Pierce Ranch 2006 Tempranillo

Long recognized as the flagship varietal of the Iberian Peninsula, Tempranillo has been the basis of noble wines for centuries. Famed for its role as the primary component of Spain’s Rioja, Tempranillo is an indispensible feature of the Spanish viticultural landscape and is one of the most widely planted varietals in Spain and Portugal. Just now beginning to receive wider attention in the New World, this varietal is proving to acquit itself well in warmer regions at higher elevations such as the San Antonio Valley.

Grape(s): Tempranillo

Winery: Pierce Ranch

Region: San Antonio Valley, Monterey

Year: 2006

Special Designation: (none)

Price: 15-20

Review

The nose is vivid with layered aromas of raspberry, cherry, smoked meats, black pepper, and a hint of pine. With a sip, flavors of bing cherry and raspberry emerge, moving into notes of lavender, before closing on a dry kick of pepper and earth. Nicely balanced between the flair of spice and ripe fruit, tasted blindly, you may never guess it’s not from Spain.

Rating: 90

Character: Dry, Peppery, Balanced, Bold

Where to Buy: Pierce Ranch Winery, Monterey

Farming Certification: (none)