Southern Oregon’s 150-year history of pioneering work in vineyards is on display at Ed Kerwin’s showpiece property near Ashland. Among his 31 acres of plantings is Teroldego, a red variety associated with northern Italy’s Alto Adige region. First in the ground in 2010, this bottling by Kathe Kaigas is from fifth-leaf fruit, and it’s a remarkably intense and very approachable release. The inky appearance leads to aromas of blueberry jam, macerated cherry, Aussie black licorice and cola. There’s no bait and switch inside. Mouth-filling yet fine-grained tannins allow for a long finish of blueberry fruit leather and cocoa powder. Suggested pairings include Petite Beef roast with new potatoes, pan-roasted pork loin with rhubarb chutney or bruschetta.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 168 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
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