With Wine Glasses, Sex Sells

Posted by | Posted in Commentary | Posted on 09-30-2013

Flickr, Frank Fujimoto.

Flickr, Frank Fujimoto.

“The Riedel Sommelier line is by far the best stem for bringing out the true aromatics of any wine,” says my friend opposite me at the table, swirling his glass of Pinot.

“You’re crazy! Why spend that amount when you can get the same experience from Spiegelau Authentis for a fraction of the cost?” boasts my ever cost-conscience other friend to my left.

“Have you guys tried the Zalto Universal stems?” I ask, sounding a bit like proud parent.

Not a word was uttered. Nothing. Then came the dismissive looks. You would have thought I insulted their families. The two guys were completely unwilling to admit there are other viable options for enjoying wine. Oh sure, there are other glasses out there, but clearly inferior to their choice.

Wine enthusiasts take their glasses seriously. Many are just as proud of their glasses as they are with their wine — and take just as much care in selecting the right glass as they do with the juice inside. I’m sure we all know someone who has taken his or her own glasses to dinner because a restaurant doesn’t have appropriate stemware. Or perhaps you’ve been that person.

But do glasses really make that much of a difference? You bet they do.

I’m far from alone in this thought. Check any wine message board and you’re bound to come across a spirited debate over who makes the best glass and which shape is right for different wines. Are they lead-based? Hand-blown? One- or two-pieced? How thin is the rim? Are they fragile? What do they cost? Do they truly enhance the wine-drinking experience? The answers are plentiful.

While these are all very valid questions, and certainly play a large role in choosing stemware, I seriously doubt they’re actually the determining factor in any purchasing decision. If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us will admit that we choose the glass by saying, “wow, those look really cool! I gotta have them!”

We all know sex sells, and with wine glasses it’s no different. I’m guilty of ogling over the pure aesthetics of a glass and convincing myself it must be superior. The more excited an individual is about a glass — the way it looks, feels, and how it accentuates the nose — the more fulfilling the experience. If that wasn’t the case, we could all save a lot of money and just drink from clear plastic cups. But what fun is that? Not much if you ask me.

For such a subjective topic, it always strikes me as odd that individuals tout certain brands as the be-all and end-all of the wine glass world. This shouldn’t surprise me, though. If people can’t agree on the best wine at a tasting, it stands to reason they aren’t going to agree on the best glasses for those wines. The debate will rage on forever .

Fortunately for me and my two friends that night, we all agreed on the best wine of the night. And we did so from our own glasses… that we each brought ourselves. Yes, we were those guys.

Jeb Singleton is a wine enthusiast in Washington, DC. This is his first post for Terroirist.com.

Daily Wine News: Studious Sort

Posted by | Posted in Wine News | Posted on 09-30-2013

Glen Carlou Wine Estate

South Africa’s Glen Carlou Wine Estate

“When you discover somewhere with a love for white wine that’s at least as strong as for red, it is the key to redefining expectations.” In the San Francisco Chronicle, Jon Bonné contends that “a more studious sort of South African wine” is starting to come ashore.

“I think we’ll see state control or at least state monitoring of groundwater use in the next few years.” In Wine-Searcher, W. Blake Gray reports on the intensifying scramble for water in California.

“Want to make money in the wine business? Treat the consumer fairly, and the consumer will reward you.” Jeff Siegel comments on the ouster of Treasury Wine Estate CEO David Dearie.

“Maybe that’s the real story of wine-tasting notes — and why we hate and love them so much. From wine writers to retailers to regular wine drinkers, we all hold a secret desire to be F. Scott Fitzgerald — in 50 words or less.” Lettie Teague writes about the tasting note.

Seven years ago, winemakers in Paso Robles applied to split the AVA into 11 new sub-appellations. Now, the TTB is moving forward.

With a vivid imagination, Alfonso Cevola wonders if “a spontaneous wine-gasm might be possible.”

Jamie Goode posts a wonderful video from his recent visit to Tokaj.

Richard Jennings reviews three wine-themed movies that have been released in the past few months.

In the Daily Beast, Adrienne Vogt writes about the rising number of female vintners and the challenges they face.

