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2017 Tempranillo

  • Sensory

    Eye
    Purple core, ruby rim.

    Nose
    Alpine forest, pipe tobacco, saddle, and graphite accented with purple flowers and raspberry hard candy. Secondary notes of pepper & coriander crusted dry-aged beef, Tahitian vanilla, toasted brioche, Meyer lemon zest.

    Palate
    Medium body, tight calcification relaxes with time in the glass.

    Cellar life
    Drink now through 2030+.

  • Technical
    • Composition
      100% Estate Tempranillo
    • Vineyard source
      Brown Estate — Big Field
    • Appellation
      Napa Valley
    • Barrel aging
      12 months in 30% new oak, 50/50 French/American
    • Alcohol by vol.
      13.2%
  • Wherefore

    In 2009 when we replanted our Big Field vineyard, David decided to install amidst the Zinfandel a one-acre section of Tempranillo alongside three acres of Petite Sirah. These were the first new varietals introduced on our property since 1990. David had already made one vintage (2008) of Petite Sirah from grapes purchased from a neighboring vineyard... but Tempranillo was a new venture altogether. With the first vintage (2013) it found its devotees, and it now has a permanent place on our annual production roster.