Beverage of the Week (BOW)
2Hawk Darow Series Tempranillo Rogue Valley 2016
Product Story
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 Darow 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.
Brand Story
2Hawk is an exciting and dynamic wine producer in Oregon's Rogue Valley. The project is piloted by owners Ross and Jen Allen with winemaker Kiley Evans. Ross is a third generation farmer from Fresno County, California with over 30 years in agriculture. Ross manages 2Hawk's 24-plus acres of vines on the estate ranch. Kiley brings over 15 years of winemaking experience to the team. We find that a winemaker's wines are their strongest message and Kiley surely has a great talent and a symbiotic relationship with the fruit he utilizes. 2Hawk produces a wide range of wines. Their estate vineyard 2Hawk grows primarily Malbec, Tempranillo, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay with smaller amounts of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. We look forward to seeing and tasting the product of the passionate labors in vintages to come.
Tasting Note
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.
How to Serve
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.
Price: $ 49
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4005
