New release of the Northwest's big daddy Tempranillo.
"Terrific"..."Superb"..."a Triumph" -Matt Kramer, Oregonian (Wine Spectator)
Matt Kramer devoted his entire Sunday column in the Oregonian to this wine, saying: "This week's recommendation should rock your red wine world -- an exceptional red made from a variety that, although widely grown in Europe, is not yet esteemed on our shores, let alone much grown here in America. One taste and you'll wonder why, I assure you."
He continues: "This is terrific tempranillo: dense yet impressively refined. The barrel treatment affords the polish and smoothness achieved by small French oak barrels (few of them new, which helps reduce an invasive vanilla scent)."
Comparing it to Spanish Tempranillo, he said: "This is superb tempranillo, not just by embryonic American standards but by the standards of Spain itself. Rich, dense, redolent of plums, blackberries and spice, this is an ideal red for roast beef, a well-aged steak or a great plate of scalloped potatoes."
Finally, "Based on the stellar quality of Abacela's "Estate" tempranillo, various parts of Southern Oregon have more than mere promise for this slightly spicy red grape."
"Highly Recommended" by Avalon- a sensuous delight! Abacela's higher end Tempranillo after the "intro level".
From the winery: A remarkable geological fault line transects our estate. The contrast between soils derived form ancient mountains and those from youthful sea floor sediments could not be greater. Our 2003 Estate Tempranillo was constructed with select wine lots from both soil types and the blend is an intense, concentrated, full-bodied wine. Typical varietal characteristics of ripe blackberry and plum, mineral, cedar, and tobacco persist from the bold entry through the lengthy finish.
Enjoy over the next four to seven years with seared pork chop and chorizo-oregano gravy.
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
2003 Estate Tasting Notes
Highly Recommended by Avalon- a sensuous delight! Abacela's higher end Tempranillo after the "intro level".
From the winery: A remarkable geological fault line transects our estate. The contrast between soils derived form ancient mountains and those from youthful sea floor sediments could not be greater. Our 2003 Estate Tempranillo was constructed with select wine lots from both soil types and the blend is an intense, concentrated, full-bodied wine. Typical varietal characteristics of ripe blackberry and plum, mineral, cedar, and tobacco persist from the bold entry through the lengthy finish.
Enjoy over the next four to seven years with seared pork chop and chorizo-oregano gravy.
Wine Press NW says: "Earl and Hilda Jones first planted this Spanish varietal in 1995 and it's made them famous. This is their regular bottling, and you'll find bing cherries embraced by oak, earthiness and hay in the nose. Strawberries and more cherries fill the mouth with some anise and nice spice."
Enjoy now with steaks or lamb or Cajun and in a couple of years with lamb, veal, venison or mushroom accented dishes. Two to four years bottle aging should highlight the fruit and dried floral nuances of this wine.