Next year, Tennessee lawmakers are expected to reconsider a bill seeking to allow supermarket wine sales.

In Wine Enthusiast, Michael Schachner profiles Spanish wine importer Jorge Ordoñez.

GQ contributing editor Darius Sanai recently staged a competition between some of the most expensive wines from France and the United States. The results are quite surprising.

Los Angeles Times wine critic S. Irene Virbila recommends Abbazia di Novacella’s Stitftskellerei Neustift Kerner. Me too.

Australian winemaker Bob Oatley has officially challenged software mogul Larry Ellison’s Oracle Team USA for the next America’s Cup.

In the Washington area, the cider industry is blowing up.

Wine Reviews: Long Shadows

Posted by | Posted in Wine Reviews | Posted on 09-29-2013

Allen Shoup knows a thing or two about Washington State wine. The man behind the dramatic rise of Chateau Ste. Michelle and its affiliated wineries, Shoup has been perhaps the greatest evangelist for the wines of the Columbia Valley.

In 2002, Shoup assembled a super group of winemakers from all around the world to create a diverse portfolio of Washington State wines. He called the project Long Shadows Wineries. Using fruit from all over the Columbia Valley, Long Shadows produces a “Poet’s Leap” Riesling with Nahe winemaker Armin Diel, a Cabernet called “Feather” with Randy Dunn, a Super Tuscan style blend with Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, just to name a few.

The wines in this report were received as samples. The bottles were mixed in with other Pacific Northwest wines, and I tasted and scored them blind.

2012 Long Shadows Wineries Riesling “Poet’s Leap”
Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $20
Honeysuckle and cherry blossom aromas explode from the glass, followed by green melon and papaya. Yet there’s a salted lime aspect to the nose as well, and the wine got more and more expressive as it warmed up. On the palate, juicy green melon, white peach and banana flavors are balanced by tart acid and focused mineral notes. This tastes only slightly off-dry, but it’s very well-balanced. Rich, but maintains classic Riesling verve. What a finish: like briny ocean rocks and key limes mixed together. Seems like it could easily improve and develop for two or three years. Made by Armin Diel. (90 points IJB)

2008 Long Shadows Wineries “Chester-Kidder”  – Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $50
Dense aromas, but with air they started coming out to play, showing cherry sauce, wild blueberry, violets and sweet coconut. Silky but incredibly rich, as waves of blueberry, cassis and cocoa powder cover the palate. The secondary flavors of earth, dust, cedar and granite need 5+ years to fully develop. A stunning red blend that’s built for the long haul. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Made by Gilles Nicault. (92 points IJB)

2009 Long Shadows Wineries “Chester-Kidder”
Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $50
Dark purple color. Upon popping the cork, the aromas were really tight, but they opened up to show chocolate-covered cherries, sweet plums and cocoa powder. On the palate, this wine boasts a glycerin-like mouthfeel. It’s really dense, with flavors of blackberries and blueberries, fig paste and caramel. Notes of loam and graphite add complexity. With time, this settled down and showed some acid coming through, but let’s be clear: this wine is dense and hedonistic, and it’s incredibly primal right now. The cellar could do wonders for this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, 17% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Made by Gilles Nicault. (89 points IJB)

2009 Long Shadows Wineries “Pirouette”
Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $50
Aromas of plum sauce, charcoal and prunes. The palate is very jammy, with medium tannins and a raisin and prune-like approach. Notes of red licorice and mocha carry the finish. Quite nice, but not as deep as the Chester Kidder. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. Made by Phillipe Melka. (87 points IJB)

2009 Long Shadows Wineries “Saggi”
Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $45
A purple-ruby color. The currant and red plum fruit smells warm, but not baked, with earthy, cedar and floral notes. Fresh acid and fine tannins. Tangy red currant fruit leads the way, and I get the sensation of biting into a fresh summer plum. Some roasted coffee, cedar and toast, but not overwhelming, and there are also some tobacco and mushroom undertones. Bold, balanced, this will improve in the cellar. A blend of 62% Sangiovese, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Syrah. A team effort from Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari. (91 points IJB)

Weekly Interview: Aaron Pott

Posted by | Posted in Interviews | Posted on 09-27-2013

aaron_01Each week, as regular readers know, we pose a series of questions to a winemaker. This week, Tyson Scheumann, a wine enthusiast in Napa who is a student at UC Berkeley and concierge at the Historic El Dorado Hotel in Sonoma, interviews Aaron Pott.

