2015 Tempranillo
Our foray into Tempranillo, Spain's principal grape varietal, began with the planting of 150 vines on our estate vineyard in the mid-1990s. We follow the lead of our Spanish predecessors and make it in what would be considered a Reserva style, allowing it to age in barrel for at least 2 years, and then bottle aged for at least 1 year prior to release. The extended aging allows the tannins to soften and the flavors to concentrate and become more savory and complex. In an homage to antiquity, we tread the grapes by foot during fermentation to develop more texture and depth of flavor.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2015
Varietal
Tempranillo
Appellation
Eola-Amity Hills
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Growing a Spanish red varietal in the Willamette Valley is a challenge, even with
our evolving climate. Nonetheless, this experiment has been a resounding success.
Our Tempranillo not only helped establish our reputation but also shaped our
innovative and adaptable winemaking approach. We use extended élevage to soften
the robust tannins of our windblown grapes, honoring and reflecting Spain’s reserva
methodology.
Vintage Notes
The 2015 vintage marked another extraordinary growing season.
Warm weather prevailed throughout the entire season, resulting
in concentrated and balanced fruit. We were able to harvest our
red grapes at the balance point of having full flavors and bright
acidity, all without fear of autumn rains.