Tempranillo, Indigo Montoya (Archived) 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:

“This is our third Tempranillo vintage. At first, this varietal seemed to be our red headed step child - who moves to Walla Walla to make Tempranillo? Now, it’s becoming the Prodigal Son of our portfolio. Most known for being the dominate grape in the wines of Rioja, Tempranillo is at home in the vineyards of Walla Walla - all 10 acres of it (we think)! The climate, with cool nights and hot days, mimics that of Spain. We make our Tempranillo in the traditional Spanish style, aging it for 15 months in American oak barrels which mellows it with rich vanilla creaminess. Blended with Syrah (5%) and Mourvedre (5%), we are excited by the depth and complexity of this wine. Apparently we are not the only ones - a visiting Spanish winemaker thought we were playing a trick by pouring him a Spanish wine instead of our own!

The medium bodied wine displays a balance of red and black fruits. Tempranillo brings raspberry, strawberry and bing cherry, while Syrah and Mourvedre give the wine a deep sense of earth and black fruit. (693 cases produced)”