Grochau Cellars "Matador" Red Blend 08

Review:

The “Matador” is a blend that came to mind when the Upper Five Vineyard planted its first Grenache vines. Many people know that Tempranillo is a big grape in Spain, less people know that Grenache (called Garnacha in Spain) is also widely planted. The regions of Narvarre and Priorat are my influences with this wine, with deep meaty flavors, abundant yet appropriate tannins, big black and blue fruits and massive concentration. - the winery

John and Kerri Grochau's Grochau Cellars is the product of a career in restaurant and winery experience, culminating in the couple's own winery. John worked for 13 years at one of Portland, Oregon's best restaurants, Higgins, and has a capacious knowledge of wine across the world, and especially from Oregon.

John Grochau worked as assistant winemaker to Doug Tunnell's Brick House Wines before setting up Grochau Cellars. He makes a variety of red and white wines from grapes selected from a dozen or so vineyards in Oregon.