Without question, Pott is one of California’s most respected winemakers — he currently consults with a slew of Napa Valley’s top wineries, including Quixote, Blackbird, and Bello Family Vineyards, and critical acclaim continues to grow. In 2012, he was named one of Food and Wine’s Winemakers of the Year.

Because he is one of California’s leading consultants, Pott can easily choose which clients to take on – and which vineyards to work with. On his website, Aaron proclaims that “he has chosen clients who, like him, think wine is sexy and aren’t afraid to make something that will be misunderstood by the masses.”

Aaron’s interest in wine started at the age of ten. While dining in France, Aaron asked his waiter for a glass of milk. The waiter refused — “milk is for babies,” he said — and brought Aaron wine instead.

When it came time to attend college, Aaron enrolled at UC Davis, graduating with a degree in enology. In 1990, he took his first job in the industry as assistant winemaker at Newton Vineyard. Newton had a French consultant at the time, who encouraged Pott to take a position at Chateau Troplong-Mondot in St. Emilion. So Aaron moved overseas, eventually becoming the head winemaker and general manager at Chateau Latour Figeac. While in France, he also received a masters in viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne.

Aaron returned to the States after six years to become winemaker in charge of international brands for Beringer, which allowed him to continue making wine in France, as well as Italy and Chile. In 2004 he took the position of head winemaker and general manager at Quintessa, and decided to venture out on his own three years later.

In 2007, Aaron launched his own label, which is headquared on his small property in Napa’s Mt. Veeder region. (The 1/3 of an acre vineyard is dubbed “Chateauneuf du Pott.”)

Check out our interview with Aaron below the fold. Read the rest of this entry »

Daily Wine News: More Than Cab

Posted by | Posted in Wine News | Posted on 09-27-2013

1982On Winemakers Recommend, Jeff Ames (of Rudius) explains why he adores old Napa Cabernet.

“You need not sell your stash of Napa Cabernet just yet because the ‘revolution’ that this new book will proclaim is built around very limited quantities of wine that only the writer and a few insiders and geeks are chasing.” Charles Olken offers his thoughts on Jon Bonné’s forthcoming book, The New California Wine. One must wonder, though, if Olken has read the book. Or if he realizes that not too long ago, Napa had much more to offer than Cabernet.

Tom Wark responds to the common interpretation of John Gillespie’s survey which explores who high-frequency American wine drinkers take advice from.

In Wine-Searcher, “W. Blake Gray meets fifth-generation winemaker Charlie Wagner, whose family owns Caymus Vineyards in the Napa Valley.”

“I’m thrilled that anyone wants to bring us anything, anytime. But I know I can express opinions a little emphatically at times, and I hope that doesn’t make anyone nervous about offering a wine gift.” Like most readers of this blog, Tom Natan’s friends hesitate to bring him wine.

“Pairing wine with cheese is actually a little more complicated than it seems.” In the Wall Street Journal Europe, some sage advice from Will Lyons.

“That fleeting proximity gives me no great insight into the deliberations in Treasury’s board room, of course.” A few days before David Dearie was ousted as CEO of Treasury Wine Estates, he spent time with Dave McIntyre.

At the Wine Industry Financial Symposium, winery managers gave some impromptu marketing advice. Jim Gordon Read has the details.

Daily Wine News: Quite Boring

Posted by | Posted in Wine News | Posted on 09-26-2013

“From a strict movie perspective, Somm is quite boring. The plot basically moves in a straight line, and monotonously so.” James Molesworth writes a scathing review of Somm. (As regular readers know, I enjoyed the movie.)

From Facebook.com/sommdocfilm.

Facebook.com/sommdocfilm.

“Not a fan of Robert Parker? It’s time to celebrate.” In Wine-Searcher, W. Blake Gray digs into a new survey which explores who high-frequency American wine drinkers take advice from.

In a separate piece on the same survey, Gray explores the spirits habits of wine drinkers.

