The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Applegate Valley

Varietal   Tempranillo

Retail Price   $26

ABV   14.6%

Score   4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black currant, dried herbs, and black tea with supporting notes of black cherry, earth, oak, and lavender.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, fig, five spice, and cigar box. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins.

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture.

Cool Factor

Tempranillo is one of our favorite varietals. It's a native to Spain where it is utilized to make some of the world's greatest red wines. Valley View has positively mastered this great varietal — very cool.

Value Grade

A world-class Tempranillo made in the New World with the heart of an Old World classic selling well under $30 is a tremendous value.

Analysis

An absolute superstar American Tempranillo reminiscent of wine made by the top estates in the north of Spain. The Valley View Tempranillo is different by the fact that the fruit is grown on old (40 years plus in part) vines grafted on varietal rootstock as opposed to American rootstock. Three Old World clones are grown in this estate vineyard — Valdepenas, Toro, and Duero. The fruit is hand-picked and destemmed and delivered to open-top tanks. Post alcohol fermentation this wine is rested in two-year-old French oak barriques for a period of 16 months. The resulting wine is supple, complex, and simply delicious.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature and be sure to decant this full-bodied wine. Pair it with grilled meats, bold stews, and anything with a generous herbal element.