in the Blue Mountain foothills, and it’s shown itself to be a consistent site for this early-ripening Spanish red, producing a trio of Platinums over the years, starting with the 2007 vintage. The deployment of 50% new American oak barrels doesn’t distract from the superb and fruit-forward approach of black currant, dark blueberry and dried strawberry. There’s a sense of earthiness on the midpalate, followed by plum-skin tannins that make for a long, mouth-filling finish. Qualifying award: Oregon Wine Experience (double gold)

Rating: Platinum • 93 points

Production: 273 cases

Alcohol: 15.1%

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