2019 “Wonderful Nightmare” Stoney Vine Vineyard Tempranillo - The Walls Vineyards

Crushed raspberry, tree bark, cherry pit. Plump strawberry, dried red pepper flakes, dark plum. A wonderfully complex and intriguing procession of goji berry, cranberry preserves, and grilled watermelon highlights a unique and intricately layered fruit profile complimented by captivating savory notes of leather, charcoal, and Iberico ham. Pleasant hints of bramble, pine straw, and dried leaves contribute well integrated organic charms playfully juxtaposed against lingering floral tones of rose petal and potpourri. Impressions of dill, vanilla, and tarragon expose slightly bitter herbal and spiced qualities that give way to earthy suggestions of iron, stony minerality, and smoke. Notably pretty and attention-grabbing on the nose while coming across as deep and rugged yet beautifully balanced on the palate; exhibiting a contemplative and savory presentation that is bold and expressive yet not the slightest bit overpowering. Medium bodied with elevated chalky tannin supported by moderate acidity. This 2019 "Wonderful Nightmare" Stoney Vine Vineyard Tempranillo by The Walls Vineyards is an eclectic and exciting red from the Walla Walla Valley.

Native to the nation of Spain where it is a key component of many of the country's most famous red wines, Tempranillo is an early ripening dark-skinned grape that has recently begun producing some intriguing wines in the warmer parts of the Pacific Northwest. This bottling, crafted by The Walls Vineyards using Tempranillo sourced from the Stoney Vine Vineyard in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, is a unique and intriguing example of what this unquestionably noble grape can create in Oregon soil. This wine graciously spills a medley of primarily red fruits complicated by savory leather and meaty notes, brambly natural tones, complex herbs and spices, and stony earthiness. Although it boasts excellent concentration and depth this remains wonderfully balanced and light on its feet, and its savory flavor profile should lend itself well to additional tertiary development in bottle. Impressive.