The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Rogue Valley

Varietal   Tempranillo

Retail Price   $49

ABV   13.9%

Score   4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and mineral with supporting notes of cigar box, dried herbs, and fig.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with dry tannins.

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture.

Cool Factor

Tempranillo is one of our favorite varietals. Its a native to Spain where it is frequently the base of the great reds made in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. In the past century Tempranillo has gained a foothold in the New World — very cool.

Value Grade

At nearly $50 this is not likely an everyday wine for you but it's not supposed to be. Set aside for a holiday or big occasion and do serve with food.

Analysis

This is 2Hawk's reserve-tier Tempranillo sourced from their oldest planting of Tempranillo dating to 2009. These Tempranillo vines grow in volcanic soils, which are unusual to the Rogue Valley AVA. This wine is fermented with indigenous yeast, as are all wines at 2Hawk, with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc in the blend. 2Hawk Darrow Series Tempranillo is made with extended skin contact as compared to their standard Tempranillo to provide broader and more substantial tannins. This wine rested in French oak, 50% new, for a period of 22 months before being bottled and then rested in bottle for a further 15 months. This is a serious and complex Tempranillo redolent of those made in Ribera del Duero, Spain. We are a huge fan of this wine loving the subtle extraction and appreciating that this Ribera del Duero Tempranillo is free of green/stem-like notes found in so many American, West Coast Tempranillo. A real beauty.

How to Enjoy

Please decant this wine or you will miss so many of the subtle, complex aromas and flavors offered by the wine. Serve with spicy pork dishes. Cellar for five to 10 years.