April 2007 Limited Release Discovery:

TEMPRANILLO ~ CABERNET

   California          Washington

Tempranillo has long been the most noteworthy Red wine grape in Spain.  It is generally regarded as being Spain’s only “Noble” Grape.

Today, Tempranillo, in the style of “Super Tuscan” wines, is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a more powerful wine with deeper colour and more defined structure. Like other noble grapes with formerly specific regional associations, Tempranillo is thriving in non-traditional regions.  Tempranillo and "Super” Tempranillo blends are starting to be released in many countries and presenting new experiences for wine enthusiasts.

Cellar Craft takes this discovery one step further by uniquely combining Tempranillo from California with Cabernet from the Yakima Valley in Washington for a wine experience never before available.

The California Tempranillo contributes flavours of plum, cherry, red currant, spice and black pepper along with floral, leather and red fruit aromatics typical of Spanish Tempranillo.

The Yakima Cabernet adds black currant and blackberry aromas and flavours.

We include a Crushed Grape Pack made from both Tempranillo and Cabernet virgin grapes to contribute well-defined structure, heightened aromatics and intensity of flavours.  Lightly toasted Hungarian oak is added during fermentation followed by Hungarian oak cubes during the early resting period.  Carefully controlled contact with the premium oaks results in a smooth, modern style of wine. This more elegant style avoids the rough and rustic character that can be found in Spanish Tempranillo when processed using lengthy contact with less refined oak.    Shows best when aged at least 6 months.   Two or more years ageing will pay greater rewards.