2005 MEADOR TEMPRANILLO

Tempranillo (Temp-rha-NEE-yoh) is the great red grape of Spain. Over the last twenty years or so I have spent a great deal of time in Spain working with growers and winemakers learning about their techniques. After all that time 2005 is our first release. In fact it is the first release and production of this varietal in Monterey.

While viewed by many as a warmer climate grape, I believe that it, like Syrah and Grenache Noir soar to marvelous and elegant heights when grown in cool climate, rocky soil and tended with sublime wine in mind.

As demonstrated in Spain, Tempranillo is a very long aging wine when that is desired. However it is precocious in that it is gorgeous in its youth, probably most enjoyable years 4 through 8. It will reward cellaring.

I feel a father’s pride in watching this “debutante” presenting herself to the adult world. I deeply hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

Our Tempranillo has a deep red-purple color with violet reflections and rich aromas of berry fruit and earthy leather. It is an elegant full bodied wine with complex, lush flavors of cherry, cassis, tobacco and sensuous notes of vanilla. Enjoyable young, firm tannic structure makes it capable of long aging.