“Laboratory testing of 92 French wines from across the country found pesticide traces in every bottle, including those made from organically-grown grapes.” In Bloomberg, Rudy Ruitenberg has the details on a shocking new study.

“Put down that sake.” According to CNN’s Pamela Boykoff, “nearly 100 vineyards at the base of Mount Fuji are beginning to produce tasty bottles of vino.”

“The result is a rich, savory, lusty wine that gives those of us who love it an almost visceral connection to the ground from which it sprang.” Bill Ward explains why Mourvedre is his “new favorite grape.”

Jane Skilton, MW, reports from the 60th anniversary celebration of the Institute of Masters of Wine.

TechCrunch profiles Jay Levy, “a conventional New York City tech VC… [who] is also an entrepreneur himself, using his knowledge of online technology, particularly social media, to develop a northern Californian direct sales wine company that focuses on the consumer experience.”

In the Washington Post, Dave McIntyre explains why “somms are so giddy over the Coravin.”

Becca Yeamans, the Academic Wine, looks at a new study which concludes that “a relatively large number of people are not aware of what is a standard serving of alcohol.”

Mike Veseth, the Wine Economist, shares his recent talk on “‘Australia on the Global Stage’ at Savour Australia 2013, the international gathering designed to re-launch Brand Australia to the world market.”

Daily Wine News: So Heterogeneous

Posted by | Posted in Wine News | Posted on 09-25-2013

Eric Asimov's latest book.

Eric Asimov’s latest book.

“I don’t think I anticipated the extent to which public tastes, which seemed so monochromatic a decade ago would become so heterogeneous.” In Serious Eats, Maggie Hoffman chats with Eric Asimov.

Elsewhere on Serious Eats, Lily Elaine Hawk Wakawaka offers some thoughts (and a cartoon!) on the wines of Morgon.

“Now hemmed in by urban sprawl, the estate’s magical terroir is where Bordeaux as we know it began.” In Bloomberg, Elin McCoy writes a fascinating piece on Chateau Haut-Brion.

“David Ramey may not be a trapeze artist or a tight-rope walker, but he’s a risk taker, a bold and audacious one at that.” In the Press Democrat, Peg Melnik profiles David Ramey.

In Wine-Searcher, Rebecca Gibb chats with Nick Hetzel, the world’s newest Master Sommelier.

With some help from superstar sommelier Patrick Cappiello Playboy (SFW!) names “The World’s Five Must-See Wineries and Cellars This Harvest Season.”

In their second posting on WineEconomist.com, Cynthia Howson, Pierre Ly, and Jeff Begun look at the role of the Chinese government in that nation’s wine industry.

Dave McIntyre writes about (and photographs) the hands of Aussie vintner Paul Drogemuller.

“We had run into several people who drank local wine like it was Red Bull, starting their days with healthy swigs and powering over mountains, through cityscapes and past miles of Spanish countryside with open bottles strapped to their backs.” On the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Liz Behler takes a wrong turn.

Daily Wine News: Required Drinking

Posted by | Posted in Wine News | Posted on 09-24-2013

kutch“If obsession mixed with passion, and then seasoned with a good dose of the fastidious is the recipe for good winemaking, we theoretically could have seen someone like Jamie Kutch coming.” Alder Yarrow explains why Jamie Kutch’s wines “are simply required drinking for anyone who wants to see where Pinot Noir is headed in America.”

In the Village Voice, Lauren Mowery profiles Yannick Benjamin, a sommelier who “works the floor on wheels.”

The HoseMaster offers a (blind) review of Jon Bonné’s forthcoming book, “The New California Wine.”

“For decades, South Africa has been the promising but slightly troubled cousin of the wine world. However, a new generation of vintners are creating distinctive, and some say world-beating, wines.” In Wine-Searcher, Andrew Beatty looks at “South Africa’s Rapidly Changing Wine Scene.”

Lily Elaine Hawk Wakawaka tastes through 24 different bottles of dry Riesling from Australia.

Meanwhile, the Lodi Winegrape Commission chats with Lily Elaine Hawk Wakawaka about Lodi wine country.

