2016 Tempranillo

Description

Tasting Notes

It takes on a deeper Rioja profile with its involvement of Graciano (15%), a combination that’s savory and smoky with a theme of dark strawberry, black cherry, black olive and bittersweet chocolate. Generous notes of oak, smoky cedar and boysenberry splash into the glass. The Graciano brings earth and texture to the blend. The Tempranillo has red fruit characteristics. Dried cherry and currants. Starts off juicy and rich and moves to the back of the palate.

Vineyard Designation

Coyote Canyon Vineyard – Horse Heaven Hills AVA

Vineyard Notes

2016 was a warm vintage in Washington State. It wasn’t as intense as 2015 but was plenty warm. The GDD (Grower degree days) compared to the 2014 vintage. Many white grapes were picked in late August, a week or two ahead of average. Some early ripening reds were next, picked about a week earlier than average. The late ripening reds started early but many were able to get some nice long hang time.

Things got started in the spring, we had lots of wet weather that helped with the early season growth. The sun was out and shining through Summer. Temperatures hovered in the 90’s but never got over 100 degrees. There was some smoke in the air but instead of causing problems it helped mitigate some of the heat. The steady warm season was very consistent, without extreme highs the grapes ripened without being stressed. It was a great vintage. 

Winemaking

I love Tempranillo more and more each vintage. It is nothing like the Spanish versions. It has more body and oomph. The is the last vintage we got from this block, it has some virus and needed to be replanted. Don’t worry we have another block to pull from in the future.

I should have looked at more blending options but just love the way these grape blends with Graciano. Tempranillo naturally has great acid while Graciano is more tannic and robust. Together you get a more complex wine.

Awards

Platinum – 2019 Wine Press North West, Gold – Washington Wine Competition 2019