Price: $35.00/bottle

Release Date: Feb 1, 2008

Cases Produced: 62

Alc. 13.9% By Vol.                                                              

Blend                                                                      

78% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon  

Climate

The 2006 growing season was fairly typical. We had some above average temperatures that allowed for early ripening of our Les Collines Tempranillo, which in turn, resulted in lower alcohol levels for this wine. Temperatures cooled down giving our Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon more hang time to develop complexity.

Vineyards

We source our Tempranillo from Les Collines Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Les Collines, French for “the hills” sits nestled up against the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Here, the winters are cold and the summers hot and drenched with sun; a location ideal for producing quality fruit with striking aromas and complex flavors. The Tempranillo grapes sourced from this vineyard are exceptional.

We sourced our Garnacha grapes from the Lonesome Spring Ranch in the Yakima Valley AVA. This exceptional vineyard produces limited quantities of high quality, ripe fruit with balanced acidity.

We source the Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine from Phinny Hill Located in the Horse Heaven Hills. Phinny Hill is a great source for Bordeaux grape varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Balance and structure are the signature notes from these grapes. The fruit character exemplifies the very best Washington state wines offer.

Vinification

Our 2006 Tempranillo was fermented in an open top fermentor and punched down twice daily for one week. Post fermentation the wine underwent extended skin contact to soften tannins and promote mouth feel. While in barrel the wine was stirred to suspend yeast and increase the wines viscosity, during secondary fermentation. Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon were later added to increase complexity in the wine. It was then aged for 11 months in oak barrels before bottling on Sept 1, 2007.

Barrel composition

6 months in second use American Oak barrels

5 months in neutral French Oak barrels

Tasting Notes

On the nose this wine has notes of earth, savory herbs, smoked game, violets and lavender, mingled with pine needles and fresh ginger. On the pallet an earthy texture that progresses into a lingering smooth finish.