“It’s probably a good year for amateurs to turn pro, as there should be a lot of good-quality grapes looking for homes.” James Laube offers an early look at this year’s harvest in California.

Jo Diaz interviews wine writer Eric Degerman.

“Catastrophe. Puff pastry is so-called because it puffs. My little shells had popped and puffed, sending beans flying everywhere.” Meg Houston Maker attends a two-day boot camp at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.

Daily Wine News: Points & Critics

Posted by | Posted in Wine News | Posted on 09-23-2013

alpha omegaOn Winemakers Recommend, Jean Hoefliger from Alpha Omega comments on Robert Parker, points, and critics.

In Details, Tyler Colman highlights “12 labels that push the federal limits of obscenity and indecency.”

“My wine-bar experiences had been, by and large, quite pleasant — from the wait staff to the wine to the meatballs. Perhaps the rest of the country is actually onto something.” In the Wall Street Journal, Lettie Teague “Sidles Up to the Wine-Bar Boom.”

Elsewhere in the Journal, Brooke Anderson visits Château Ksara, Lebanon’s oldest and largest winery.

In the New York Times, Eric Asimov tastes through 20 bottles of Bierzo — and the tasting inspires him to think about balance.

In the Financial Times, Jancis Robinson writes about China’s burgeoning wine industry.

In the San Francisco Chronicle, Jon Bonné lists “20 great wines for fall, all $20 or less.”

“These practices are so successful and ingenious that Cornell University studied them for two years and replicated the Shinn Vineyard practices.” In Palate Press, Diana Combs profiles Barbara Shinn, “The Accidental Leader of the Fork’s Organic Pack.”

In Wine-Searcher, “10 Things Every Wine Lover Should Know About Talbot.”

Wine Reviews: Willamette Valley

Posted by | Posted in Wine Reviews | Posted on 09-21-2013

It’s easy to get excited about Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The combination of bright fruit, crisp acid and moderate alcohol in many of these wines makes them easy to pair with all sorts of food. Most of the wines in this report are Pinots, but a few other interesting varieties are thrown in as well.

All the wines were received as trade samples and tasted blind.

2012 R. Stuart & Co. Pinot Gris Big Fire
Oregon
SRP: $17
Very light straw color. Bright and floral on the nose, with lime and nectarine. Crisp acid on the palate, but it also shows just a bit of wax and oily texture, so you get this overall soft feel. Flavors of pineapple, nectarine, some lemon peel. Not the deepest, most complex wine, but really solid for $17. (87 points IJB)

2011 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $29
Light ruby, slight auburn color. On the nose, bright cherries, rose petals, some spiced coffee and rhubarb. Bright acid on the palate and fine tannins. Flavors of black cherries, strawberries, with notes of black tea and more spiced coffee. Tangy, light and approachable, but also showing decent structure. Solid finish with notes of soil and pepper. (87 points IJB)

2011 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Mount Richmond
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $48
Clear cherry-juice colored. Cranberries, sweet cherries, some spicy wild strawberries and pepper. Tart acid and medium-grain tannins combine to make a fresh and zesty wine. Rich cherry mixes with juicy black cherries, and there’s some significant mocha and smoke. There’s also this flavor that makes me think of digging in the dirt for root vegetables, this rich, loamy, herbal quality, and I love it. Fresh but firm, and I’d like to try this after a few hours in the decanter. (89 points IJB)

2011 Vineyard 29 Pinot Noir Cru
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $54
Soft cherry colored. On the nose, bursting fresh cherries and raspberries, but there’s a lot of non-fruit aromas like herb, pepper and mushroom soup, and the combination smells amazing. Firm tannins and compact red fruit make this a weighty wine, but the medium acid does a good job keeping it in check. The juicy wild raspberry and plum fruit is blended with cracked pepper, lavender, tobacco and soy flavors. The palate is rich and touched with oak, but it presents itself well. (It’s aged 10 months in 50% new French oak). The finish is long and packed with concentration. This wine will reward the patient. (91 points IJB)

