Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 98 cases
Date Tasted: October 1st, 2013
Tasting Notes: Another experiment, another success. Once again, Stag's Hollow explores an iconic European variety and makes it their own - and very New World. The fragrant, sweet smoke and stewed plum infused nose announces a unique experience is at hand. The middleweight palate follows with fine, mellow tannins that structure the ample red fruit and smooth, smoky oak flavours effortlessly. The finish is long and balanced nicely by fresh fruit acidity and lingering savoury notes.
Should appeal to the North American palate with a focus on fruit delivered in a drink-now style in contrast to the Spanish reserva Tempranillo which can be aged for 6 years or more. Enjoy this now and over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2013-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca
Thanks for taking the time to try our 2011 Tempranillo Liam.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm pleased to hear you claim it a success, I wouldn't call it an experiement. We are believers in the future viability of Tempranillo in the Okanagan Valley and as such, we are taking it very seriously. We first planted Tempranillo in 2006 in our home block and today, we now have 4 different clones planted in 3 different vineyard sites.
The first small scale harvests were used in our Cachet series of wines (2008, 2009, 2010). 2011 marks our first single varietial production of 4 barrels, there are 10 barrels of the 2012 vintage, and an estimated 16 barrels for 2013.
Cheers!
Dwight Sick
Winemaker,
Stag's Hollow Winery
I don't think 'experiment' suggests a lack of seriousness or belief in something. Releasing anything new to the marketplace, like a 100% single varietal Tempranillo, is in itself an experiment. Selling out should prove it the success I expect it to be.
ReplyDeleteAlso worth noting, I was really impressed with the ripeness achieved with the variety, even in a cooler vintage, which certainly backs-up your viability belief.
Always happy to hear from you Dwight!
Liam