2010 R. Stuart & Co. Pinot Noir Big Fire
Oregon
SRP: $19
Light ruby color. Fresh cherries, juicy raspberries, rose petals and red licorice aromas, so damn light and airy. Tangy acid on the palate, and the tannins are fine but still offer structure. I like the tartness to the cherry fruit mixed with the sweet strawberries. Some herbal and earth tones make for more than a simple sipping wine. Crisp, bright, this wine would be as comfortable on the patio as it would be on the dinner table. Impressive for the price. (87 points IJB)

2010 R. Stuart & Co. Pinot Noir Daffodil Hill
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $50
A bright ruby color. On the nose, sweet red flowers, red licorice, raspberries and some herbal notes. On the palate, I get a lot of that tangy acid that I enjoy in Oregon Pinot. This is a lighter-weight wine (12.8% alcohol), but it shows plenty of juicy black cherry and raspberry. Lightly toasted oak, mocha and a bit of loam. Finishes with tingling acid, red fruit and a peppery note. A lot to like here. (88 points IJB)

2010 R. Stuart & Co. Pinot Noir Autograph
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $50
Vibrant ruby color. Fresh aromas of red cherries, rose petals, red licorice and a bit of cola. On the palate, fine, almost silky tannins provide support, along with medium acid. Tastes like a mix of snappy wild raspberries and wild strawberries mixed in with some cherry pie filling. Notes of smoke and mocha linger on the finish. A fresh, tasty Pinot that seems to be drinking well right now. (87 points IJB)

2010 Tendril Wine Cellars Pinot Noir
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $48
Inviting nose of roses petals, sweet strawberries, hints of pepper and rosemary. Full but fresh in its approach, with medium acid and firm tannins. The cherry and raspberry fruit is snappy, backed up by flavors of pine, tilled soil and mushroom. The toasty, mocha accents are rich, but they don’t overwhelm the other elements. Well done stuff that should drink well over the next few years. Aged 15 months in 30% new French oak. (88 points IJB)

2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
SRP: $38
Light ruby color. Bright aromas of cherries, cranberries, notes of tobacco and sage. On the palate, dusty tannins combine with fresh acid and ripe black cherry fruit for a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Earth and mushroom flavors linger onto the finish. A leaner Pinot, but showing a lot of deeply attractive qualities. Aged 16 months in 44% new oak. (88 points IJB)

2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Big Tree Block
Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
SRP: $70
Medium ruby color. Nose of cranberry sauce, red currants, roses and a dash of pepper. On the palate, medium acid and fine tannins add up to a medium-bodied wine with a creamy mouthfeel. Juicy red currant mixes with darker cherry fruit, all of it juicy and fresh. Notes of pepper and sage as well. Hazelnut and toast flavors accent the fruit. Yummy stuff. A bit more weight and toast than the basic Dundee Hills appellation wine. (88 points IJB)

2007 Tartan Dolcetto Sunnyside Vineyard
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP $20
A bright ruby color. It smells like tart cherries, red currants and there’s also a strong soil and tobacco component. On the palate, the acid is really high, almost searing, but the dusty tannins and olive give this wine an Old World mystique. The mineral and earthy vibe is right on key. An Oregon wine pays homage to its Italian heritage, and it does so very well. Delicious stuff, holding up nicely. (90 points IJB)

2006 Tartan Tempranillo Sunnyside Vineyard
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $20
Dark ruby colored. The nose shows ripe black cherry and currant fruit, along with a solid dose of mushroom, tobacco and pepper. Refreshing acid combines with firm tannins. A mix of red and black currant fruit, which tastes fresh but still tangy. Some serious Old World elements here, with mushroom, loam and mineral flavors. Touched with a bit of toast, but the wine maintains an elegant and fresh persona. Ready for business but it could spend some time in the cellar as well. Aged in 20% new oak. (89 points IJB)

2007 Tartan Tempranillo Sunnyside Vineyard
Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $20
Pretty ruby-purple color. The black cherry and currant fruit smells ripe but fresh, and it’s matched with some dark, loamy aspects and an aroma that reminds me of sun-dried tomato. Fine, dusty tannins and fresh acid on the palate. Red currant and cherry fruit mixes with soil, leather, pickle and smoke tones. Silkier and more mature than the sturdier 2006, this seems to be in a prime drinking window. (89 points IJB)